Book Title: Only Bad Options
Book Series: Galactic Bonds
Author: Jennifer Estep
Stars: 5 / 5

Spoilers Ahead!

It is summer vacation time and I read a book: Only Bad Options. Jennifer Estep’s new series, Galactic Bonds, has two books at the time of writing this post. Book one is called Only Bad Options and book two is  Only Good Enemies. This post will quickly review book one so I can get back to reading book two!

Only Bad Options has a great title. It is so relatable. Some days you are faced with only bad options and that is the premise for our female protagonist: Vesper Quill. In attempting to reveal a fatal flaw in the design of Kent Corps’ latest spaceship, Vesper angers the head of the corporation (her employer). Vesper is a disposable research and development grunt worker, whose report gets her unwillingly conscripted into the military and shipped off planet to die in battle. 

Vesper is a minor Seer, an ability that helps her figure out how things work or need to be fixed. This talent comes to her aid, allowing Vesper to survive the battle and collect one of the most feared warriors during her exit. Kyrion Caldaren is an Imperium Arrow, an elite weapon used by the leader of the Archipelago Galaxy, Lord Callus Holloway, to kill his enemies. Despite their personal feelings, a Galactic Bond or Truebond forms between the pair. What many see as a great blessing, Vesper and Kyrion see as a curse, a dangerous curse. 

Of course surviving the truebond is complicated by the enemies that come after Vesper – her former employer wants Vesper dead and she will use any method possible to ensure that happens. Kyrion may be bonded to her, but his loathing for truebonds means that he is just as likely to kill Vesper as help her (at least initially). Besides, Kyrion comes with even more baggage and enemies for Vesper to navigate. 

While many issues are resolved at the end of book one, there are many more problems still around for book two. Sure, Vesper doesn’t need to worry about Kent Corp coming after her. And yes, she has finally gotten over her last boyfriend. But the Techwave rebels are supported by Regal families (the nobles of this galaxy) and they want to tear down the current government. At least they want to dethrone Lord Holloway. Of course, Vesper and Kyrion would also like to take down Lord Holloway – without anyone discovering they are bonded. 

I like this rollicking space opera romance. It is great fun. There is lots of action, some great character building, solid bad guys and a perfect blend of magic and technology. This fits right along with writing by T.A. White (featuring elves in space), Jessie Mihalik (featuring nanobots), and Ilona Andrews (featuring gene manipulation).

Now I am off to see how book two ends!