Kirkus Reviews QR Code
THE LAST MARINE by Cara Crescent

THE LAST MARINE

by Cara Crescent

Pub Date: Dec. 23rd, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-9971872-1-2
Publisher: CreateSpace

A U.S. Marine exiled to a distant planet finds himself falling in love with the woman who is central to his plan for escape.

Griffin Jude Payne is a man on a mission. The last Marine, he watched as Alfred Parnell, prime minister of the U.N., embarked on a campaign to unite all countries of the world under a single, Utopian government, exiling anyone considered undesirable to the planet Asteria. On the night of Alfred’s speech to the world, Griffin assassinates him in front of his wife, Prudence, and brother, Randolph. During Griffin’s trial, Prudence makes plans of her own. Abused by the Parnell brothers, she plans to escape to Asteria. Both Griffin and Prudence find themselves on the same ship bound for the planet. Griffin hopes to locate his brother Lucan; commandeer a spaceship; and return to Earth to lead a rebellion. He believes Prudence could be a valuable bargaining chip, but Prudence would prefer to stay on Asteria. As they fight to survive on the unfamiliar planet, a romance develops that enables them to heal the wounds of their pasts. Together, they must face a new enemy as Randolph sets in motion a plan to kill Griffin and return Prudence to Earth. Crescent’s (Don’t Let Me Forget You, 2016, etc.) latest is a genre-bending mix of romance, sci-fi, and political thriller. The romance’s chief strengths are its focused storytelling, nuanced leads, and imaginative settings. The novel opens on a suspenseful note as Griffin plans to assassinate Alfred. Crescent maintains a high level of tension as Griffin and Prudence struggle to persevere on Asteria while outmaneuvering Randolph. Griffin and Prudence are appealing characters whose romance crackles with moments that are tender and erotic. Prudence, half-human and half-Lythonian, an alien race, possesses a special gift she can only transfer to her mate. Griffin is an honorable Marine coping with feelings of guilt and remorse. Their romance blossoms gradually but believably. The planet Asteria is vividly realized with well-developed descriptions of the terrain and native creatures.

A fast-paced and entertaining romance with a sci-fi twist.