"An amazing world worth exploring!"
Irisa DeGennio is young, innocent, and a clutz. She is
also determined to change her life. When she takes off with
the Company to explore the stars, she gets her chance. Unfortunately for Irisa, Bob Darrow, head of the
exploration team, wants everything his way. He wants
glory. He wants power. He wants Irisa. While the team is exploring, Irisa is left on her own.
Venturing beyond her prescribed boundaries, she is caught
in a snowstorm during a warm, summer day. Disoriented, she
is found by a huge, cat-like creature and herded to a lean-
to where a purple-haired, cobalt-blue eyed alien welcomes
her to share his fire. Niallan is a survival skills
instructor, away from his home planet during the
winter celebration. The cat-like creature is his companion,
a sentient animal telepathically bonded to him. The
companion, sensing Niallan's loneliness, has delivered just
the right remedy. The two grow close, very quickly. When Bob finds out,
(by surreptitiously recording Irisa's room), he determines
to capture the alien and return with him as a trophy.
Although Niallan is quite capable of caring for himself,
things are complicated by the need to protect Irisa. Irisa and Niallan flee for Niallan's home world. As
their relationship grows, Irisa learns new skills,
(piloting), and begins to develop a self-confidence
which had been sorely lacking in her life. Naturally, Bob follows them across the galaxy. He is
not going to give up easily. To further complicate
matters, Niallan's planet is soon to be destroyed
by a rogue nebula. The company can help them find a new
planet; but at what cost? Ms. Starr has created a wonderful story. Irisa and
Niallan both grow emotionally, and spiritually, through the
power of their love. The companions are fascinating,
especially on their home planet. And the customs she has
derived for her alien world are rich and satisfying. Dancing the Stars has a mystical, dream-like flavor to
it. While there was plenty of action, a liberal sprinkling
of humor, and a sweet sensuality, there was throughout the
book an underlying sense of spirituality. I'd love to
further explore this world. Seconds, anyone?
Reviewed by Gina Duvall
Posted January 20, 2004
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