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Lost Colony #1
Sweet Starfire
PAPERBACK
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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2068 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
400 books7,116 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
April 26, 2016
Decades ago, Jayne Krentz first introduced me to an engrossing new world of romantic science fiction. She wrote that genre under the now-defunct pseudonym Amanda Glass. This LOST COLONY series started the whole ball rolling for me. Fun stuff. Maybe I'm overrating it slightly, but Krentz wrote this spooky-cool sexy stuff before it became status quo.
Futuristic adventurous love story, told in 3rd person, set on distant planets. In this mythos, humans have evolved into two types: Harmonics (intuitive, telepathic, intelligent, peaceful) and Wolves (strong, physical, sexy, canny, earthy -- but human, not shifters).
Cidra Rainforest was born to Harmonic parents, and like her family, she is serene and intelligent, but she lacks the special Harmonic telepathic abilities. She leaves home to search for a legendary artifact with the power to hopefully augment her sixth sense. She asks Teague Severance, a Wolf, the captain/owner of a spaceship, to convey her to other worlds for her search.
Thieving villains attack. Jungle-jaws attack. Aliens attack. Teague is surprised to learn that the peace-loving Cidra fights a good fight.
A few sexy scenes.
Futuristic adventurous love story, told in 3rd person, set on distant planets. In this mythos, humans have evolved into two types: Harmonics (intuitive, telepathic, intelligent, peaceful) and Wolves (strong, physical, sexy, canny, earthy -- but human, not shifters).
Cidra Rainforest was born to Harmonic parents, and like her family, she is serene and intelligent, but she lacks the special Harmonic telepathic abilities. She leaves home to search for a legendary artifact with the power to hopefully augment her sixth sense. She asks Teague Severance, a Wolf, the captain/owner of a spaceship, to convey her to other worlds for her search.
Thieving villains attack. Jungle-jaws attack. Aliens attack. Teague is surprised to learn that the peace-loving Cidra fights a good fight.
A few sexy scenes.
April 5, 2011
Sci-Fi Romance Reading Challenge 2011
Sweet Starfire was published in 1986, presumably before Jayne Ann Krentz was writing her sci-fi romance under the name Jayne Castle. I didn't look at the copyright date until after I'd finished, and was surprised to find this was Krentz's first "futuristic" book. In my opinion, it's one of the best I've read by her under any pen name. The book has a solid plot, great action scenes, a slow-building romance, well-developed characters, and detailed world-building. Sweet Starfire is the first book in the Lost Colony trilogy. From what I can gather, the books are not dependent on each other, but take place in the same universe. The other books are Crystal Flame and Shield's Lady. The latter was originally published under pen name Amanda Glass, but has been reissued under Jane Ann Krentz.
There was something genuine in the interactions between the main characters, Teague Severence and Cidra Rainforest. Krentz does a great job making the emotions and actions of the leads believable and often moving. Highly recommended.
Sweet Starfire was published in 1986, presumably before Jayne Ann Krentz was writing her sci-fi romance under the name Jayne Castle. I didn't look at the copyright date until after I'd finished, and was surprised to find this was Krentz's first "futuristic" book. In my opinion, it's one of the best I've read by her under any pen name. The book has a solid plot, great action scenes, a slow-building romance, well-developed characters, and detailed world-building. Sweet Starfire is the first book in the Lost Colony trilogy. From what I can gather, the books are not dependent on each other, but take place in the same universe. The other books are Crystal Flame and Shield's Lady. The latter was originally published under pen name Amanda Glass, but has been reissued under Jane Ann Krentz.
There was something genuine in the interactions between the main characters, Teague Severence and Cidra Rainforest. Krentz does a great job making the emotions and actions of the leads believable and often moving. Highly recommended.
May 2, 2016
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
This book is simply delightful. There are giant bugs and snakes and river monsters. There is fashion. There’s a dingy spaceship and futuristic gambling. There’s a brooding bad boy who isn’t too bad and a very sweet ingénue who totally kicks ass. There’s a fluffy alien pet with three rows of teeth – like a super snuggly, deadly cat. The cover has pink AND fuchsia. You can’t ask for much more from life than this.
This book has a fun pulp science fiction quality to it when Cidra and Severance crash land on a hostile jungle planet. I loved the action and the mystery and the humor, and the scenes of Cidra and Severance hanging out on the spaceship. The pacing is excellent – there are enough action scenes to keep the book moving, and enough quiet scenes to allow for believable character development. Cidra is a more complex and compelling character than Severance, but the two characters play off each other in an incredibly entertaining way.
By the end of the book, not only did I want these two crazy kids to wind up together, but I could picture their future lives. Sometimes in romance there’s so much keeping two characters apart that the couple’s resolution seems overly optimistic. In this book, I understood the conflict, but by the end Cidra in particular had become such a tough, shrewd spacefarer, without losing her core values and personality, that I could totally picture her and Severance flying side by side. And while Cidra will keep pants and a shirt handy (she found them very helpful for jungle hiking), I’m sure for the most part she’ll be wearing fantastic clothes of “delicate yellow-gold fabric spun of the finest crystal moss.”
You just can’t beat crystal moss for fashion and style, or so I hear from the Harmonics.
- Carrie S.
This book is simply delightful. There are giant bugs and snakes and river monsters. There is fashion. There’s a dingy spaceship and futuristic gambling. There’s a brooding bad boy who isn’t too bad and a very sweet ingénue who totally kicks ass. There’s a fluffy alien pet with three rows of teeth – like a super snuggly, deadly cat. The cover has pink AND fuchsia. You can’t ask for much more from life than this.
This book has a fun pulp science fiction quality to it when Cidra and Severance crash land on a hostile jungle planet. I loved the action and the mystery and the humor, and the scenes of Cidra and Severance hanging out on the spaceship. The pacing is excellent – there are enough action scenes to keep the book moving, and enough quiet scenes to allow for believable character development. Cidra is a more complex and compelling character than Severance, but the two characters play off each other in an incredibly entertaining way.
By the end of the book, not only did I want these two crazy kids to wind up together, but I could picture their future lives. Sometimes in romance there’s so much keeping two characters apart that the couple’s resolution seems overly optimistic. In this book, I understood the conflict, but by the end Cidra in particular had become such a tough, shrewd spacefarer, without losing her core values and personality, that I could totally picture her and Severance flying side by side. And while Cidra will keep pants and a shirt handy (she found them very helpful for jungle hiking), I’m sure for the most part she’ll be wearing fantastic clothes of “delicate yellow-gold fabric spun of the finest crystal moss.”
You just can’t beat crystal moss for fashion and style, or so I hear from the Harmonics.
- Carrie S.
May 10, 2020
My copy has a better cover, but it is nowhere to be found on Goodreads.
I had some bad news and needed a book that would take me away for a bit. And I turned to one of the first SF Romances I ever read.
It still works for me. I have no idea how this book would feel for a person who reads it for the first time now. I have read it several times, but not in a long while.
I love the adventure of it. The space travel, but especially the action packed part on Renaissance. Wow.
I do enjoy the romance, which plays on the differences between Harmonics and Wolves. I am alright with it, even though the seduction is hardly very polished, and alcohol is involved. There is not the same emphasis on spoken consent that I like so much in some of the newer romances. But it never felt like she had no power.
