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January 10, 2001:
The Hsassan race had been careful with their breeding for so long. The Yseret ruled the Homelands and one in particular, Sert, used the careful breeding to make the perfect Hsassan. Finally it was accomplished. One perfect Hsassan, one Qtesark. The Qtesark was named Zsar't'lac. As he grew, he proved to be all their world had hoped for. But Sert and the Yseret did not know all. Zsar't'lac told only a select few his biggest secret, he was an emotional empath! His bearer (mother) was silently planning a revolution. The Yseret's time of ruling was nearing an end. The Yserts soon learned to rightfully fear the Qtesark, but could not kill him. Too many Hsassan gave him their loyalty. So plans had to be made. But Zsar't'lac fooled them all by defecting to the Humans until the revolution was complete.
Commander Eivaunee Dorlan knew Emperor Hazdel Toneki had killed his father but could not prove it. Hazdel had also been the reason for his mother's death. Hazdel wanted the Dorlan Estates. Eivaunee vowed it would never happen, not only because of his parents, but because of all the humiliating crimes Hazdel had done to him and would do to the people on the Dorlan Estates if he was to gain control of it.
Eivaunee commanded the starship 'Comveckt' in the Provinces. His orders were to pick up the defecting Hsassan and escort him to the Imperial Plant (Klimar Prime). Eivaunee knew the Emperor had plans for the alien and had to think of a way to make the loyalty of the Hsassan to him instead of the Emperor, or all would suffer.
*** This looks to be the beginning of a new series. I found this story to be excellent and the series had remarkable and memorable characters. However, I would stress that the reading audience, in my opinion, should be over seventeen, due to various sexual reasons. Author, C.J. Merle shows a wonderful writing ability and I can only hope I will be able to review the next book of this series. ***
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November 05, 2000: Two beings, one human and one alien, are each plotting treason and revolution. Their reasons and methods are vastly different. Initially, they aren't even aware of each other's existence. Neither can apparently do anything to help the other. Yet, they come to realize they need each other to succeed. The characters are all well drawn, with real personalities complete with odd twists and flaws. The aliens are amazingly real and complex. This is going to be a great series, one that focuses not just on the action, but also on the political and psychological bases for the action.