Even gods have secrets...
On planet Vastire, worth is set by the sins of one's ancestors. Good families rise to the elite and the wicked fall into poverty. Unfortunately for sixteen-year-old Darynn Mark, his father incited a revolution. Now, Darynn scrounges his way through life in the slums. When Vastire is surrounded by an embargo, it gets even harder to survive.
That all changes when an alien ship slips through the embargo, seeking Darynn with an offer: finish the revolution and the embargo ends. He might have a chance thanks to mysterious magic powers, and his two companions: clairvoyant crush Fyra and soldierly alien Kaylaa.
Cutthroat killers, mystical beasts, Vampires, power-hungry priests and lords, and self-serving spies stand in their way. If the three of them can crack his father's secret, maybe they can end the embargo and save the poor. If not, another poor orphan will be added to the growing piles of dead.
My Thoughts
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book with lots of great action, wonderful world building and engaging characters. I enjoyed it immensely. It’s the first of a trilogy but wraps up nicely in its own right while still leaving the reader eager to know more. It put me in mind of books I’ve read by Adrian Tchaikovsky and China Meiville so if you enjoy those authors you will probably enjoy this. The main character, Darynn, was engaging and easy to connect with. I’m looking forward to seeing where his adventures lead. There are still so many questions he needs to answer.
This book is a fellow SPSFC3 entry although not in the same group as Red Rock. I expect it to do well.
Strongly recommended.
Thanks you!!!
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