My favorite thing is Cidra‘s coming into her own, finding and accepting her inner wolf, so to speak. She has some powerful moments in the last part of the book, which I wanted to highlight and share. Alas: paper book ;-)
And even before that, the scene on Renaissance, when Teague wakes from his fever, and sees her hunt. That is an amazing moment that makes me wish for a movie adaptation.
Cidra has had a through education on Clementia, and uses her skill set in new and inventive ways. She adapts to this new, much harsher world and conquers it.
Teague isn‘t half bad, either. Brooding and cynical, he very soon sees what Cidra has to offer. He just is not sure if he has the right to take it.
He acts very alpha, which annoys me less than usual, as it fits the world and the job. Also Cidra can hold her own against him, so no worries there.
I had some bad news and needed a book that would take me away for a bit. And I turned to one of the first SF Romances I ever read.
It still works for me. I have no idea how this book would feel for a person who reads it for the first time now. I have read it several times, but not in a long while.
I love the adventure of it. The space travel, but especially the action packed part on Renaissance. Wow.
I do enjoy the romance, which plays on the differences between Harmonics and Wolves. I am alright with it, even though the seduction is hardly very polished, and alcohol is involved. There is not the same emphasis on spoken consent that I like so much in some of the newer romances. But it never felt like she had no power.
My favorite thing is Cidra‘s coming into her own, finding and accepting her inner wolf, so to speak. She has some powerful moments in the last part of the book, which I wanted to highlight and share. Alas: paper book ;-)
And even before that, the scene on Renaissance, when Teague wakes from his fever, and sees her hunt. That is an amazing moment that makes me wish for a movie adaptation.
Cidra has had a through education on Clementia, and uses her skill set in new and inventive ways. She adapts to this new, much harsher world and conquers it.
Teague isn‘t half bad, either. Brooding and cynical, he very soon sees what Cidra has to offer. He just is not sure if he has the right to take it.
He acts very alpha, which annoys me less than usual, as it fits the world and the job. Also Cidra can hold her own against him, so no worries there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2012
Nice, pleasant romantic suspense. Ok but nothing really special.
STORY BRIEF:
In the future humans have evolved into two types. Harmonics are intuitive, telepathic and more intelligent. They do scientific research. They meditate and seek harmony with others. Sex is secondary to them. Wolves are like humans of today. They can be smart. They like sex. (These wolves are not shifters, it’s a label.)
Cidra’s parents are Harmonics, but she does not have Harmonic abilities. She wants to search for an artifact that she believes will make her more Harmonic. Teague is a Wolf who has an interplanetary shipping business with one small spaceship. Cidra asks him to take her to other planets for her search. She has no money and wants to be a crew member. He reluctantly agrees to take her on one trip.
Some bad guys want to steal Teague’s cargo.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Cidra and Teague are neat characters. They’re both smart, capable, brave, resourceful, and other good things. They are attacked by various bad guys and dangerous jungle creatures. Most of the conflicts are dealing with those. After they fall for each other there is a separation (part of the romance formula) which was reasonable. I wasn’t wowed with the story, but it kept my interest. The sex scenes were nice - mildly done.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 330 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Setting: a future time on other planets. Copyright: 1986. Genre: sci-fi romantic suspense.
STORY BRIEF:
In the future humans have evolved into two types. Harmonics are intuitive, telepathic and more intelligent. They do scientific research. They meditate and seek harmony with others. Sex is secondary to them. Wolves are like humans of today. They can be smart. They like sex. (These wolves are not shifters, it’s a label.)
Cidra’s parents are Harmonics, but she does not have Harmonic abilities. She wants to search for an artifact that she believes will make her more Harmonic. Teague is a Wolf who has an interplanetary shipping business with one small spaceship. Cidra asks him to take her to other planets for her search. She has no money and wants to be a crew member. He reluctantly agrees to take her on one trip.
Some bad guys want to steal Teague’s cargo.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Cidra and Teague are neat characters. They’re both smart, capable, brave, resourceful, and other good things. They are attacked by various bad guys and dangerous jungle creatures. Most of the conflicts are dealing with those. After they fall for each other there is a separation (part of the romance formula) which was reasonable. I wasn’t wowed with the story, but it kept my interest. The sex scenes were nice - mildly done.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 330 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Setting: a future time on other planets. Copyright: 1986. Genre: sci-fi romantic suspense.
February 8, 2025
The only reason I finished this is because it was for science (the romance history project I’ve been doing with Leigh, Vicky, and Charlotte), and I’ve gotten too many incompletes on this project before. Otherwise I would have dropped it because it is almost unbearably dull. Impressive, considering it’s set in space with many murderous people and critters. It’s also aggressively pro-capitalist and extractivist—the MMC has no personality other than his desire to build a shipping empire and make the FMC his woman.
Sorry, Krentz fans, I appreciate what she’s done for the genre but if this is representative of her work she is very much Not For Me.
Sorry, Krentz fans, I appreciate what she’s done for the genre but if this is representative of her work she is very much Not For Me.
August 5, 2017
One of the most boring book I've read. It has nothing wrong, it simply lacks anything interesting. And all of this nothing in the middle of adventure, aliens, new words. It does take some mad skills to make this level of drooling, boring read. Dry.
Not my cup, but I'm sure it is right for many people.
Not my cup, but I'm sure it is right for many people.
August 17, 2025
2.5 stars. I was excited to get a title in our Romance History Project that isn't contemporary or historical. In this science fiction romance, there are two types of humans living in space: Harmonics (telepaths) and Wolves. Cidra was raised by Harmonics but didn't inherit the telepathic ability and greatly desires it. She wants to head to a different planet where she can research and look for a relic that might give her that ability and convinces Teague, a space postman, to let her hitch a ride. It could be a great premise but it lacked in the delivery. Cidra is a naive Mary Sue to Teague's grumpy sexist. The consent was about what you'd expect for a book published in 1986. I was more surprised by how pro-capitalist and appropriative it was. It has a conservative sensibility in many ways. Will Cidra and Teague be happy together? Meh. I wouldn't put money on it. (That's about all I learned from Teague's love of playing a gambling game.)
Sweet Starfire is considered to be the first futuristic romance published by a mainstream publisher. Upon researching further, it turns out that's not entirely true. Krentz was inspired to write futuristic romance after reading Restoree by Anne McCaffrey (p. 1967) after college, which she ascribes as the first futuristic romantic suspense. I'm very interested in reading that someday to see what inspired JAK. Per a source in Wikipedia (linked below), The Devil to Pay, published in 1985, by the pen name Stephanie James was about an FMC who wrote science fiction. The reader feedback was positive enough that Krentz decided to write Sweet Starfire.
This is the first book in Lost Colony series. While being a "romance first" is touted as a wondrous accomplishment, Krentz says the First Colony series tanked her career. She wasn't offered another contract after the third book in the trilogy. This led to her pivoting to writing historical romance under the name Amanda Quick. Times have changed, as has the market, and she's now able to write science fiction again, this time under the name Jayne Castle.
Krentz is a prolific author with a plethora of pen names. Her first novel came out in 1979 and she wrote 55 category romances before Sweet Starfire, which was her first single title. Krentz is also notable for having edited and contributed to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance.
