This one was okay. If I recall, I really enjoyed the prequel story to this series. But this first book was kind of rough. I guess it was a bit of world building going on. The Northmen had to seem extremely crude and archaic. The Motherlanders had to seem almost as if they were living in a cult. And that's really it all seemed. A lot of ignorance on both sides. But like I said, this is a world being built. At the end of the day, there was some enlightenment on both sides, but not much. I am curious to see if things will get better. One interesting thing was seeing how extreme it is living in either place. It was clear that no way was better than the other.

Anyway, about this story. We meet Boulder and Christina. Christina was a history professor and archehologist. When word came that an experienced archeologist was needed in the North, she volunteered. But once she got there, she soon realized her mistake in thinking she'd ever be safe. She was appointed a "protector" not realizing that was code word for husband. But nevertheless, she agrees to the short term marriage to Boulder so that she could complete her work. With Boulder, she soon realizes that maybe the men of the north aren't so bad after all. The two of course fall for each other. But face troubles when Christina decides to go back home.

At the end of the day, these two of course end up together. But it makes me wonder if all the books will be resolved the same way, with them choosing one place over the other. Or will the worlds eventually combine back into one?

Overall, I'd give this 2.5 stars. It was problematic in a lot of places, but I have hopes things will improve. ( )

I avoided this book/series for a long time because the set up just seemed silly but I finally needed something different so...

Actually the author pulled it off for me. I’ve read several straight sci fi novels with a similar set up and the rationale and world building here would stack up with any of those.

Character development was good and I liked the hero and heroine together. I will probably go on with the series if the blurbs sound good. ( )

Not well written so I didn't finish it. ( )