K.C. Berg, In The Light of the Passing

In The Light of the Passing

K.C. Berg

Infinity, October 2005, $20.95

ISBN: 0741427990

In Sarzan, Commander Vallance has had it with the disobedience of his offspring Nadeena, who wanders the dells over his objections. She asks him what does a daughter of a commander do; he replies he has not found any usefulness for her. However, his wife Diona decides Nadeena can be useful by marrying her off in a political deal that will strengthen Vallance's control.

Nadeena learns of her parents' plan and decides to leave. She already has problems with her sire's iron fisted control of her people, so a forced marriage is the final straw that sends her into hiding nearby, just outside the city. There she meets miners led by Rotek loyal to Commander Doff of nearby planet Scrovell, who take her to their secret underground city where they plot a revolt against her abusive father. She also meets Commander Shance of another nearby planet, who believes all his people are dead. As they plan to destroy her father, a cruel dictator who has killed many on all three orbs, the two males fall in love with Nadeena.

Though Vallance and Diona have no redeeming qualities, readers will appreciate this strong outer space science fiction thriller, in which the key element is that the tri-worlds, especially Sarzan seem real. The storyline is action-packed, and the romantic heroic trio are full blooded individuals with needs and desires that often internally conflict. Fans will enjoy this fine fast-paced tale of freedom fighters struggling on a planet in a faraway galaxy.