While it was fun to try an early romance from a different subgenre, this didn't turn out to be very memorable or enjoyable. It was simply...fine.
Further Reading:
The Seattle Times: The writing life of best-selling author Jayne Ann Krentz: ‘Like juggling chainsaws’ by Melinda Bargreen (January 6, 2019)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Jayne Ann Krentz is the reigning NW queen of popular romance by John Marshall (March 4, 2002)
Writer's Digest: Jayne Castle’s 3 Rules of World Building by Jayne Ann Krentz (November 17, 2021)
Romantic Times Book Reviews: Travel Back to the Future as Warner reissues two extraordinary novels by Jayne Ann Krentz by Tara Gelsomino (November 2002)
Writer at Play: Interview with author, Jayne Ann Krentz (Part 2) (December 21, 2018)
Entertainment Weekly: Jayne Ann Krentz explains her craft by Alexandra Jacobs (July 19, 1996)
The Joys of Binge Reading Episode 205: Jayne Ann Krentz – International Best Selling Mysteries (February 8, 2022)
Fated Mates: S04.18: Jayne Ann Krentz: Trailblazer (January 5, 2022)
Meyer Lane's Short Attention Span Press: Surviving in the Writing Biz by Jayne Ann Krentz (January 20, 2013)
Reddit: I'm Jayne Ann Krentz. Ask Me Anything (May 17, 2022)
Wikipedia: Sweet Starfire (accessed February 4, 2025)
Smart Bitches Trashy Books: Sweet Starfire by Jayne Ann Krentz (April 18, 2016)
All About Romance: Sweet Starfire by Jayne Ann Krentz (January 29, 1999)
Characters: Cidra is an archivist, vegetarian, and virgin. Teague is a space postman with scarred hands. He has a pet rock rug named Fred. This is set in the Stanza Nine System on planets Lovelady and Renaissance.
Content notes: threat of rape (thwarted), off page attempted rape (FMC knocked out attacker), FMC said she would have died by suicide rather than be raped, MMC gropes FMC's breast during her sleep (nonconsensual), murder, attempted murder, physical assault, monster attack, bar fight, attempted home invastion, attempted robbery, TBI (from Screamer), laceration, infected wound, vegetarian FMC has to eat meat for the first time (no other food available), vomit, hunting, butchering, animal death, animal sacrifice, insects, ghosts, sexism, gambling, internalized ableism over not being a Harmonic, past death of MMC's brother (spaceship crash) and parents (mining accident), unsafe sex practices (no condom for penetrative sex without discussion of STI and pregnancy prevention; unclear what birth control options exist in this world), dubious consent, on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, excessive drinking, hangover, gendered euphemisms for genitalia, anti-fat bias, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
*Buddy read with Charlotte, Hannah, and Vicky.
RHP ranking, so far:
Whitney, My Love (4 stars)
Maurice (4 stars)
Loyal in All (3.5 stars)
The Moon-Spinners (3 stars)
Sweet Starfire (2.5 stars)
Gaywyck (2.5 stars)
Loving Her (2 stars)
Playing the Odds (1.5 stars)
The Black Lyon (1 star)
No Quarter Asked (1 star)
Regency Buck (1 star)
The Sheik (1 star)
The Flame and the Flower (1 star)
The Lord Won’t Mind (1 star)
Sweet Starfire is considered to be the first futuristic romance published by a mainstream publisher. Upon researching further, it turns out that's not entirely true. Krentz was inspired to write futuristic romance after reading Restoree by Anne McCaffrey (p. 1967) after college, which she ascribes as the first futuristic romantic suspense. I'm very interested in reading that someday to see what inspired JAK. Per a source in Wikipedia (linked below), The Devil to Pay, published in 1985, by the pen name Stephanie James was about an FMC who wrote science fiction. The reader feedback was positive enough that Krentz decided to write Sweet Starfire.
This is the first book in Lost Colony series. While being a "romance first" is touted as a wondrous accomplishment, Krentz says the First Colony series tanked her career. She wasn't offered another contract after the third book in the trilogy. This led to her pivoting to writing historical romance under the name Amanda Quick. Times have changed, as has the market, and she's now able to write science fiction again, this time under the name Jayne Castle.
Krentz is a prolific author with a plethora of pen names. Her first novel came out in 1979 and she wrote 55 category romances before Sweet Starfire, which was her first single title. Krentz is also notable for having edited and contributed to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance.
While it was fun to try an early romance from a different subgenre, this didn't turn out to be very memorable or enjoyable. It was simply...fine.
Further Reading:
The Seattle Times: The writing life of best-selling author Jayne Ann Krentz: ‘Like juggling chainsaws’ by Melinda Bargreen (January 6, 2019)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Jayne Ann Krentz is the reigning NW queen of popular romance by John Marshall (March 4, 2002)
Writer's Digest: Jayne Castle’s 3 Rules of World Building by Jayne Ann Krentz (November 17, 2021)
Romantic Times Book Reviews: Travel Back to the Future as Warner reissues two extraordinary novels by Jayne Ann Krentz by Tara Gelsomino (November 2002)
Writer at Play: Interview with author, Jayne Ann Krentz (Part 2) (December 21, 2018)
Entertainment Weekly: Jayne Ann Krentz explains her craft by Alexandra Jacobs (July 19, 1996)
The Joys of Binge Reading Episode 205: Jayne Ann Krentz – International Best Selling Mysteries (February 8, 2022)
Fated Mates: S04.18: Jayne Ann Krentz: Trailblazer (January 5, 2022)
Meyer Lane's Short Attention Span Press: Surviving in the Writing Biz by Jayne Ann Krentz (January 20, 2013)
Reddit: I'm Jayne Ann Krentz. Ask Me Anything (May 17, 2022)
Wikipedia: Sweet Starfire (accessed February 4, 2025)
Smart Bitches Trashy Books: Sweet Starfire by Jayne Ann Krentz (April 18, 2016)
All About Romance: Sweet Starfire by Jayne Ann Krentz (January 29, 1999)
Characters: Cidra is an archivist, vegetarian, and virgin. Teague is a space postman with scarred hands. He has a pet rock rug named Fred. This is set in the Stanza Nine System on planets Lovelady and Renaissance.
Content notes: threat of rape (thwarted), off page attempted rape (FMC knocked out attacker), FMC said she would have died by suicide rather than be raped, MMC gropes FMC's breast during her sleep (nonconsensual), murder, attempted murder, physical assault, monster attack, bar fight, attempted home invastion, attempted robbery, TBI (from Screamer), laceration, infected wound, vegetarian FMC has to eat meat for the first time (no other food available), vomit, hunting, butchering, animal death, animal sacrifice, insects, ghosts, sexism, gambling, internalized ableism over not being a Harmonic, past death of MMC's brother (spaceship crash) and parents (mining accident), unsafe sex practices (no condom for penetrative sex without discussion of STI and pregnancy prevention; unclear what birth control options exist in this world), dubious consent, on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, excessive drinking, hangover, gendered euphemisms for genitalia, anti-fat bias, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
*Buddy read with Charlotte, Hannah, and Vicky.
