Fans of GABRIEL'S GHOST will finally get some closure when Linnea Sinclair brings Chaz and Sully's story to its heart-wrenching conclusion. The perfectly plotted story in SHADES OF DARK is well-served by its strong world building and even stronger characters. For those reluctant to pick up books labeled "Science-Fiction/Romance," there's nothing to fear in these 400 pages. The romance never takes over the story at the expense of character development and plot. Sinclair's universe is as well-drawn as any science-fiction author writing today.

Fugitives from a decaying and corrupt Empire, former Imperial Fleet Captain Chasidah (Chaz) Bergren and her lover, telepath Gabriel Ross Sullivan (Sully) are tricked out of hiding when Chaz hears her brother Thad has been arrested for treason. Not only does Thad know the extent of Sully's telepathic abilities, he also has knowledge that will threaten their mission to shut down the gen-labs that are still producing the monstrous Jukors.

The villain's simple but effective ruse lures Chaz in, but Sully keeps a cool head. He knows that he and Chaz are the real targets. The big boys will do anything to keep the labs going. Nothing is ever as it seems in Chaz's world, and now it appears the web of treachery has extended to their own ship, the Karn. There's an unknown traitor in their midst and tensions are running high all around. The plot thickens even more when Chaz realizes that Sully may have used his telepathic abilities in a way that's crossed a line of trust.

Even though this review may seem a bit convoluted, the book is anything but. Neat, clear and concise, this is good storytelling at its best.