Author: Robert B. Marcus, Jr. Website: http://rbmarcusjr.com/ Genre: Science Fiction

Review: Shadow on the Stars

Left me smiling!

Wow, this novel was an incredible find. It will easily go down as one of my favorites. Why? Because it contains many of the elements I crave from a story: imaginative setting, intelligent story arc, a superb flow of language, and a flawed hero who expands and heals over the course of his journey.

Krison Camarch is a starship warp tech and a Tel, hated by most other humans for the abilities his genetics affords him. In his mind, he is nothing special, possessing only the ability to block another’s thoughts, not enough to justify a lifetime of pain and the constant battle to keep himself alive. He’s completely perplexed when he finds himself caught up in a struggle between two ancient races, the dark, not-quite-physical Crixonans who mercilessly hunt him, and the Alarri light-beings who inexplicably want his help.

In the midst of his growing nightmare with the Crixonans, Camarch discovers unexpected allies in a Uzoxian, a race thought to be long extinct, and a beautiful young archeologist from Earth. For the first time in many long years, he is no longer fighting alone and something within begins to anneal. Like The Terminator and The Matrix, this story goes far beyond the scifi drama and at its core is a love story, rich and rewarding, beautifully written.

The mark of a good book is in the lasting impression it makes on one’s heart and spirit. I have a feeling this one will stay with me a long, long time.