Barbara Karmazin Reviews

Added July 2, 2004

Down Came a Blackbird

Author: Barbara Karmazin
Publisher: Atlantic Bridge Publishing
Available At: www.atlanticbridge.net
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Science-fiction: Romantic
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $15.00 paperback, $5.00
ISBN: 0-9706913-4-3
Author Email/Website: www.sff.net/people/selkiewife/
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix

She had come to Sanctuary Station for a vacation, not to join the crew heading for Pot of Gold. A member of the Sidhe (faerie), Cait had always believed her people had originally migrated to Earth from another world. Their advanced technology had seemed like magic to the less advanced humans. But she'd never been able to prove any of her theories. Realizing the proof she needed might be on the asteroid Pot of Gold, she signed up with the mining team. She never expected her choice would put her in such emotional turmoil.

Born an empath, Cait had always been hesitant about jumping into a relationship or even a one-night stand. There was a chance she would form an emotional attachment and if the person didn't requite her feelings it would slowly eat away at her. But Cait couldn't deny her attraction to her flight instructor Indio and made the choice to be with him. Her connection with Indio was instantaneous and he reciprocated. A part of her wanted to rejoice, another screamed at the unfairness of it. Indio was human, raised in a culture that didn't understand why the her mother had two husbands or why Cait would have two. Making matters worse was the fact she also cared deeply for Indio's close friend Tiny.

I really enjoyed the tension between Indio and Tiny. Both interested in Cait, and knowing Cait's mother had two husbands, makes for a very interesting relationship between the two men. As I read, I was constantly wondering if Tiny and Indio would reach an agreement that would allow the both of them to be with Cait if that was her choice. Of course, adding to Indio's tension were the advances of his friends, Darlene and Parvati, on not only Cait, but himself.

Will Cait find proof of the Sidhe's extraterrestrial origin? How will her relationship with Indio and Tiny turn out? Is happily-ever-after even a possibility in their day and age?

Down Came a Blackbird is the perfect example of what romantic science-fiction should be. Ms. Karmazin has created a magnificent tale, filled with twists and turns, an amazing cast of characters who sweep the reader into their world. I was highly impressed by Ms. Karmazin's take on ancient Celtic myths: the Sidhe (faerie) being an advanced race with unbelievable technology that medieval humans mistook for magic. This made the book so more enjoyable and as I read, I couldn't help but wonder "What if she's right?". A science-fiction/fantasy fan from the start, I have grown to love romantic science-fiction, especially when the romance doesn't overtake the story and Ms. Karmazin once again amazed me. The love story is very integral, but never the main focus.

I highly recommend Down Came a Blackbird. I have placed it on my keeper shelf and am eagerly awaiting the sequel, Out of the Dark.

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