I picked up this story Hanna Martine on a “you might also like” recommendation by Amazon. I hate to admit it, but they were right. I really liked this story. I was fascinated by the concept of elementals embodied in a race called Ofarians. The main character, Gwen (a surprisingly normal name for someone so exotic) can literally become liquid. Is she the Lie? Maybe, maybe not. The title really refers to a bottle of magic which they sell secretly across the world. Their entire race has blended into our society and become rich by selling this magic, which basically is bottled Glamor. Want to look young without Botox? Take a drop of Mendacia (lies). It hides your age. It doesn’t fix it, it merely conceals it from everyone else. I bet it would sell really well in certain circles.

Gwen has never asked how the stuff is made. She hopes to find out one day, because it’ll mean she’s finally accepted as a top leader among her people. This story is a classic case of be careful what you wish for, because when she finds out it rips her world apart. Through every hardship, though, she’s a strong person who sticks to her moral code no matter what the personal consequences. She’s a person to admire.

First Line:

At 3 a.m. Gwen Carroway and the chairman of the Company waited in an idling limo on the Embarcadero. To the left, the bay curled around a sparkling San Francisco. To the right, water poured incessantly from Vaillancourt Fountain’s hulking mess of squared concrete tubes. Water everywhere—soothing her, whispering to her, offering her protection.

She peered through the tinted windows. On the opposite side of the fountain, two male figures in dark suits appeared between a line of palm trees. Their steps slowed as they started across the angular half-moon of the plaza.

“They’re here.”

I loved the opening. It hooked me and took me right into the story. I also loved the twists and turns along the way. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it went somewhere else. And just when I thought I couldn’t handle one more obstacle… well, read it, and find out what happens! If you’re a fan of light science fiction and romance, you’ll like this. It’s well written, with a solid plot, great pacing, nice romantic steamy moment or two and a heroine to root for.

Oh, and who wouldn’t like to be able to turn into a puddle? It’s fun to imagine just what I could do with that sort of power.

This is first in a series. I’m adding the next to my TBR list now.