Who Would Like This Book:
If you enjoy your sci-fi with a hefty side of intrigue, a dash of romance, and a cast of complex, likable characters, this is a fun pick. Imagine a mashup of military SF, space opera, and mystery, with a strong heroine at the center. The mix of political conspiracies, fast-paced action, and genuine people navigating interstellar drama will especially appeal to fans of Lois McMaster Bujold or Tanya Huff. Plus, the mystery wraps up enough to satisfy, but leaves you craving more of this universe.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re picky about believable romance or prefer understated character development, you might get frustrated here. Some readers found the "instalove" unconvincing and the main character’s choices hard to swallow. The villains can come off as a bit one-dimensional, and the emotion-driven narrative sometimes puts feelings ahead of world-building or plot clarity. Readers expecting classic, hard-edged military SF may find this mix a little too soft or romance-heavy for their tastes.
About:
"The Cold Between" by Elizabeth Bonesteel is a military sci-fi space opera with elements of mystery and romance. The story follows the protagonist, Elena Shaw, who gets involved in a complex plot after her former lover is murdered and a man she spent a night with is framed for the crime. As Elena delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a conspiracy involving a missing starship, wormholes, and conflicting loyalties. The writing style is fast-paced, high-stakes, and filled with twists and reversals, keeping readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes of murder, betrayal, and violence, which may require a medium content warning.
Has Romance?
While the romance is not the central focus, it plays a significant role in the development of characters and their motivations.
From The Publisher:
From debut author Elizabeth Bonesteel, The Cold Between is the start to a stellar military science fiction series that combines hints of mystery and romance with action and adventure in the tradition of Elizabeth Moon, Linnea Sinclair, and Lois McMaster Bujold.
When her crewmate, Danny, is murdered on the colony of Volhynia, Central Corps chief engineer, Commander Elena Shaw, is shocked to learn the main suspect is her lover, Treiko Zajec. She knows Trey is innocent-he was with her when Danny was killed. So who is the real killer and why are the cops framing an innocent man?
Retracing Danny's last hours, they discover that his death may be tied to a mystery from the past: the explosion of a Central Corps starship at a wormhole near Volhynia. For twenty-five years, the Central Gov has been lying about the tragedy, even willing to go to war with the outlaw PSI to protect their secrets.
With the authorities closing in, Elena and Trey head to the wormhole, certain they'll find answers on the other side. But the truth that awaits them is far more terrifying than they ever imagined . . . a conspiracy deep within Central Gov that threatens all of human civilization throughout the inhabited reaches of the galaxy-and beyond.
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Reader Stats (12):
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What can you read after
The Cold Between?
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