Audiobook Review: Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep

Only Cold Depths
Author: Jennifer Estep
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang & James Fouhey
Series: Galactic Bonds (Book 4)
Publication: Audible Studios (December 20, 2024)
Length: 15 hours and 4 minutes

Description: New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new action-packed adventure that blends science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance. This rollicking space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soulmates story and “Pew! Pew! Pew!” battle scenes. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Dune, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

A woman who can’t control her power ...

Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.

Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.

As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.

A man who can’t let go of his fear ...

As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.

Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.

When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.

My Thoughts: This fourth book in the Galactic Bonds space opera series has Vesper and Kyrion trying to find refuge from all those chasing them. They have traveled to a distant planet where truebonded couples are supposed to be able to take refuge. 

However, that doesn't protect them from bounty hunters and other enemies who either want to return them to the ruler who wants to drain their psychic powers or the enemies who want to compel Vesper to repair their super-weapon and make it more effective. 

Vesper is also dealing with her recently discovered family including a brother who is now the head of the Arrows and a long-time rival of Kurion's. Then there is Vesper's mother who abandoned her as a young child because she didn't think she was useful but who has now found a potential use for her. 

Vesper and Kyrion are also still trying to come to terms with their truebond. Neither knows what to expect from it or how to use it and both are wary of it. 

This was an entertaining science fiction romance with lots of space opera details from inventions to weapons to fighting techniques. 

I bought this one December 10, 2024. You can buy your copy here.