Catherine Asaro, a physicist who combines believable hard science with first-rate storytelling, exploded onto the science fiction scene with her stellar debut novel, Primary Inversion. Now, she brings us the third tale of the Skolian Empire, which AudioFile calls "a classic tale of power and conflict, with a twist."
When Kelric, a scion of the imperial family of Skolia, crash-lands his fighter on the off-limits planet of Coba, he figures it will be only a short time before he makes his way home. But he fails to account for the powerful matriarchy of Coba, the mistresses of the great estates who do not want the Empire to know about their recent cultural advances. First they take him prisoner. Then, one by one, the most powerful women on the planet fall in love with him.
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"The first Skolian book I read and I've kept coming back. I really like the world building and of course Kelric is a very likable character."
— Becca (5 out of 5 stars)
“[Asaro offers] not only the powerful characterization and intriguing scientific concepts of the first two books, but also an elegant subtlety and a far-reaching sense of destiny that carries her to the highest rank of master storyteller.”
— RT Book Reviews“Anna Fields narrates with her usual control, while maintaining the subtlety of the characters and plot. Each of the powerful matriarchs who become intrigued by Kelric is powerful but distinct in personality and manner.”
— AudioFile“Fields’ no-nonsense, slightly husky voice seems to suit the action well…The intriguing story, with its elements of space adventure and romance, will capture listeners.”
— Kliatt“Fields’ first-rate rendering never falters, even as the text traverses the passage of years and shifting loyalties.”
— Booklist" fun and good character development, as usual for the author "
— Patrick, 12/16/2013" Kelric -- poor Kelric. I wish I had a mind for maths the way he does! "
— Susan, 12/3/2013" Interesting but the ending wasn't up to her other books. "
— Bill, 5/31/2013" I liked Primary Inversion, but thought it was a little weird. Then I read Lask Hawk, and oh no! It was a romance novel! With that said, it was pretty good, although I would never actually admit to enjoying a romance novel. "
— Leif, 6/7/2012" I didn't love it as much as the others, but it grew on me. "
— Katie, 3/23/2012" Another satisfying read from Asaro. She creates worlds and their cultures with such ease that you almost believe in their existence! "
— Jenne, 2/2/2012" I found the first few chapters of this book on the publisher's website and decided I just had to read this author! I'm glad I did!! "
— Jill, 2/9/2011" I didn't love it as much as the others, but it grew on me. "
— Katie, 4/23/2010" fun and good character development, as usual for the author "
— Patrick, 6/17/2009" Another satisfying read from Asaro. She creates worlds and their cultures with such ease that you almost believe in their existence! "
— Jenne, 10/22/2008" Kelric -- poor Kelric. I wish I had a mind for maths the way he does! "
— Susan, 10/20/2008Catherine 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.
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.