RHP ranking, so far:
Whitney, My Love (4 stars)
Maurice (4 stars)
Loyal in All (3.5 stars)
The Moon-Spinners (3 stars)
Sweet Starfire (2.5 stars)
Gaywyck (2.5 stars)
Loving Her (2 stars)
Playing the Odds (1.5 stars)
The Black Lyon (1 star)
No Quarter Asked (1 star)
Regency Buck (1 star)
The Sheik (1 star)
The Flame and the Flower (1 star)
The Lord Won’t Mind (1 star)
October 31, 2021
I read this book right after Reckless and thing you might not know, is it's the same author. Jayne Ann Krentz writes in a few different genres. She writes historical romance under Amanda Quick, Contemporary and RS under Jayne Ann Krentz and the first time I read this book years ago she wrote SciFi romance under Jayne Castle though I think I read somewhere at first there was an even different name she wrote her SciFi romance under.
Cidra is or heroine in this different galaxy and we have Teague as our hero. There are basically two different kind of humans, Harmonics, who have telepathic type powers and are very Zen and live stress free lives and then we have the Wolves who are full of passion of all different types.
Both of these two are Wolves though Cidra was raised as a Harmonic and wants to become one in reality. She hires Teague to take her around the galaxy on his mail runs so she can find the secret to becoming a true Harmonic. Of course her passionate Wolfe side is a hindrance as well as her attraction to Teague – and his to her.
As with the Amanda Quick discovery, I fell in love with this book all over again. Cidra is your typicalm delightful heroine and Teague your protective, somewhat reluctant to admit his feeling for the heroine, masking it as lust at first. Formulatic but wonderful and a book I quite happily recommend. It’s a great blast from my past romance reads.
Cidra is or heroine in this different galaxy and we have Teague as our hero. There are basically two different kind of humans, Harmonics, who have telepathic type powers and are very Zen and live stress free lives and then we have the Wolves who are full of passion of all different types.
Both of these two are Wolves though Cidra was raised as a Harmonic and wants to become one in reality. She hires Teague to take her around the galaxy on his mail runs so she can find the secret to becoming a true Harmonic. Of course her passionate Wolfe side is a hindrance as well as her attraction to Teague – and his to her.
As with the Amanda Quick discovery, I fell in love with this book all over again. Cidra is your typicalm delightful heroine and Teague your protective, somewhat reluctant to admit his feeling for the heroine, masking it as lust at first. Formulatic but wonderful and a book I quite happily recommend. It’s a great blast from my past romance reads.
March 13, 2015
This is one of Jayne Krentz' early stories. I somehow missed it when it was first published. Good story but I found the beginning slow going until the mid point of the book, when Cidra and Severance travel on the river thru the jungle.
March 30, 2012
Interesting sci-fi romance with lots of adventure and creative beings. Most of the hero and heroine's behavior in the relationship throughout the story seemed mature especially at the end. Cidra was raised in serenity and asks adventurer Severance to take her on a quest to find her missing component for inner peace.
January 25, 2024
We have a (seemingly) peaceful woman who is desperate to figure out a way to obtain the telepathic gifts her parents (and other others on her world) have so she can finally feel like she's found her place. Cidra's quest lands her in the vicinity of Teague Severance and, well, things don't really go as either of them thought they would.
On Teague's end, he can't in good conscience leave the innocent almost-Harmonic behind when the possibility is high she'll end up with an unscrupulous person as her guide on her misguided quest. So he takes her with him, figuring a few weeks with him in close quarters will cure her of her desire for adventure. Joke's on him, though, because Cidra might be unworldly, but she's smart and determined and she kind of impresses him at every turn. She's also unflinchingly loyal and Teague really needs someone who refuses to back down when things get tough at his back.
A dangerous world, critters who would attack in a heartbeat, some not-so-great guys who plot some very bad things for our couple, a wild trek through the jungle, a man who thinks he knows what he wants (but maybe doesn't), and a woman who is absolutely not going to get involved in a relationship with the captain (until she does). GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
On Teague's end, he can't in good conscience leave the innocent almost-Harmonic behind when the possibility is high she'll end up with an unscrupulous person as her guide on her misguided quest. So he takes her with him, figuring a few weeks with him in close quarters will cure her of her desire for adventure. Joke's on him, though, because Cidra might be unworldly, but she's smart and determined and she kind of impresses him at every turn. She's also unflinchingly loyal and Teague really needs someone who refuses to back down when things get tough at his back.
A dangerous world, critters who would attack in a heartbeat, some not-so-great guys who plot some very bad things for our couple, a wild trek through the jungle, a man who thinks he knows what he wants (but maybe doesn't), and a woman who is absolutely not going to get involved in a relationship with the captain (until she does). GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 11, 2018
2.5 Stars. I like hearing about space but it‘s always been hard for me to get into fictional books about other planets and stars and aliens. This one was actually kind of interesting in that aspect. I thought the animals/monsters were kinda creepy but original, which I liked.
I usually like stories about conflict-rich romances because of different cultures but I kind of hated this in here. Are wolves all just supposed to be about being selfish and wanting sex? Because whenever he does anything along those lines, he writes it of as just him being a real Wolf. That‘s annoying. Both Wolves and Harmonics just seem like flat, not well thought out concepts. Where‘s the complexity? How is everything concerning the two cultures so one-dimensional when the entire story is about the romance of two of those different cultures? It‘s all about the difference between their upbringing as well as their similarities in personality, yet how can something so important to the plot be so neglected and boring?
Also remind me not to read another book with the word passion or sensual or lust in the description because I always feel uncomfortable and that certainly imposes on my fun while reading.
I usually like stories about conflict-rich romances because of different cultures but I kind of hated this in here. Are wolves all just supposed to be about being selfish and wanting sex? Because whenever he does anything along those lines, he writes it of as just him being a real Wolf. That‘s annoying. Both Wolves and Harmonics just seem like flat, not well thought out concepts. Where‘s the complexity? How is everything concerning the two cultures so one-dimensional when the entire story is about the romance of two of those different cultures? It‘s all about the difference between their upbringing as well as their similarities in personality, yet how can something so important to the plot be so neglected and boring?
Also remind me not to read another book with the word passion or sensual or lust in the description because I always feel uncomfortable and that certainly imposes on my fun while reading.
May 20, 2022
One good thing about futuristic, paranormal, and hustorical novels--they don't get dated the way "contemporary" stories do. I thoroughly enjoyed the re-read. The hero's attitudes are too alpha and chauvinistic for 2022, but they are acceptable in this fast-moving piece of fiction because he lives in a frontier society of the future, and on another planet, besides.
March 20, 2025
she really said "what if han solo was a mailman" and wrote star wars fanfic- like he has a walking carpet named frank!!!
a silly, wild romp- there were certainly aspects that feel very "of the time" (ie 1986) with regard to capitalism and colonialism, but i do think that made for a compelling book club discussion. A fun read and interesting book to discuss with the class :)
a silly, wild romp- there were certainly aspects that feel very "of the time" (ie 1986) with regard to capitalism and colonialism, but i do think that made for a compelling book club discussion. A fun read and interesting book to discuss with the class :)
Read
January 24, 2025As a story in its own, it was fine, but it was really interesting to see a scifi romance from the 80s. A trailblazer! And it makes me wonder what the book was in conversation with—the hero is a mail carrier, which feels so odd now.
November 22, 2018
found it in paperback. it was very good !
