The 3rd instalment in the engaging Bona Dea series is all about the struggle against inner demons. Captain Hunter has to keep her decimated and demoralised crew united amid growing pressure to drop her commitment to reaching home without resorting to violence. Meanwhile, unexpectedly becoming a pawn in an inter-planetary conflict drags navigator Gypsy Cumberland into a disastrous downward spiral as her mental health deteriorates.

Both women need help from the enigmatic hybrid Chamonix if they’re to have any chance of seeing Earth again – but who knows what the alien/human/robotic creature may be planning? As Hunter confronts her allies and Gypsy battles with her own mind, even if victory can be won, it may come at a terrible price.

I really enjoyed this book, as I have the whole series so far. I imagine many readers will have found something to relate to in the shy but brilliant Gypsy in the first two books, and this third volume gives her a well-deserved larger role. At times the exploration of her problems with crippling OCD is painful to read, but at the same time it is fascinating to understand just how bad the illness can be, and how the mind of a sufferer works.

Harper J Cole doesn’t sugar coat his portrayal by making Gypsy too lovable – there are times when her behaviour is quite maddening, in fact – but somehow this makes her seem all the more real. Alongside Gypsy’s story, the Captain’s difficulties with her crew and the epic conflict that eventually arises also work well, creating an entertaining read that fans of the series are sure to appreciate.

With one more volume to come and a lot of questions still to be answered, I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion – will the Bona Dea ever get back to Earth?

Along with parts 1 and 2 (Subcutis and Amygdala), highly recommended for Sci-Fi fans.