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Anya Bast
The Chosen Sin
Penguin Berkley Heat

Vampires in space make for a bizarre but intriguing read in Anya Bast’s futuristic/paranormal/erotic romance mash-up.

Circa a thousand years from now, The Chosen Sin is mostly set on the desert planet, Darpong. Earth-born Daria Moran is an Allied Bureau of Investigation agent whose mission in life – both personal and professional – is to bring down Christopher Sante, who killed Daria’s best friend, and others, and may be guilty of other ghastly deeds.

But in order to infiltrate Sante’s vampire commune, Daria has to become Chosen – and Alejandro Martinez will Choose her. But first Daria must break through the succubare, which could make her a sex vampire instead of a blood one. For an erotic romance, you’d assume Daria would become succubare, but for the sake of plot she enters the blood coven.

Daria’s a strong-willed, pissed-off, kick-arse woman who wants revenge. Alejandro will teach her to love again, and release her inhibitions. But like a toddler who claims ownership incessantly, Alejandro plays the “mine” game repeatedly. I’m not a fan of Alpha males like him; don’t like how he claims ownership of Daria, instead of her belonging to no one but herself. And Daria doesn’t trust Brandon Nichols, thinks he’s shifty, and yet chooses to sleep in the alcove of his door. Christopher Sante, however, is the most well-written character, all shades of grey and neither totally good nor completely evil.

Even if vampires and romance aren’t your thing (they’re not really mine), stay tuned for what happens around the time of the meteor shower and beyond, because this is where the action really kicks in. Keep an eye out for the show-stopping, devastatingly heartbreaking scene that alerts this is not just an escapist read: it’s a reminder that contemporary society has horrors that most would like to pretend don’t exist. It’s memorable, emotional, and I don’t remember ever having a scene in any book remain with me so long after the book’s over. (I won’t spoil it for you here, but feel free to contact me privately.)

Futuristic fans may want more about the Nabovsky Galaxy, its planets and citizens, and how they relate to Earth and other worlds. But romance fans may be wholly satisfied.

Review by Tez Miller