Book Review - Shielder by Catherine Spangler

Shielder (Shielder, #1)
by Catherine Spangler
Published 2014
358 Pages

What a great story! Shielder takes us on an adventure through space, where moons are colonized, planets are trading posts, and starships are the general mode of transportation. 

Living on a Shielder colony, and having endured many hardships, Nessa finds herself in a position where day-to-day life feels less than meaningful. She longs to contribute to the community in a way that will make a difference. The Orana virus has plagued her people, and the only hope is a medical facility, far from her colony, where an antidote for the virus may be obtained. Transporting the virus to the medical facility is another story -- the Controllers will block any attempt. There is just one way to transport the virus: inside a living host. 

Despite the risks, Nessa volunteers to be injected with the virus, and to travel on her own to the medical facility. But when her starship fails in its mission, she becomes stranded in space. Her only hope rests in the hands of the handsome Captain Chase McKnight. With just a few weeks to get to the facility, Nessa is desperate. She accepts Captain McKnight's offer for transportation, while keeping her identity and true mission a secret. But as she discovers her rescuer is a Shadower -- a bounty hunter, who tracks down Shielders -- a whirlwind of events begin to unfold. 

Making stops on new planets and colonies along the way, Nessa discovers breathtakingly beauty, and exciting new worlds. Still, space travel holds many risks, especially when you're traveling with a Shadower! And Captain McKnight has his own mission. Unplanned detours take longer than expected, forcing Nessa to admit that time is running out. She must come up with an alternate plan if she is to survive the Orana virus, and to secure the antidote in time. But the ship's Captain has other plans. 

Captain McKnight is the ultimate alpha male, with all the gorgeous physical characteristics we would expect from a lead character in a position of power. But he underestimates Nessa. And despite the fact that these two come from different worlds, an undercurrent of attraction is brewing that neither one can ignore. The chemistry is undeniable, and there is no shortage of steamy romance!

I did find Captain McKnight to be harsher than necessary at times. But as we learn his backstory, his behavior makes sense. Nessa is a great character, with endearing qualities, and very likable. This story is full of fascinating secondary characters, and an original plot that will keep you hooked to the end! 

If you're looking for a well written, perfectly paced love story with plenty of adventure, you will enjoy this book! 

Reviewed by Stephanie
★★★★★
5 STARS