Rainscape

In Jaye Roycraft’s Rainscape, Rookie agent Dina Marlijn lands on Exodus to investigate eight murders; however, she unearths conspiracy and fraud amidst the Mother Lode mining administration.

Dina Marlijn is a telepath and inspector. During her initial inquiry she meets Rayn, a dens from the forbidden Dark Star system. Fearful of his telepathic power and appalled by his haughtiness, she is uneasy about the necessity to mind link. However, she has no choice if she wants to solve this case. Jaye Roycraft cleverly reveals how stereotypes hinder a person’s ability to empathize with someone different.

Rayn DeStar is an outlaw telepath dens living in the Exodus’ uncharted desert. From the moment he detects Dina’s presence, he yearns to seduce and dominate her. Since he is able to telepathically persuade someone to obey him, he is deemed as evil and immoral. As Rayn sexually and mentally entices Dina, he is drawn to her spirit and bravery. Will Rayn break through Dina’s preconceived prejudices or will he destroy her?

Suddenly Rayn and Dina’s lives are jeopardized by a killer that only Rayn can stop. Will Dina trust him to help her? Will Rayn freely help the agency that scorns and condemns him for being a telepathic dens? Rainscape is an evocative glimpse into the minds and prejudices of man which prevent the truth from being exposed. Will Dina be able to look beyond her preconceived beliefs and uncover the truth?

Rainscape is a thrilling, provocative, sensual suspense. Jaye Roycraft expertly melds SF with suspense in a gripping thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the startling finale. I look forward to the sequel.

Reviewed by: Dena