"The complex emotional and relational conflicts build a memorable story"
The planet and society of Celta is again the setting for
power struggles and the need for justice. Ruis Elder is a
Null. More than NOT having flair (psi-power), his
presence negates the power of those he is near. He has
saved his sanity by restoring the old Earth machines.
Ruis has been shunned and mistreated since childhood even
as far as being stripped of his status as FirstSon and
ElderHeir head of the family. Now his power-hungry Uncle
as Captain of the Council has plotted to have him killed
or exiled for theft. Judge Ailim SilverFir has just inherited her position as
GrandLady D'SilverFir, the head of her family. Forced by
family financial difficulties to approach the Council for
a loan, she is outside the Council room doors when Ruis is
brought in chained and beaten. She intervenes with the
guards and spends the short waiting time with him. His
Null effect brings her temporary peace from her Telempathy
although she is not in a position to help him with the
Council. Although the prophetess D'Vine exhorts the Council to
reconsider their action against Ruis, he is condemned into
exile and must remain outside the walls of Druida or risk
death. Danith D'Ash (from HEARTMATE) brings Ruis a Fam
cat, Samba; so for the first time in his life he is not
alone. Rather than leave the city as ordered he heads for
the last remaining Earth ship, Nuada's Sword. He finds
the ship is sentient and lonely. Nuada's Sword accepts
Ruis as Captain and desperately wants to keep him. Ruis
insists on visiting Ailim and their forbidden relationship
grows. With Ailim, Nuada's Sword and Samba, Ruis is no longer
alone. He is astounded by the different forms of love
each of them has brought into his life. But with Ailim's
position as judge and GrandLady and Ruis' discovery
meaning his death, how can they become more than friends? Ruis' emotional growth as he finds he has something to
give those he loves occasionally conflicts with lessons
life has taught him. Having both Ailim and Nuada's Sword
giving him guidance often has him frustrated and going his
own way, but always the love draws him back. The
characters change and grow as the political plots
thicken. The complex emotional and relational conflicts
are clear and realistic. This is a story you will enjoy
reading and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Courtesy:
eBOOKISLE
Reviewed by Cy Korte
Posted June 12, 2003
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