For me, this was an experiment as I had not read the earlier book in the Galactic Bonds series, a space-traveling campaign with ruling houses, wars, politics and terrorists, and romance. Could I read episode 2.5 as a standalone? ONLY HARD PROBLEMS did not work well for me in that way. The first third of the book rehashes the end of the previous book, while everyone’s getting ready to go to a ball. Then there’s a ball. The author must have been giggling when she had a character called Jane dancing with a character called Austen. By this time, I was skipping pages, I admit, as I wanted to get to a point where something was happening. And then the action did start.
Zane Zimmer is a playboy and leader of the security force the Arrows for his noble House. He’s been instructed to pay court to Lady Asterin, although they don’t much like each other, for political reasons. But Zane’s thoughts are mainly on the discovery that he has a sister called Vesper, who seems a much more interesting person. She vanished with a boyfriend at the end of the previous story before Zane could start getting to know her. Now Kyrion and Vesper are on the run.
Throw in an ongoing Techwave terrorist plot, and the Summer Solstice ball is certain not to go smoothly. Zane is not the sharpest arrow in the quiver, because what you do when you see someone moving furtively where they shouldn’t be, is you alert the guards. Zane is too egotistical to get help. The action comes thick and fast after that scene, so I’d call it worth the wait.
Jennifer Estep has penned several action and romance sci-fi books, and her Galactic Bonds tales incorporate some psychic abilities such as telekinesis, telepathy and empathy. Along with blasters and spaceships, this makes for a fun read. After finishing ONLY HARD PROBLEMS I would definitely like to go back and read the earlier books to catch Vesper’s story, so from that point of view the novella works. I suggest reading the stories in order if possible.
New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed adventure that blends science-fiction technology and magical fantasy elements with a touch of historical romance. This rollicking space opera focuses on a fan-favorite secondary character who's part hero, part villain, and all arrogance. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .
My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I'm also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium's elite fighting force.
But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.
The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I've sworn to protect.
I'm supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I'm forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems-and just might end up being the death of me . . .
Note: Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies, book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series.
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