Edward Willet, Lost In Translation

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Edward Willet

Daw, October 2006, $6.99, 317 pp.

ISBN: 0756403405

The S'sinn, a bat like sentient creature, colonized K'ikks'sarr; shortly thereafter humans established colonies on the planet. From the first contact, the two species were antagonistic towards one another. When the humans killed several S'sinn, war broke out, with the S'sinn vowing to take it to any orb that contained the dreaded humans. Mankind retaliated, leading to a belligerent stalemate until the multi-species Commonwealth declared the end of all hostilities with humans, and S'sinn remaining on K'akks'sarr within separate boundaries.

The human Kathryn and the S'sinn Jarrikk lost much that they held dear during the war; Kathryn's parents died, while Jarrikk's training group perished along with his ability to fly. Both are empaths and become Translators in the Commonwealth. Another planet is claimed by both species, so the Commonwealth sends the two translators to negotiate a peace that neither side wants. To avert renewed hostilities, both translators will have to break respective oaths. Betrayed on all sides, Jarrikk and Kathryn turn to one another, forging a new telepathic weapon that hopefully will prove strong enough to stop the bloodshed.

LOST IN TRANSLATION delves into the society and mores of the S'sinn that explains why they seem to behave in a feral manner towards humans. This in-depth look at an alien culture makes for fascinating reading. The bond between the two cross translators enables them to understand the other sides perspective. The military science fiction audience will believe that Edward Willet is a Translator with first hand experience working with the sentient S'sinn, and they will want future Translations.