February 26, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 5 Stars. I find certain Space Opera and Fantasy novels fascinating fun; especially a few of the older ones like SWEET STARFIRE, which was originally published in 1986.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVE THIS; IT’S AN OLD FAVORITE! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
SWEET STARFIRE ~
Occasionally Harmonics are born from Wolf couples & non-Harmonic offspring (Wolf children) are born from Harmonic couples.
Inter space cargo shipper “postman” Teague Severence is a lone Wolf and a man of his word in the 4 deadly worlds in which he operates. He is well known and respected among pilots and port businesses alike as he hustles jobs between the planets of Lovelady, Renaissance, QED & Frozen Assets. But after over a dozen years in the business, Severence has learned from experience not to trust anyone. He prefers his solitude while flying and calls very few people, friend.
Cidra comes from Clementia, Lovelady, a lovely city where the peaceful and highly educated Harmonics live and work. Cidra arrives in Port Valentine and approaches Severence after he has dropped off freight and is picking up his next. Although he is not thrilled to carry any passengers ever, Cidra convinces him to take her on for a price. Cidra is determined to begin a search for certain artifacts historically connected to Harmonics and is willing to go wherever Severence’s next deliveries send them. Yet Severence is aware that each destination further into space becomes less civilized and increasingly dangerous. Accepting Cidra as passage, Severence wonders what will kill her first, the risks on one of the planets or him - from lack of privacy.
Quotes ~
> When Severence asks Cidra what she wants delivered: “I wish to mail myself.” Cidra
> After Severence has spent a few weeks in space with Cidra: “A postman could do worse than to go into space with a woman who was willing to risk her life for the mail.” Severance
> “I’m the best crew mate you’ve ever had, Teague Severence. I’m loyal, trustworthy and intelligent. If you had any sense you’d realize just how lucky you are and get down on your knees in gratitude.” Cirda, during an argument aboard their very cramped aircraft
Comments ~
1) SWEET STARFIRE is bk1 in Krentz’s Lost Colony fantasy trilogy. I enjoy reading CRYSTAL FLAME & SHIELD’S LADY, bks 2 & 3, around the same time but it isn’t necessary. Each book can be read as a Standalone title as their worlds do not intersect. Each is set in a fantasy world, separate from earth, with adventures, strong characters, antagonists and HEAs. Angst-filled moments and misunderstandings are minimal (which I appreciate). The 3 books in the Lost Colony series are favorites which I return to as fun palate cleansers and Pick Me Up reads.
2) I have read SWEET STARFIRE a good number of times since it was first published. I feel it has held up well over the passing of the years. I would purchase an audiobook copy, if it became available. This type of Fantasy suits my humor, my desire for adventure and fantasy perfectly.
3) Amanda Quick/Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle is one of my favorite authors. Dialogue drives her stories - with quips, tongue-in-cheek humor and spirited connections between the main characters and a much earned HEA. The novels are perfect when I’m looking for a Pick Me Up read.
4) Quick’s male characters are not “Pretty Boys.” Rather, they are determined, bold, driven, loyal men who often face difficult life challenges and/or are imperfect, but through sheer focus and intellect accomplish much. The men live by a certain code of honor and they never break it. They are not intimidated by complex women, rather they appreciate them (sometimes it just takes awhile). 😉 The women MCs tend to be independent, spirited, complicated, intelligent, resilient, loyal and opinionated and they prefer men who are strong enough to accept them as they are. This pattern holds true in SWEET STARFIRE and I found myself identifying with both the main characters and understanding their differences as individuals. I loved their adventure.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean fiction..
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG. (OST).
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Sweet, yet Hot and Steamy scenes occur so fair warning.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVE THIS; IT’S AN OLD FAVORITE! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
SWEET STARFIRE ~
Occasionally Harmonics are born from Wolf couples & non-Harmonic offspring (Wolf children) are born from Harmonic couples.
Inter space cargo shipper “postman” Teague Severence is a lone Wolf and a man of his word in the 4 deadly worlds in which he operates. He is well known and respected among pilots and port businesses alike as he hustles jobs between the planets of Lovelady, Renaissance, QED & Frozen Assets. But after over a dozen years in the business, Severence has learned from experience not to trust anyone. He prefers his solitude while flying and calls very few people, friend.
Cidra comes from Clementia, Lovelady, a lovely city where the peaceful and highly educated Harmonics live and work. Cidra arrives in Port Valentine and approaches Severence after he has dropped off freight and is picking up his next. Although he is not thrilled to carry any passengers ever, Cidra convinces him to take her on for a price. Cidra is determined to begin a search for certain artifacts historically connected to Harmonics and is willing to go wherever Severence’s next deliveries send them. Yet Severence is aware that each destination further into space becomes less civilized and increasingly dangerous. Accepting Cidra as passage, Severence wonders what will kill her first, the risks on one of the planets or him - from lack of privacy.
Quotes ~
> When Severence asks Cidra what she wants delivered: “I wish to mail myself.” Cidra
> After Severence has spent a few weeks in space with Cidra: “A postman could do worse than to go into space with a woman who was willing to risk her life for the mail.” Severance
> “I’m the best crew mate you’ve ever had, Teague Severence. I’m loyal, trustworthy and intelligent. If you had any sense you’d realize just how lucky you are and get down on your knees in gratitude.” Cirda, during an argument aboard their very cramped aircraft
Comments ~
1) SWEET STARFIRE is bk1 in Krentz’s Lost Colony fantasy trilogy. I enjoy reading CRYSTAL FLAME & SHIELD’S LADY, bks 2 & 3, around the same time but it isn’t necessary. Each book can be read as a Standalone title as their worlds do not intersect. Each is set in a fantasy world, separate from earth, with adventures, strong characters, antagonists and HEAs. Angst-filled moments and misunderstandings are minimal (which I appreciate). The 3 books in the Lost Colony series are favorites which I return to as fun palate cleansers and Pick Me Up reads.
2) I have read SWEET STARFIRE a good number of times since it was first published. I feel it has held up well over the passing of the years. I would purchase an audiobook copy, if it became available. This type of Fantasy suits my humor, my desire for adventure and fantasy perfectly.
3) Amanda Quick/Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle is one of my favorite authors. Dialogue drives her stories - with quips, tongue-in-cheek humor and spirited connections between the main characters and a much earned HEA. The novels are perfect when I’m looking for a Pick Me Up read.
4) Quick’s male characters are not “Pretty Boys.” Rather, they are determined, bold, driven, loyal men who often face difficult life challenges and/or are imperfect, but through sheer focus and intellect accomplish much. The men live by a certain code of honor and they never break it. They are not intimidated by complex women, rather they appreciate them (sometimes it just takes awhile). 😉 The women MCs tend to be independent, spirited, complicated, intelligent, resilient, loyal and opinionated and they prefer men who are strong enough to accept them as they are. This pattern holds true in SWEET STARFIRE and I found myself identifying with both the main characters and understanding their differences as individuals. I loved their adventure.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean fiction..
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG. (OST).
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Sweet, yet Hot and Steamy scenes occur so fair warning.
November 23, 2012
The planet Renaissance is a clever detailed thorough invention, full of dangerous alien monsters and vegetation. Some parts seem unnecessary stretches by the author, such as gigantic toothed lizards that crash land and leave eggs in an ancient safe-hold. Huge mantis insects attack by glowing and somehow terrifying in the process, handily eliminating one villain.
