Sabin Travers has been all over the galaxy tracking down the worst scum with prices on their heads. He takes his work in stride, can handle anything... until he meets Moriah Cameron. Sabin doesn't want to care. Caring only brings pain and loss, but this gal is successful in doing what no criminals have done. She's set his world on its ear, and he can't regain his balance.

Moriah gets more than she's looking for when she joins a card game in Giza's. Accused of cheating, Moriah defends herself admirably, but can't win alone. She resents the help from the dark stranger and wants nothing more than to get away from him. She's got things to do and little time to get them done. Other lives depend on her, but she can't shake the man who, unknowingly, plays on old fears.

Can Sabin get away, unscathed? Can the lovely, but headstrong, Moriah get past her fears?

Sabin and Moriah have different versions of painful pasts, and yet they're not so different. Their relationship is unlikely, but events continually throw them together. Their personalities are well defined and create a spark of determination which carries them through the story.

A variety of secondary characters help carry the story to its conclusion. Moriah's younger sister Celie, is better able to cope with problems similar to Moriah's. Radd is the best space mechanic around, and proud of the fact he's good with his hands. Here's a character who isn't quite what he seems. The settings used throughout the story contrast one another and each emphasizes a different aspect of the adventure.

Catherine Spangler takes readers to the dark side of the future in another galaxy, where Shadower will keep you reading till the end, and have you wanting more.

Reviewed by Brenda Gayle