"Excellent science fiction thriller"
The Skolian Empire is founded on democratic principles
while the Euban Concord or Trader Empire's economy is based
on slavery. The two civilizations are enemies and while the
Trader Empire has more ships, The Skolian Empire
information meshes form a web that is manipulated by two
powerful psionics of the Ruby Dynasty, Kurj and Dehya.
Through instantaneous communications with real time news
and the ability to control resources, the Skolians have the
edge if war occurs. The Eubans know this and through subterfuge try and destroy
the mesh of the web. Powerful Skolian psionic Eldrinson was
captured and tortured before being rescued, his son lays
brain dead in a hospital and the Eubans break through
Skolian forces and poison Kurj putting him in a coma and
kidnap his mother Rocca, the one person who can take his
place in their web defense. It falls to space cadet Soz to
take the place of her brother Kurj and Dehya in order to
keep the web from failing. Meanwhile the medics work on
Kurj and the leaders try to find a replacement for the
missing Dehya while Soz, the daughter of Rocca and
Eldrinson, third in line for the ruby throne, proves to be
a powerful psi capable of holding the net together for a
period of time. The Euban Empire prepares to defeat the
Skolian forces. Action, romance, and political intrigue are the trademarks
of a Catherine Asaro science fiction thriller and THE FINAL
KEY is no exception. The sequel to SCHISM is space opera at
its very best with characters of deep depth integrated into
a military sci fi thriller. Soz plays a key role in the
battle and gains a maturity that only comes from those who
make life and death decisions. Let's hope there are more
adventures starring this intrepid coming of age heroine. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 22, 2005
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 18, 2007
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