Krentz incorporates terms, such as skimmer vehicles that traverse swamps, with easily flowing language and images to simplify and expand her creation. I dislike authors inventing language intended to impress that instead confuses. One unnecessary reference was the mysterious origin of "Borgia". Mostly, Krentz excels and enthralls.
The sheltered heroine, Cidra, grew up ruled by politeness and book knowledge, one study that proves of practical use, special moves for attacks. Cidra seeks an artifact rumored able to change her nature from physical to cerebral so she could finally belong in her family and culture. To facilite her search, she signs on with an independent contractor who delivers mail and travels planets.
However, the pilot, Severance, is a "Wolf", ruled by his physical nature. He recognizes that Cidra will be happier developing her own "animal" characteristics. Of course, Krentz is a master of sex scenes required for such growth. Overall this was a terrific fun thrilling imaginative voyage. The nature of violence is explored without overly glorifying. This is one of the best Krentz stories. I will look for more in this venue.
Krentz incorporates terms, such as skimmer vehicles that traverse swamps, with easily flowing language and images to simplify and expand her creation. I dislike authors inventing language intended to impress that instead confuses. One unnecessary reference was the mysterious origin of "Borgia". Mostly, Krentz excels and enthralls.
The sheltered heroine, Cidra, grew up ruled by politeness and book knowledge, one study that proves of practical use, special moves for attacks. Cidra seeks an artifact rumored able to change her nature from physical to cerebral so she could finally belong in her family and culture. To facilite her search, she signs on with an independent contractor who delivers mail and travels planets.
However, the pilot, Severance, is a "Wolf", ruled by his physical nature. He recognizes that Cidra will be happier developing her own "animal" characteristics. Of course, Krentz is a master of sex scenes required for such growth. Overall this was a terrific fun thrilling imaginative voyage. The nature of violence is explored without overly glorifying. This is one of the best Krentz stories. I will look for more in this venue.
May 7, 2014
pre-e-book....rated as a Keeper.....wore out 3 copies of paperback.....first Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle book I read. at time published Romantic Times rated it a 5. as of 1995 Romantic Times had only rated 20 books 5 stars. they had several 4+ stars but only 20 rated 5 stars. personally had trouble putting it down. I enjoy her current Jayne Castle futuristic Harmony novels but Sweet StarFire and Crystal Flame both beat here Harmony books to pieces.
May 22, 2016
Ultimate Reading Challenge 2016. A romance set in the future.
Teague, a wolf, full of passion, a survivor under very adverse conditions, with an excellent reputation. He loves to drink, perhaps a bit too much, and to gamble. Cidra, raised as a Harmonic, but without a Harmonic's ability to communicate telapathically, cultured, well educated, seeking a means to become a full Harmonic. Lots of adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Teague, a wolf, full of passion, a survivor under very adverse conditions, with an excellent reputation. He loves to drink, perhaps a bit too much, and to gamble. Cidra, raised as a Harmonic, but without a Harmonic's ability to communicate telapathically, cultured, well educated, seeking a means to become a full Harmonic. Lots of adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
August 18, 2015
Published in the mid-1980's, use of the word "Sweet" in the title to meet another reading challenge, futuristic romance which is one of my favorite genres - how could I go wrong?
So, so many ways. And life is too short to read books you don't like. So it's okay to call it about 1/3 of the way through - this one's not for me. DNF.
So, so many ways. And life is too short to read books you don't like. So it's okay to call it about 1/3 of the way through - this one's not for me. DNF.
May 21, 2008
JAK does futuristic SF romance and does it well.
April 21, 2010
Good book. I was expecting it to be set in the world of Shield's Lady, but it is completely different. Not as captivating as some of the other Krentz books, but certainly an enjoyable read.
November 2, 2014
i realized i havent read the harmony series yet so gave this a go. the first part was a little but picked up from the middle. not bad
April 23, 2025
3.3 stars
This month's TBRChallenge (I know, I know, late again!) theme was Location, Location, Location. I can't imagine I'm the only one who's first thought was, “Get me the hell off this planet.” So, with that desire, I dove into my boxes of books and found myself on the way to the Stanza Nine system!
"What is it you want delivered?"
Cidra cleared her throat. "Myself."
We're in space, folks! With povs from both our mains, Cidra and Teague, readers join them as Cidra is looking to book passage to travel the system in search of an artifact that she thinks will alter her mind to biologically become a Harmonic. While Cidra was born on Clementia to Harmonic parents, she didn't get the gene. In this time and space, humans are divided into Harmonics, intellectually and emotionally advanced, and Wolves, basic normies. Cidra's studied the Harmonic ways but can never really be them, she feels emotions in a way that doesn't cause her to be catatonic for hours. As a trained archivist, who focused on the First Families of their civilization, she thinks there's a “Ghost” artifact that can help her alter her brain. Teague's a postman and she wants to book passage on his ship to take her around to the different planets to search for it.
Teague Severance hadn't been quite what she had expected, and Cidra had been trying to adjust to that fact.
It's a set-up for a road romance between opposites attract, except Cidra and Teague are more alike than they want to admit, Cidra can't stop feeling those debased normie lust feelings and Teague is more kind and protective of Cidra than a Wolf should be.
His mouth came down on hers with the urgency of a man who was running toward the promise of safety in a wild and uncontrolled land.
On the cramped ship, these two have plenty of time to get to know one another and I enjoyed their calm, sweet, and frustrated with each other at times chemistry. There was humor and heart to Cidra being a little naïve and Teague doing some underlining talk but Cidra also pleasantly surprises with staying out of Mary Sue and waif territory. Her background of feeling lonely with not fitting in on her planet and Teague having lost a brother who was a Harmonic deliver some depth to their emotional characterization and provide for a villain in the wings. The villain thread delivered some danger and action but this was more of a sedately paced romance that took time to lean into the scifi world-building (that, ok, slowed it down a bit too much at times for me), but I accepted it because this is the start of the series and I imagine it's all building for a purpose.
He had forced the Wolf in her to the surface after she had spent years struggling to suppress that part of her nature.
Around 60% Cidra and Teague can't fight their chemistry anymore (not so bad lowering yourself to be with us normies now is it, Cidra!?) and we start getting sex scenes. There's more lore added to their Ghost ancestors (they were cats??? need more on this STAT, lol) and we get the calmest third act breakup when Teague is scared Cidra would regret leaving Harmonics for him. Cidra Rainforest would never waver and we get our space HEA. This was fun and had some wildly interesting additives, the aforementioned Furries, Fred the rockrug dog?cat?, a Chekhov's mantis, and the mutie evil alien dinosaurs. Cidra and Teague had just enough depth to them to pull me in and were sweet with a dash of spice to have me enjoy the ride in Stanza Nine.
“You’ll have to trust me to come back, just as I’ll have to trust you to be waiting."
This month's TBRChallenge (I know, I know, late again!) theme was Location, Location, Location. I can't imagine I'm the only one who's first thought was, “Get me the hell off this planet.” So, with that desire, I dove into my boxes of books and found myself on the way to the Stanza Nine system!
"What is it you want delivered?"
Cidra cleared her throat. "Myself."
