Refuge: An Intergalactic Space Opera Series (Tradepoint Saga 1) by JJ Blacklocke – Review

I want to start by saying that I am not a fan of science fiction. Of all the genres out there, sci-fi is one of my least favorite. But, when JJ Blacklocke approached me to read and review Refuge, the blurb hooked me.  I hesitantly picked it up, but once I did, there was no going back. 

• Title: Refuge: An Intergalactic Space Opera Series (Tradepoint Saga Book 1)
• Author: JJ Blacklocke
• Publisher: Aethon Books on November 10, 2020
• Genre: Science Fiction
• Pages: 528
• Available Formats: Paperback, Audio, and Kindle editions
• Rating: 5/5

Trigger Warnings: Death, Bullying Behaviors

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Refuge: An Intergalactic Space Opera Series Blurb

A Dangerous Haven. Adapt or die.

Nine hundred Vennans undertake a cultural exchange to Tradepoint, a space station where aliens from different worlds meet to do business. A young and gyfted Speaker, Gredin, is translator and diplomat for the happy occasion.

But a horrific vision shatters her first night’s sleep on Tradepoint. Venna, their homeworld, has been destroyed. Now the safety of the delegation, the only Vennans left in all of time and space, rests on Gredin’s young shoulders.

Stunned and grieving, she navigates trade wars and political prejudice, bartering with other races-some friendly, some neutral, some outright hostile-for what her people need to survive.

And the cost of failure is the unthinkable.

Extinction.

Amazon Blurb

My Review

I adored this novel! The writing is excellent, and the storyline captured my attention from the very first. I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what was coming. There were no disappointing moments throughout the entire book.

I can’t even begin to tell you about the range of emotions that I experienced while reading. I was so angry at times, yet at others, brought to tears. One of the events toward the end made me ugly cry because it was so beautiful. There is one character that I wish I could slap across the face. She is horrible and relentless in her bullying of our main character.

Blacklocke has done what many sci-fi writers have failed to do. They made me fall in love with a sci-fi space opera. I am glad that this is the first in a series because I need more Gredin. I want to know what happens next. It is all I can do not to spoil the greatness that is in this book. 

As I am sure you will guess, I am awarding Refuge a full 5 out of 5 stars. Whether you enjoy sci-fi or not, I recommend this novel. If you are like me, you may find your way into the science fiction world.