I finished Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair last night and have to admit I was just blow away by how she back-tracked and expanded the story. It wasn’t at all what I expected. It was so much better. Tighter. Developed. Put it this way, for those that have read Command Performance in ebook, the thought that went through my mind after the point they got stranded on the planet was “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.” That about sums up the changes as far as I can see but in no ways spoils anything either. 😉
Now, maybe later after I’ve had time to fully digest it or even read it again, I may pull out the old checklist and tell you more about what I thought. In the meantime, though, throughout the next few weeks until the book comes out (Feb 27) I’ll probably spend a lot of time talking about various isolated aspects of it and some of her other stories because I feel a rereading binge coming on for some reason. 😀
First thing that struck me strongly, though, was that I found myself yet again marveling at how well she blends science fiction with romance. That was the thing that first attracted me to her writing in ebooks. So much so that personally I believe her books deserve both labels and always have. Period. I was even thinking of posting about that today, then found out Linnea beat me to it over at Alien Romances and did a whole lot better job of it. Some of the things she said even tie back into the labeling discussion over at Dear Author last week, too. Seems to be an issue on a lot of people’s minds lately.
Well, wow back at you, darlin’! Thanks so much for your kind comments. I apologize for the late reply but it appears we’re twins: I’ve been felled by acute brochitis/laryngitis and despite a full regime of antibiotics and cough syrup with codeine (better living through chemistry!) I’ve lost about two weeks of my life and am still hacking and wheezing and in general feeling like you know what on a shingle. ;->
GAMES topped out at 123,000 or so words and it was tough even in that to pack in all that I wanted to. I feel there are some things that didn’t get addressed and I apologize but I did have a word limit and went over it without Bantam going into hissy fits too badly.
Curiously enough, this book has ROMANCE on the spine instead of SCIENCE FICTION. Yep, I’m going to be (as far as I know) Bantam Spectra’s only romance title (Spectra being their SF imprint). It’s a big risk, shelving me there. A big change. I hope I get the coverage and I hope readers enjoy me if they find me. All you’ve done to spread the word is so much appreciated by yours truly (who’s now late on deadline for THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES).
BTW I do have a Yahoo fan group (link to join on the NEWS page on my site) and the blog, as you mention. So if any readers have any questions as to my books and characters, holler my way!
Again, thanks and (cyber sanitized) hugs, ~Linnea
Yup, that was me. I was looking for a book that I had thought that I had read a review of. Never found it. I must’ve dreamed it. But I got a good rec out of it.
I did? Heh, I’m constantly raving about her books in so many places I loose track. When was this so I can go refresh my faulty memory. 😉
You know, now that you mention it, I vaguely recall a post asking about cyborg or similar heroes. Was that you? ‘Cause I would’ve definitely brought this one up in response to that.
Oh, and he’s even more melt-your-heart scrumptous in the expanded version. 😀
I’ve been looking forward to this one since you mentioned it on my blog. I just love the idea of a cyborg in love. Feel free to write more about your thoughts on the book 🙂