We're in space, folks! With povs from both our mains, Cidra and Teague, readers join them as Cidra is looking to book passage to travel the system in search of an artifact that she thinks will alter her mind to biologically become a Harmonic. While Cidra was born on Clementia to Harmonic parents, she didn't get the gene. In this time and space, humans are divided into Harmonics, intellectually and emotionally advanced, and Wolves, basic normies. Cidra's studied the Harmonic ways but can never really be them, she feels emotions in a way that doesn't cause her to be catatonic for hours. As a trained archivist, who focused on the First Families of their civilization, she thinks there's a “Ghost” artifact that can help her alter her brain. Teague's a postman and she wants to book passage on his ship to take her around to the different planets to search for it.
Teague Severance hadn't been quite what she had expected, and Cidra had been trying to adjust to that fact.
It's a set-up for a road romance between opposites attract, except Cidra and Teague are more alike than they want to admit, Cidra can't stop feeling those debased normie lust feelings and Teague is more kind and protective of Cidra than a Wolf should be.
His mouth came down on hers with the urgency of a man who was running toward the promise of safety in a wild and uncontrolled land.
On the cramped ship, these two have plenty of time to get to know one another and I enjoyed their calm, sweet, and frustrated with each other at times chemistry. There was humor and heart to Cidra being a little naïve and Teague doing some underlining talk but Cidra also pleasantly surprises with staying out of Mary Sue and waif territory. Her background of feeling lonely with not fitting in on her planet and Teague having lost a brother who was a Harmonic deliver some depth to their emotional characterization and provide for a villain in the wings. The villain thread delivered some danger and action but this was more of a sedately paced romance that took time to lean into the scifi world-building (that, ok, slowed it down a bit too much at times for me), but I accepted it because this is the start of the series and I imagine it's all building for a purpose.
He had forced the Wolf in her to the surface after she had spent years struggling to suppress that part of her nature.
Around 60% Cidra and Teague can't fight their chemistry anymore (not so bad lowering yourself to be with us normies now is it, Cidra!?) and we start getting sex scenes. There's more lore added to their Ghost ancestors (they were cats??? need more on this STAT, lol) and we get the calmest third act breakup when Teague is scared Cidra would regret leaving Harmonics for him. Cidra Rainforest would never waver and we get our space HEA. This was fun and had some wildly interesting additives, the aforementioned Furries, Fred the rockrug dog?cat?, a Chekhov's mantis, and the mutie evil alien dinosaurs. Cidra and Teague had just enough depth to them to pull me in and were sweet with a dash of spice to have me enjoy the ride in Stanza Nine.
“You’ll have to trust me to come back, just as I’ll have to trust you to be waiting."
March 10, 2023
In 1986, Jayne Ann Krentz wrote and published her novel, Sweet Starfire. Krentz herself described her futuristic novel as a historical book from another world.
It can be said about the author that she was reluctant to commit to only one specific genre and thus decided to publish different genres under different pseudonyms. She was born on March 28, 1948, in the US State of California and managed to successfully bring books into the world again and again in her life.
In doing so, she uses the name Jayne Ann Krentz, which she adopted when she got married, for a contemporary romance with a certain suspense factor.
Furthermore, she uses the name Amanda Quick for her historical novels.
Lastly, she uses her maiden name Jayne Castle for the futuristic and paranormal romance.
In her book "Sweet Starfire" she makes the reader dive into a completely new world. It is all about the division of the population. Thus, one-half is referred to as Harmonics. As the name here suggests, this species is primarily concerned with a certain harmony. They act intuitively and telepathically. Moreover, it is important to know that they are above all very intelligent, which is to their advantage in their scientific works.
On the other hand, there are the so-called Wolves. They are the most similar to the humanity of today. Above all, physical closeness is very important to them. This species can also be very smart, but they don't always manage to keep up with the Harmonics.
One of the main characters of the book is Cidra. Her parents are Harmoics, which only makes it harder for Cidra when she realizes that her Harmonic is not the one she should have as this species. In desperation, she goes in search of an artifact that she believes will give her the harmony she hopes for.
On her journey, she meets a wolf named Teague, who reluctantly takes her along on his spaceship so that she can reach her destination. On their journey together, the two get into trouble, which they must overcome together, despite their different characters...
The book shows many different sides of life, lets the readers recognize their own species, and still shows a whole new world. If you are ready to approach the book with an open mind and fully engage with it, the story fully captivates you and makes the world around you fade away.
However, the book can also drag and become challenging over and over again, which is why you will probably never finish it if you don't manage to engage with the new world and Krentz's writing style.
I would recommend reading into the book and making up your own mind about the characters and the plot.
It can be said about the author that she was reluctant to commit to only one specific genre and thus decided to publish different genres under different pseudonyms. She was born on March 28, 1948, in the US State of California and managed to successfully bring books into the world again and again in her life.
In doing so, she uses the name Jayne Ann Krentz, which she adopted when she got married, for a contemporary romance with a certain suspense factor.
Furthermore, she uses the name Amanda Quick for her historical novels.
Lastly, she uses her maiden name Jayne Castle for the futuristic and paranormal romance.
In her book "Sweet Starfire" she makes the reader dive into a completely new world. It is all about the division of the population. Thus, one-half is referred to as Harmonics. As the name here suggests, this species is primarily concerned with a certain harmony. They act intuitively and telepathically. Moreover, it is important to know that they are above all very intelligent, which is to their advantage in their scientific works.
On the other hand, there are the so-called Wolves. They are the most similar to the humanity of today. Above all, physical closeness is very important to them. This species can also be very smart, but they don't always manage to keep up with the Harmonics.
One of the main characters of the book is Cidra. Her parents are Harmoics, which only makes it harder for Cidra when she realizes that her Harmonic is not the one she should have as this species. In desperation, she goes in search of an artifact that she believes will give her the harmony she hopes for.
On her journey, she meets a wolf named Teague, who reluctantly takes her along on his spaceship so that she can reach her destination. On their journey together, the two get into trouble, which they must overcome together, despite their different characters...
The book shows many different sides of life, lets the readers recognize their own species, and still shows a whole new world. If you are ready to approach the book with an open mind and fully engage with it, the story fully captivates you and makes the world around you fade away.
However, the book can also drag and become challenging over and over again, which is why you will probably never finish it if you don't manage to engage with the new world and Krentz's writing style.
I would recommend reading into the book and making up your own mind about the characters and the plot.
March 9, 2023
Krentz does an amazing job when it comes to worldbuilding in Sweet Starfire. The universe she creates here is well-established and exciting. Through very detailed descriptions of setting, which include all senses, one feels like they are right there with the heroine Cidra while reading. While this worldbuilding can be captivating and takes us into a different world, it can also feel overwhelming, as the action almost seems to disappear between the paragraphs of description. At some points, I almost felt bored reading through all the pages setting up the world, wishing for more action.
