It has been far too long since I’ve paid a visit to Planet Alpha, and this sequel to ‘Captive’ was a great way to reconnect. Nakai, the Alphan warrior-turned-winemaker on his family estate, Einian, his human mate, and Sukh, a Xyran warrior, have managed to form a permanent relationship at the end of the previous book. But many issues remain to be resolved, and not just within the three men’s relationship. As a consequence, ‘Redemption’ is full of intrigue, surprises, adventures, cultural and other obstacles for the men to deal with, as well as a lot of loving – as often as the guys can fit it in.

Einian has his hands full in this installment. He is the “glue” in the ménage in many ways, and as much reassurance as he needs, when push comes to shove, he is as strong as his two mates. Nakai has political subterfuge to deal with on Alpha, coming from a group of “purists” who want to rid Alpha of all non-Alphans using whatever methods are necessary. And Sukh battles his very nature as a Xyran warrior. He has made a lot of adjustments, but the one worry nobody can help him with is his family’s fate back on Xyran.

Then their enemies unite and Sukh and Nalai end up on Xyran – as prisoners at the mercy of those who want revenge for the consequences of Sukh’s actions. What a mess! It takes all three bondmates working together to figure their way out of a pretty hopeless situation and I held my breath more than once while they fought for their lives.

If you like Einian, Nakai, and Sukh from ‘Captive’ and want to see how they deal with bonded life, if you like watching triads deal with internal and external issues, and if you’re looking for a read that is as surprising and suspenseful as it is emotional and hot, not to mention a wonderful happy ending, then you will probably like this novella.
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