But I could fall or I could fly,
and at least that much would be my choice.
and at least that much would be my choice.
When The Universe Sings
Gillian Eliza West
Universe, book one
ebook, 318 pages
Independently published August 6, 2026
ASIN B0GX2SL16C
ISBN 9798990138995
There is only one rule in the galaxy: trust no one.
Juniper knows it all too well. After her home planet was destroyed and eleven years on Ebyd III, a Galactic Federation mechanical prison, the only thing she might fear now is death. Taking a chance at freedom, she climbs into the ventilation shaft of a docked pleasure barge only to be discovered by the mistress of the ship. Given the choice between certain death on Ebyd III and the unknown, she joins as their new silks dancer.
When Captain Asher Ruciyah seeks someone to complete his crew for a mysterious mission, Juniper is hired as their climber to round out their numbers. As part of this new crew intent on stealing one of the universe's most powerful weapons, Juniper discovers she wants something more than freedom: revenge on the man who took everything from her.
But nothing and no one is as it seems, especially in a galaxy filled with lies, deceit, and false identities. Juniper will learn that revenge isn’t as simple as she thought it would be and sometimes it’s not one person, but an entire universe against you.
This one had a grasp on me from the start.
Juniper has been caught as a stowaway on a pleasure ship and, instead of being turned in to the authorities, is offered the position as an aerialist, performing for the many customers who partake in the flesh trade upon the Daskquah. (Inez, anyone?) But Juniper's services are a look-never-touch production, and she spends the next year perfecting her skill.
The day has finally come when Juniper has earned enough credits to balance out the cost of her keep and training. It's also the day Captain Ruciyah arrives, seeking a specific skill set to balance out his team.
But Asher and Juniper have crossed paths before.
On the day of her ascent, when June would partake in the customary climb into adulthood, her home was attacked. And it was Asher who helped lead the charge and gave the haunting command to "burn it to the ground".
Oh, she hates him.
But that's only the beginning.
Twists. Turns. Blindsides. Trust no one and question everything.
The dead are alive, and the villain is your saviour.
Burn it to the ground.
Leave no evidence behind.
Juniper is stuck, trying to make sense of what she's always believed and what she's come to know. It doesn't help that Asher is a man of secrets. And I found myself feeling so bad for her as she reeled from what her body wanted and what her brain was telling her. As she fought the simultaneous urges to both kiss Asher and kill him. For that... when the spice came, it didn't feel right. The timing was off. Her emotions were a mess.
If you want a fated mates and found family tale, this is it. But if you also want an FMC that will find herself, grow, and heal... it falls short. Perhaps, if it wasn't a standalone. Perhaps, if she'd been given more time. Alas, it is what it is and ends where it ends.
3.5 out of 5 stars. Of all the moments for a mating bond to snap into place... smh.
Available in ebook | paperback
2026/43