While her characters might seem interesting at first, meeting on terms of completely different societal and cultural backgrounds, they turn out to be flat, based on outdated stereotypes. Severance portrays the image of a strong, but wild man, adhering to the traits of toxic masculinity. Cidra on the other hand, is this pretty, but innocent girl, being seduced by the wolf Severance. The innocent woman finds herself in the position, where she either goes against what she has grown up with and gives in to the wild needs of the wolf, or tames his wildness and “fixes” him. While everything that happens between them might seem consensual, I still see their relationship as problematic. Cidra might be educated and an adult, but she is still significantly younger than Severance, and inexperienced. Therefore, she is not in a position where she feels comfortable to say no, while Severance uses this young girl who basically fell into his lap. Furthermore, the expectation of Cidra dimming this man’s wildness is not a good portrayal of a relationship, as she is dating a man and not an animal after all. It should not be expected of her to keep up with his wild needs.
This book is definitely not bad if you’re looking for escapism in your readings, trying to escape the known world in the comfort of your own couch. Krentz’ worldbuilding is fantastic and does a great job in capturing the reader. When it comes to characterization, it can be seen as problematic, portraying stereotypes and giving wrong ideas of relationships. If ones wants to live in the fantasy of taming a wild, muscular man, it is the perfect read though.
While her characters might seem interesting at first, meeting on terms of completely different societal and cultural backgrounds, they turn out to be flat, based on outdated stereotypes. Severance portrays the image of a strong, but wild man, adhering to the traits of toxic masculinity. Cidra on the other hand, is this pretty, but innocent girl, being seduced by the wolf Severance. The innocent woman finds herself in the position, where she either goes against what she has grown up with and gives in to the wild needs of the wolf, or tames his wildness and “fixes” him. While everything that happens between them might seem consensual, I still see their relationship as problematic. Cidra might be educated and an adult, but she is still significantly younger than Severance, and inexperienced. Therefore, she is not in a position where she feels comfortable to say no, while Severance uses this young girl who basically fell into his lap. Furthermore, the expectation of Cidra dimming this man’s wildness is not a good portrayal of a relationship, as she is dating a man and not an animal after all. It should not be expected of her to keep up with his wild needs.
This book is definitely not bad if you’re looking for escapism in your readings, trying to escape the known world in the comfort of your own couch. Krentz’ worldbuilding is fantastic and does a great job in capturing the reader. When it comes to characterization, it can be seen as problematic, portraying stereotypes and giving wrong ideas of relationships. If ones wants to live in the fantasy of taming a wild, muscular man, it is the perfect read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2019
I love this author and read most of her novels before, but I never read this one, even though it is fairly old. I’m thrilled to say I enjoyed the story. It was a happy new discovery, a gem of summer reading. Love, adventure, a fantastic setting, and a pair of fascinating lovers, combined into a well-written, beautifully constructed story, made this book a joyful ride.
A sort-of futuristic romance, like her later dust bunny series under the pen name Jayne Castle, this novel features a world where telepathy and space travels coincide with unexplored jungles, hungry monsters, and strange artifacts of the long-ago-vanished alien race.
The lead characters couldn’t be more different. Severance is a postman, a rough loner with the aggressive approach to life common to many frontier communities. He’ll do anything to deliver his mail on time, and he has a reputation for integrity in this harsh, unforgiving world. He is the best example of an alpha male.
Cidra was raised in a tranquil Harmonic town, where politeness and serenity are paramount. She ventured out, into the larger world, because she needs to discover who she really is.
Their common adventures, hair-raisingly perilous, bond them together, while both explore their mutual attraction and each other. The pace of the story is furious, but Krentz’s famous ‘formula’, which coalesced in many of her later tales, isn’t apparent yet in this novel.
Overall, a pure, unadulterated pleasure for a romance fan.
Note: I wonder why there is a wolf on the cover of the paperback? There are no wolves inside the story. No wolves in any forests on their planet either, except that the characters call all humans Wolves for some reason.
A sort-of futuristic romance, like her later dust bunny series under the pen name Jayne Castle, this novel features a world where telepathy and space travels coincide with unexplored jungles, hungry monsters, and strange artifacts of the long-ago-vanished alien race.
The lead characters couldn’t be more different. Severance is a postman, a rough loner with the aggressive approach to life common to many frontier communities. He’ll do anything to deliver his mail on time, and he has a reputation for integrity in this harsh, unforgiving world. He is the best example of an alpha male.
Cidra was raised in a tranquil Harmonic town, where politeness and serenity are paramount. She ventured out, into the larger world, because she needs to discover who she really is.
Their common adventures, hair-raisingly perilous, bond them together, while both explore their mutual attraction and each other. The pace of the story is furious, but Krentz’s famous ‘formula’, which coalesced in many of her later tales, isn’t apparent yet in this novel.
Overall, a pure, unadulterated pleasure for a romance fan.
Note: I wonder why there is a wolf on the cover of the paperback? There are no wolves inside the story. No wolves in any forests on their planet either, except that the characters call all humans Wolves for some reason.
June 13, 2021
This is reread number I-don't-even-know of an old favourite. I hadn't reread it for a while though, and that always makes me a bit nervous. But this one has aged very well!
It was really fun. There is adventure and action, and that is perfectly balanced with the romance, with enough quieter moments to make the romance believable. And the characters are great. Cidra comes from an almost otherwordly, very cerebral and spiritual background, but she's also intelligent and pragmatic and all-around awesome. Not to mention, she saves Severance's ass many times. And Severance relishes her strength. He's no mean alpha (just a bit grumpy sometimes), and characters like him are why JAK became a fave back when I wanted to castrate 90% of the 'heroes' in romance novels with a rusty spoon.
One of the things I really liked was that Cidra keeps her values. Her changes are not about rejecting the Harmonic way of life and proving why it's wrong. I think a good example of what I mean is Cidra's vegetarianism. So many books of that time would have had her turning into an enthusiastic meat-eater. Here she does eat meat (and hunt) when their life depends on it, but it's just a pragmatic decision, and she's back to vegetarianism when she's able to. The character development is about Cidra discovering what she's capable of, not about disparaging her Harmonic values.
The setting is also so good. You can see a lot of classic JAK tropes that we will find in later series: the colonists who lose touch with the original motherland, the hostile world that is hell on technology, but has been kind of conquered, the adaptations in the colonists including some psychic ones, the remains of a mysterious long-gone civilisation... even the cute weird pets! :)
It was really fun. There is adventure and action, and that is perfectly balanced with the romance, with enough quieter moments to make the romance believable. And the characters are great. Cidra comes from an almost otherwordly, very cerebral and spiritual background, but she's also intelligent and pragmatic and all-around awesome. Not to mention, she saves Severance's ass many times. And Severance relishes her strength. He's no mean alpha (just a bit grumpy sometimes), and characters like him are why JAK became a fave back when I wanted to castrate 90% of the 'heroes' in romance novels with a rusty spoon.
One of the things I really liked was that Cidra keeps her values. Her changes are not about rejecting the Harmonic way of life and proving why it's wrong. I think a good example of what I mean is Cidra's vegetarianism. So many books of that time would have had her turning into an enthusiastic meat-eater. Here she does eat meat (and hunt) when their life depends on it, but it's just a pragmatic decision, and she's back to vegetarianism when she's able to. The character development is about Cidra discovering what she's capable of, not about disparaging her Harmonic values.
The setting is also so good. You can see a lot of classic JAK tropes that we will find in later series: the colonists who lose touch with the original motherland, the hostile world that is hell on technology, but has been kind of conquered, the adaptations in the colonists including some psychic ones, the remains of a mysterious long-gone civilisation... even the cute weird pets! :)
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