Saga of the Skolian Empire: Book 1
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Liked It “I'd always been meaning to try Asaro but somehow never got round to it until I downloaded a free ebook copy of this book from Baen's site. I'd always somehow thought that Asaro was hard sci-fi and been scared off as a result, but this was basically hugely enjoyable and addictive space opera with...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I'd always been meaning to try Asaro but somehow never got round to it until I downloaded a free ebook copy of this book from Baen's site. I'd always somehow thought that Asaro was hard sci-fi and been scared off as a result, but this was basically hugely enjoyable and addictive space opera with a dollop of romance. I gulped it all in one sitting.
Idle Traveller wrote this review Wednesday, April 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The characters are extremely likable - Soz especially is a very strong and sympathetic protagonist, as are most of the supporting characters. Jaibriol, however, never really struck me a fully realised character - partly because we never see things from his point of view, and also because he's not really "on stage" for most of the book. As for the techy part of it, I found it surprisingly interesting - the mesh (ahem) between the human, the technology and the empath. The world-building was slightly disappointing - the politics of it didn't really make a huge deal of sense but then, this is space opera after all...
Definitely great popcorn reading with an emphasive on addictive. Immediately after finishing this book, I ordered every other book I could find on Baen's website (damn you, free ebook promotions!!) and was scanning other online retailers for others. I probably need to mention that this was at 1.30am and I was due to get up for work in 4 hours.
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“This book is really good, but don't read it if you are faint hearted because there are a lot sensual things in this book that may not be suitable for young readers.”
Serenity wrote this review Monday, February 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Ms. Asaro does an excellent job of creating a plausible future. She uses her physics background admirablly. I would have liked more romantic character development, but her battle scenes were scary as He!! Some of the best that I have read in Science Fiction Romance. ”
Frances D wrote this review Friday, May 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Another solid book - I have the paperback and audio versions”
Kate Savage wrote this review Sunday, April 20 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I liked it more than I thought I would, and so I read the next book in the series.”
Heather G wrote this review Saturday, December 8 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Sauscony Valdoria (Soz) knows exactly who she is; a Rhon psion, a member of the Ruby Dynasty, an heir to the Skolian Imperialate, a Primary of the elite Skolian Jagernaut space force. She is also well aware of who her ememies are. They are the Traders also known as Eubians, who use empaths such as she as providers, torturing them unmercifully, channeling their pain to achieve orgasmic pleasure. Soz's personal experiences at the hands of one such sadist do not bear thinking about. She'd put it behind her a decade ago, or so she thought.
PNRGroupManager wrote this review Friday, November 2 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Hostilities between the Skolians being what they are, the Allied Worlds of Earth had declared Delos a neutral planet where Allieds, Skolians, and Traders could coexist in harmony. This is where Soz's four person squad had chosen to take their r and r. It is there that Soz begins to question everything she has ever known about herself and her world.
Soz, Rex, Helda, and Taas are relaxing in a tavern when a Highton Aristo (the elite of the elite among Eubians) and his bodyguards enter. Though the first thought of the squad members is to leave, Soz decides to tough it out and determine their intentions. She suspects they may be combing the planet for new providers.
To her shock, the young Aristo approaches her. He is very pleasant and complimentary, even as his words dredge up Soz's hated memories of her former captor. Yet there is something about the young Aristo that doesn't fit, she just can't put her finger on it.
Later that evening Rex announces his intention to retire and proposes to Soz. Although she hasn't thought of it before, she realizes that she does have feelings for her longtime friend. With the second realization that the Rhon mating she's always fantasized about is an impossibility, she accepts. Rex's retirement insures that she will never have to send him into battle. She, however, has no intentions of retiring.
After such an eventful day, Soz is unable to sleep. A chance encounter brings home to her what had been wrong with the Aristo she'd met earlier. Nothing! His mind had not contained that empty cavity that only the pain of a Provider could fill for one of his kind. He was an imposter, and Soz wouldn't rest until she learned just how he'd pulled off such a masquerade and what his purpose is. What she learned that night would change her life forever.
Jabriol Qox, had spent his entire twenty two years in isolation, lonely and unloved. He had been secreted away for his own protection, but from who? He is a complete enigma, the Eubian heir, and the ultimate weapon against the Skolians. He is an aberration among the Hightons who are fanatical about the purity of their bloodlines, a deliberately created Rhon psion. He is the one Eubian capable of accessing the Skolnet and destroying the Skolians once and for all. Ironically the deeply sensitive empath is incapable of killing someone he loves, even if that person is supposed to be his enemy.
Undoubtedly the most innocent man alive, Jabriol believes his "defective" mind is the reason his father cannot bear the sight of him. Soz immediately recognizes the truth, the Aristo's secret weapon would also be the ultimate provider should his people ever learn the truth about him. He also has the potential to be the Rhon mate she's always dreamed of. She is torn between the duty that dictates she should kill him where he stands, the remarkable attraction she feels for him, and the knowledge that his heart is pure. For the first time Soz questions her duty to the Imperator and the Skolian people. Just how much can one woman be expected to do for them and still keep her sanity?
Soz is a complex and fascinating character. The way Ms. Asaro works through her conflicts is simply amazing. Jaibriol is a deeply sympathetic character. Add to this incredible technology and compelling side characters, villains, family, friends, and an intuitive heartbender, and you have a remarkable romantic sci-fi debut. I greatly look forward to the continuing saga.
Reviewed for PNR Reviews”
“I love this book. The mixture of science, technology, and strong characters create a tale of wonder and beauty. Adding to it is a great plot that is satisfying and keeps you wanting more from this world created by Catherine Asaro.”
DenaG wrote this review Saturday, August 4 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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