
Series: Paradox #3
Published by Orbit Books on April 22, 2014
Genres: Adult SFF, Romance, Science fiction
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
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My Reviews in this series: Fortune's Pawn
From the moment she took a job on Captain Caldswell's doomed ship, Devi Morris' life has been one disaster after another: government conspiracies, two alien races out for her blood, an incurable virus that's eating her alive.
Now, with the captain missing and everyone -- even her own government -- determined to hunt her down, things are going from bad to impossible. The sensible plan would be to hide and wait for things to blow over, but Devi's never been one to shy from a fight, and she's getting mighty sick of running.
It's time to put this crisis on her terms and do what she knows is right. But with all human life hanging on her actions, the price of taking a stand might be more than she can pay.

The first blast knocked me down,
The second ripped out my heart,
The finale? Hell just cue the gosh damn applause if you will
Heaven’s Queen for me was an entirely different creature than the first two books in the trilogy. It was still action packed and ran high with tension but I think it also felt more comfortable. I know the characters now, I’m invested, emotionally attached, alright lets face it I’m a Paradox junkie at this point – so as I picked it up and started reading I was already all in – you know what I mean? But lets compare my attachment to these books/characters to the gradations of a newfound relationship.
Book 1: Fortune’s Pawn = Infatuation – hardcore, action packed, hot and heavy, everything’s a mystery, bright and new and shiny…isn’t it just so shiny…
Book 2: Honor’s Knight = The Honeymoon Phase & Reflection – The shine is still on but vacationing takes a lot out of you. Did you have those what if moments? Of course you did *wink* we all do. There are some bumps and you realize Mr. Perfect doesn’t always put the seat down. But he’s still got one hellavu a sweet ass. (Oh Rupert…)
Book 3: Heaven’s Queen = Coming Home – You love them despite or maybe even because of all those things things about them that you totally can’t change. You’re solid, you’re a team and the kid gloves have come off because it’s til death do you part.
Ok so you get my point? If you can’t tell I loved this series. Hell I rated each of the books 5 stars and would give them more if I could. Everything just worked for me every step of the way. When I tried to come up with nit picky things I couldn’t really because things that would normally stand out to me to be nitpicked all just faded into the background of how much fun I was having the entire time.
These books were action packed just the way I liked them but still had the necessary downtime you’d need to properly attach to and get to know the characters. Deviana Morris is a heroine that other heroines should freaking aspire to be. Stubborn, willful, bullheaded, an adrenaline junkie with an unshakeable morality for what was right and what was just unacceptable – but beyond that someone willing to stand up and be the lone voice of dissent even if it costs her everything.
A horse of a different color
Devi has been through a lot up til this point and the punches don’t stop coming. What I love is how resilient and adaptable she is. But in this final book we see her undergo some major character development in regards to how she sees herself and her willingness to be close to others. I think this is the aspect that the romance fans of these books will key in on the most. What I really loved was seeing how she reacted under the pressure of having someone she really cares about and then feeling like she she wasn’t going to get to be with said person. Torment of the sweetest kind.
But you want to know what to expect?
I am of the firm opinion that this series would be a good science fiction intro book to any reader that normally prefers urban fantasy. Many friends I know stick to urban fantasy and are hesitant to try science fiction because they think it will either be too much for them, too un-relatable or just over their heads techy wise. These books were nothing of the sort. Place these characters in an urban setting and sub fantasy species instead of alien species and I think you would essentially have the same feel. A kick ass heroine, a shifter type species, various other species, some magical type powers (mind reading, levitation, astral projection)…here they are just explained a smidge more scientifically, lots of cool weapons – if you’ve read some of those UF with heroes that load up on gear and weapons then you will love the ones here, and a great romantic love interest. In addition to that though instead of keeping it on one planet you get to see it on a universal scale. But in no way does the author make this feel TOO big such that it would overwhelm you. Because of the hyperspace jump technology it feels more like each planet or colony is more of another city or town. I’ve heard these books called popcorn reads, and if that means you’re going to devour it like a delicious bowl of popcorn – then I highly concur!
I’m a sucker for an ending and oh boy what an ending Heaven’s Queen gave me! I think I read so many series books that I feel like I never get any closure, because there is always another one running. Seeing as Heaven’s Queen is supposedly the last book in a trilogy it gave me some excellent and much needed closure. I was able to set the book down when finished with the biggest shit eating, cat that got the cream grin on my face. Knots tied up, major plot points resolved and me just imagining would could happen in the future, but knowing that if I didn’t get anymore that would be fine because it left off right where it needed to. (FYI, I hear there will be more in this universe featuring other characters.) I highly recommend this series so science fiction, space adventure lovers – and even if you aren’t, take a chance these books are worth it.
