Author: Lynda Williams

 ISBN: 1894063289

The following review was contributed by: Paul Lappen: CLICK TO VIEW Paul Lappen's Reviews

Set approximately one thousand years from now, this is the story of the first
two interstellar Earth colonies. They were abandoned by Earth after the failure
of early attempts at faster-than-light travel. The problems were solved, but
ideological differences concerning genetic engineering caused outlaw scientists
to sever all contact with Earth and set up their own worlds.

The Reetions of Rire regulate every aspect of their lives with advanced computer
technology. The Sevolites of Gelion are much more of an honor-bound people. The
wearing, and using, of swords in public is a normal part of daily life. It is
also a rigidly class-defined culture, where one is expected to use the proper
pronouns when speaking "up" or "down" to someone else.

The two civilizations fought a major war about 200 years previously, which left
large regions of space uninhabitable. Despite severing all relations with each
other, another war between them is increasingly likely.

Ann, a Reetion pilot, meets, and falls for, Von, a Sevolite male courtesan and
sword-dancer (who Ann calls Beauty), who may be an actual Prince. Ranar, a
Reetion archaeologist with dark skin (a novelty in Sevolite society), meets Di
Mon, a high-ranking member of Sevolite society, who is also in love with Von.
Unintentionally, perhaps they can prevent another major interstellar war.

This is a good piece of society-building. Since this is not the usual sort of
new world, this novel will require some patience on the part of the reader (it
takes a while to get going). It is also the first of a projected ten-book
series. It's very much worth reading.