The opening reveals some disturbing information about the travels of particular otherworldly beings to areas in which they aren't to be as well as some bricks that are missing. What's important about a few bricks? Ah, good question. They aren't your ordinary mud and mortar type but clear housings for cy-sects...nasty little things that carry poison and can multiply faster than you can say bunny. Just where they went is a mystery, as is the why, but things start to become a little clearer as the story progresses. Jump forward a bit and we've moved the spotlight to Guy Erma, a talented orphan child held back by his lack of parents but not for long if he has anhy say in the matter, and Prince Teodor, a child of similar age yet different circumstances....from the outside at least (one of those "don't judge a book by its cover" moments). These two may be at odds even they don't understand but I have a feeling they share more than they know. However, during the course of this story, one will loose his freedom while the other fights to see through the allusions presented them.

It's a tough nut to crack, but thankfully Regent Sayginn (Teodor's mother) is more than up to the task (at least in my opinion). Oh, did I mention the Emperor is demanding her hand in marriage? Yes, yes...it seems it would be better for all involved and truly set their worlds at peace. (*cough cough* Yeah right! *cough cough*) Let's just say that there is certainly more going on behind his doors than just peace treatys and frankly, he gives off a Darth Vadar vibe (before he sorta showed his heart). ~shudders~ His intentions are less than honorable and the fact that he is hiding something doesn't escape the Regent nor an unexpected allie, Karl Valavanchi. The plot thickens and things come to a head only to...end.

The only true drawback I could see was the ending...or rather the EPIC cliffhanger that leaves you wondering WTH! HOW could you leave us this way! What's going to happen to...and what about...and I think that maybe Guy is really...and, and, and....well, you get the picture. There are A LOT of unanswered questions and the groundwork has certainly been laid to lead readers right into book 2. I know it's on my wish list.



**review copy was received in exchange for my honest review....full post can be seen on my site** ( )

Note: This review is also live in my blog Book And Ink

My taste for scientific fiction declined thanks a lot of writers who went on a stereotyping spree there by producing a lot of similar books with more or less the same elements. After all fiction is a product of a man’s imagination but stereotyping that is akin to obstructing creativity. This writer, Sally Ann Melia thankfully broke all stereotypes by narrating a tale which is set in an advanced generation long ago but with the same human characteristics as the present world. Never did I regret picking up this book.

In this installment of the series, Sally narrates tales of two boys, one, a prince of the empire, Theodor and other, a reluctant model-aspiring fighter-bastard child, Guy Erma. Both the characters are similar yet have a paramount of difference between them. The narration is set in a faraway planet with astounding technological improvements like flying droids that act as cameras and flying disc which act as transport medium. Theodor ends up being kidnapped by people who don’t believe that the Dome (a part of the planet in which the narration is set) should be closed. His mother,Sayginn, embarks on a mission to find missing Theodor. The elaborate description of the Dome is a treat to read. The description was accompanied by beautiful sketches that re-affirmed by visual image from the description.

The story line as such doesn’t have any logical loopholes but sort of lacks explanation in certain parts. After all, this is the first book in the series and may be the writer has more to explain about in the other books. I found the starting of the book a bit uncomfortable and hazy to read for the story sort of began with a bang and a lot of technical terms. Thankfully, the writer added an appendix which made me comfortable therein after. I felt that the writer could have done way better in the characterization department. A couple of major characters (Sayginn and Guy Erma) were well developed with a lot of finesse while other major characters (Theo, Chart Segat) were a bit shallow. Again, I’m expecting to know more about these characters in subsequent books.

The writing needless to say was crisp and neat, conveying what exactly the writer probably envisaged to convey. One line of thinking that stood out was the underlying politics. The technology may have grown leaps and bounds in that planet, but the humans still remain the same with the same qualities of present. This whole mix of human politics and technological advancement made this book a fast paced and interesting read. I just had to pick up the next book! (Thankfully, I have all the three books! This is turning out to be one nail biting series where the readers can’t possibly wait for the next installment)

MY SAY: A fast paced and interesting scientific fiction that is worth a read!

PLOT : 8/10

NARRATION: 8/10

CHARACTERISATION: 6/10

BOREDOM QUOTIENT: 2/10 (The lower the better)

OVERALL RATING: 8/10 ( )

This is book one in the series. The book is about two boys, one a prince and the other is an orphan. Even though they live in such different worlds, they are very similar. Once they meet they will depend on each other more than they ever could have imagined.

The story takes place in the Dome on a far away planet and you can tell that they author put a lot of thought into the world she was creating. Her writing is very visiual and takes you on a fast pased journey. You have to pay attention to what you’re reading. Even though I did, there were some parts that I just didn’t “get”. Still, I liked the story and the characters and the twists. I liked how the book helped me see their world. Even though I’m not a sci-fi fan, the book was entertaining and I think both kids and adults would enjoy it.

There are a few illustration that give a glimpse into their world and a list of words in the back with their meanings. That added so much to the book.

I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read books 1 & 2. ( )

I wasn’t sure about this book, but something kept pulling at me. It didn’t take long before I was fully involved in Teo and Guy’s world. I could not put it down and read it through in one sitting.

Teo is a recalcitrant prince, soon to be king and Emperor.

Guy Erma is an orphan who dreams of becoming one of the Dome Elite.

Two boys growing up, so different, yet the same. They have desires and insecurities, egos and jealousy.

When Teo has a nightmare of the tunnels…and finds himself taken there, I immediately tried to figure out who was behind the kidnapping. He just happens to be a pawn in the ‘game’ that is being played for the title of Emperor of Freyne.

The characters had me eating out of their hands and I think they will grow and develop into some exceptional people who think outside the box, making unpopular moves that take their world to a better place.

D’Elen McClain’s writing took me on a space odyssey that included all the things necessary to take me out of this world. We have shapeshifting aliens, telepaths and suicide fighters. Political intrigue, terrorism, plague. Wonderful writing, great world building and so much more.

I love the gorans, giant cats that are ridden like a horse, making me think of the creatures in Star Wars.

The thrill and suspense held my attention throughout and I love that D’Elen showed the good and bad of her characters, making them more believable.

I am curious how she will bring the different worlds together. This may be fiction, but it brings to mind some of the problems of our own world and the question of…will we ever learn to live in harmony with one another?

I want to know more of the story of Teo and Guy. Will Nell play an important part in the future? :-)

I received this book in return for an honest review. ( )

This is a really good book. If you like sci-fi books or are a fan of the Aoleon books by Mr. Brent LeVasseur, who just makes to give his thumbs up on this book, then you might want to check this book out.

It has a good storyline and characters. Prince Teodor of Freyne and Guy Erma are both strong characters. However I have to say that in the beginning I thought that Guy stood out as the stronger male lead for me. Yet as the story progressed Teodor did grow in strides as well. Another person that I liked is Captain Karl Valvanchi. His storyline was strong too. He helped bring the diffent sides of this story together.

Reading this book brings out my geek side. This is because I like the world that the author has built and there are Borg! I have not read many books with Borg in it. This excites me because I am a Trekky (Star Trek fan). So if this does not get you excited to check this book out then the illustrations will. They are colorful and full length. I can't wait to read the second book in this series. ( )