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Primary Inversion Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,486 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The Skolian Empire rules a third of the civilized galaxy through its mastery of faster-than-light communication. But war with the rival empire of the Traders seems imminent, a war that can only lead to slavery for the Skolians or the destruction of both sides. Destructive skirmishes have already occurred, and a desperate attempt must be made to avert total disaster.
When Sauscony Valdoria, linked to the powerful Skolian Web, and the Aristo heir to the evil Trader Empire of Tarnth link minds, they instantly fall in love. However, in order to prevent interstellar war, Sauscony must be either his lover or his killer.
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"Great start to Asaro's Skolian Empire saga. Published in 1996, it has a nice balance between hard sci-fi and space opera themes and development of a sensitive but tough telepathic character, Soz (Sauscony Valdoria) struggling to find love and human connections in the face of emotional isolation as both a military pilot and heir to the heriditary throne of empaths. As a physicist, Asaro is able to put her own innovative twists on the rendering of faster-than-light space travel, artificial intelligence, and cybernetic enhancements. The key to Skolian's power in the "cybernet" for telepathic communication is also an interesting premise. That the empire of the Traders are evil slave holders driven to sadistic pleasure from the pain of others is unfortunately hokey to me. The dangerous love that develops between Soz and the heir to the Trader empire and the intrigue that follows to avert the Trader's gaining an advantage in the war is a satisfying blend of personal and political action."
— Michael (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Catherine Asaro, a physicist, has done a fine job of rationalizing her scenario through genetics and psionics, and her hard SF speculations are a neat contrast to the plot’s fairy-tale aspects…A good read.”
— Starlog -
“This long-running series is one of the best in which space opera meets romance. The empire is in a war that can only lead to mutual destruction, unless the two sides can make peace. This series features several ‘Romeo and Juliet’–type romances but with happier endings, as well as a fully developed science fictional universe that only acquires more depth with each title.”
— Library Journal, praise for the series -
“Masterful…Asaro combines hard speculative science and first-rate storytelling to look at the galaxy’s distant future…Asaro innovatively blends computer technology and telepathy into the electrifying, action-rich drama she creates. This is one of the best SF first novels in years.”
— Booklist -
“An imaginative debut that takes off at a frantic pace, with dazzling technology, stirring battles, and mental high jinks…plenty of energy and invention.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A Library Journal Editor’s Pick of Best SF Romance
Primary Inversion Listener Reviews
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" Awesome combination of SF, captivating characters, and complex themes. This is one of the best SF series I have read and I still have more to go. "
— Dena, 2/20/2014 -
" This is an empire-spanning space opera with lots of interstellar politics and complicated family dynamics and sadistic villains, but the heroine is an adult military professional and the hero a sheltered younger man, which I love (especially given the title of the book, 'cause you don't get a more primary inversion than that in the romance genre--and despite being primarily science fiction this is also a romance). "
— geekturnedvamp, 2/7/2014 -
" Good hard science, some romance, lots of political intrigue. My enjoyment was hampered by the fact that I somehow only downloaded 8 parts of 11 - good thing when I went back to redownload, it wasn't checked out, since part 8 ended practically in mid-sentence! "
— Penny, 2/7/2014 -
" I loved the main character of this series. Very compelling read and highly imaginative. "
— Lynne, 2/2/2014 -
" The whole series is great - strong female lead - and it's a sexy space-soap-opera to boot! Not to many author can make that combo succeed without turning it into sappy sludge. All of Asaro's books (even the less interesting ones) keep your blood pumping... "
— Zen, 1/20/2014 -
" The romance side of this story was thoroughly unconvincing. "
— Coralie, 1/20/2014 -
" The first (that I read, and I think that she wrote) in a very long Saga. This is the only one I would really recommend to anyone, and I haven't re-read it since. "
— Meg, 12/6/2013 -
" Not bad. Not great either, but quite enjoyable. My biggest problem was too much info in some aspects. Asaro added so much Sci-fi info it sometimes felt like reading gibberish. "
— Circuit, 3/10/2013 -
" The Skolian Empire vs the Trader Empire. This is a Romeo and Juliette story with some fun futuristic SF twists. The entire series sucked me in and I read them all. Good fun. "
— Susan, 11/27/2012 -
" Even though this is the first book in the Saga of the Skolian Empire, it was the third book I read. I've really enjoyed it and have, of course, read it more than once! "
— Jill, 10/9/2012 -
" Another very original sic-fi series. Loved them all. "
— Mary, 3/27/2012 -
" This was the first in a series. It was pretty good, I am now wanting to read the rest. Starting with catch the lightning. Fun read if you like sci fi! "
— Bill, 8/24/2011 -
" I am glad to have found this author. This is a "hard" SF novel aka lots of technology descriptions but unlike the novels from the late 70's it has woman characters. It also has a good world creation and a fast moving plot. "
— Laura, 6/9/2011 -
" Romeo meets Juliet but with sci-fi and telepathy. I couldn't put it down. To say anything else would be to despite you of reading a great book. "
— Rainbowjay2, 4/28/2011 -
" I liked this a little more than 3 stars and a little less than 4. I found it to be an oddly riveting blend of fascinating speculative science and melodramatic romance. Sort of astrophysics meets bodice ripper. I want to read more of them, so I guess that says something. "
— Kalima, 2/28/2011 -
" A story of discovery, betrayal, breaking personal bonds and of hope... <br/> <br/>An interesting space opeara'ish science fiction story and one I liked. "
— Greg, 2/23/2011 -
" I got interested in Asaro's Skolian Empire books after reading a short story set in the universe. Primary Inversion did not disappoint me. Warring empires, nano-tech, telepaths, hot romance. It's all good. "
— Amy, 12/3/2010 -
" wow this book was a dud. glad I got it for free. "
— Jessicalynn, 10/27/2010 -
" Good hard science, some romance, lots of political intrigue. My enjoyment was hampered by the fact that I somehow only downloaded 8 parts of 11 - good thing when I went back to redownload, it wasn't checked out, since part 8 ended practically in mid-sentence! "
— Penny, 8/14/2010
About Catherine Asaro
Catherine Asaro writes science fiction, fantasy, and romance in six series and three stand-alone novels. The Quantum Rose won the 2001 Nebula Award for Best Novel, and The Spacetime Pool won the 2008 Nebula Award for Best Novella. She grew up near Berkeley, California. She earned a BS degree in chemistry with highest honors from UCLA, an MA degree in physics, and a PhD in chemical physics from Harvard University.
About Anna Fields
Kate Fleming (a.k.a. Anna Fields) (1965–2006), winner of more than a dozen Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award in 2004, was one of the most respected narrators in the industry. Trained at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, she was also a director, producer, and technician at her own studio, Cedar House Audio.