Come back tomorrow for my interview with the author, Rachel Bach! (aka Rachel Aaron)
Tabitha (Pabkins)
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Mogsy
I kinda like how Devi realizes she’s a changed person in this one — love can make you do dumb things after all. This trilogy has been great — popcorn read but a lot of fun.
And hello what’s this, more books in this universe featuring other characters? Woohoo!
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
Yes I was so excited when she told me that! And can you guess – it’s featuring some things that she tied in at the in there with the Paradoxian Sainted King muuuwhahah so so excited!
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
Nathan (@reviewbarn)
I had no idea there were more in the world planned. Learn something everyday. Can’t wait for them.
Great series, and it seems to be gaining some momentum. Not seen many detractors around.
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
I think these are definitely among my favorites now just because of how action packed and fun reading they were. I’m not determined to read some of her other books stat!
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
Okay . . . faith restored. I’ve been putting off reading this, b/c I wasn’t sure I liked where the series seemed to be heading, but if you say it’s a hell of an ending, then it it’s a hell of an ending 😉
Tabitha (Pabkins)
Well if you weren’t enthused by the second book I just don’t know what you’ll make of the third. I seriously have loved each of the books tremendously so hmmm hard to tell. Some things we are very similar in tastes on and others I think we have different nit picky items we latch onto. Curious to see what you’d think though. You can’t leave it unfinished!
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
Mary @ BookSwarm
I LOVED THIS SERIES. OMG. SO GOOD. (I can’t help the all caps. It’s that good, as you well know.) I picked it up after the second one came out so I got to read the first and second and then salivate and beg and pant for the third. LOVE! *huggles awesome series and awesome Devi to chest*
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
SOOO GOOOD! *jumps up and down in glee with you* Bet you’re excited to hear there will be more in this world then aren’t you?!
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
blodeuedd
It would either work well for me or not at all
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Carmel @ Rabid Reads
I totally didn’t think that this series was for me (not being a big Sci Fi reader and all), but now after reading your review I’m not so sure. I LOVE action, and it sounds like Rachel Bach’s Paradox books have got that in spades. Hmm… what to do…
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
It totally has a great feel to it. Like you I’m normally a big UF reader but lately I’ve dabbled my foot more into a few SF titles and this one FEELS like it could be UF but just in space – you totally have to give it a try!
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
Tabitha (Pabkins)
Oh yes and shifters HELLLO – he may not be a werewolf but there are shifters that shift into this black sleek scaled humanoid that are svelt and sexy deadly. You will like my dear – you will like.
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
Charleen
I really want to read this series. Looking forward to your author interview!
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
Read it yes you must!! So much fun – now among my favs.
Tabitha (Pabkins) recently posted…Review: Heaven’s Queen by Rachel Bach
Charleen
It piqued my interest as soon as I read reviews for the first book but was waiting until the series was over (as I do…) so I’m glad it was a short wait!
Charleen recently posted…Review: The Stars Shine Down
kimberlybuggie
Such a raving review! I really want to read this series now. I will have to find it on goodreads. I’m glad you like the ending as well. Sometimes a series will lose momentum or I just don’t like how it all wraps up. I love it when everything is awesome! 🙂
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Melliane
Wow I didn’t know that book 3 was out. I keep hearing amazing things about this series and I know I need to try it even if I’m not a lot into Sci-fi. It sounds so good and it’s nice to know the third book is as amazing. Thanks for the review.
Tabitha (Pabkins)
Yes it’s out! and it was so awesome reading the whole thing within a 30 day period. I freaking love this series! And my interview with the author just went live right this minute! haha
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Jules @ Jules Bookshelf
Not gonna lie, seeing the cover, I immediately remembered the movie “Gravity” ^^
I haven’t seen this series yet. It looks so sci-fi 😀
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
It totally is so sci-fi! haha Personally I’m not a fan of the covers – I wish they would have made her suit look more sleek and less bulky.
I haven’t watched Gravity …and doubt I will oddly it doesn’t look appealing to me lol.
These are sooo worth reading though!
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BookaholicCat
I liked this book, but at times I thought it was a bit heavy on the romance department. Sometimes I felt Devi was behaving like a sick-love-puppy and not the kickass heroine I loved from previous books. Still, I enjoyed it a lot and was satisfied with the end.
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Tabitha (Pabkins)
Really you thought too much romance? I really loved the romance part because I felt like she’d fought it so much up til then so I liked that they were finally together for this one. Haha I still thought she was just as kick ass! Glad you still liked the ending though.
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