Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is a science fiction novel with a strong romantic tilt and a male protagonist, unusually so for a romantic story (yet Asaro manages this convincingly time after time). It is the 10th or so entry in the Skolian Empire series, but stands entirely on its own, revolves arounds a new character (a member of the royal family we knew only by name before), surprisingly has no background or scientific infodumps, instead smoothly incorporating required information into the story.
The story is - Del, the youngest scion of a royal family ruling an interstellar empire, is on Earth, hiding in anonymity under a pseudonym. His unusual good looks and a tremendous vocal talent land him a contract as a rock singer, but the path to stardom is unlikely: his telepathic sensitivity cripples him in front of crowds. He's an awkward, naive farm boy thrust into the decadence of Earth's music industry, yet his past hides pain and alienation.
Usually being more fond of science fiction novels, I was surprised that the sample chapters I read drew me in so well. The book is a good, fast read, and the end had a surprisingly emotional impact - I did not expect to be tearing up. This is an excellent book to read for readers new to the Skolian series, and existing fans will also enjoy it.
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Del Valdoria was an heir of the Ruby Dynasty, rulers of the interstellar empire called the Skolian Imperialate. But he had no interest in being associated with the draconian measures his brothers used to maintain power. He just wanted to sing holo-rock—not a respectable activity for a Ruby prince. To make things more complicated, he was on Earth, far from home, and the Earth government wasn't willing to let such a potential source of information and valuable bargaining chip leave. And then a major entertainment corporation took an interest in his music. Del's mix of unsophisticated innocence and sensual wickedness was dynamite. Singing as Del Arden, he became a major hit almost overnight, the hottest thing in holo-rock. And that was a nightmare for the Earth government, because it put a spotlight on him, inviting the attention of assassins, kidnappers, and who knew what other dangers. If anything happened to Del, Allied Space Command might as well just walk up to Skolian Space Command and say, "Hey, let's have a war.” Then there was a third interstellar empire, the Eubian Concord, warlike enemy of the Skolian Imperialate. His millions of fans on Earth might not know that their idol was a Ruby prince, but the Concord knew just who he was. And certain songs, if sung by a son of the Ruby Dynasty, might be considered an act of war . . .
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