The Moon's Shadow
 Catherine Asaro
 (Associate Reviewer - Colleen Helme)
 2003 Tor Books
 ISBN: 0765304252

Seventeen-year-old Jaibriol Qox becomes ruler of a vast galactic empire & loses everything he ever valued.

Born of a clandestine liaison between a renegade daughter of the Skolian Imperialate & a scion of the genetically engineered Eubian Traders, Jai Qox grew up in exile, unaware of the powers that coursed through his noble blood.

Associate Reviewer Colleen Helme writes:

This is a new chapter of Catherine Asaro's Skolian Empire. It begins with Jai Qox trading himself to the Eubians for the captive Prince Eldrin, a prominent member of the Skolian Empire. The trade is centered on the fact that Jai Qox is also known as Jaibriol the Third &#amp; by turning himself over to the Eubians he has now claimed his place as the Emperor of Eube, the largest empire in the history of humanity.

Jai's parents died in the Radiance War, a conflict that brought the two empires to their knees. His parents dreamed of a time when Eube & Skolia would know peace. It is Jai's goal to somehow make their dream a reality. But can he do this without the Eubians finding out his greatest secret? Because of his heritage, he is not only the Eubian emperor, but also a Ruby telepath, seen by the Eubians as “providers” who are tortured & used as slaves. He must hide that part of himself so deeply that no one suspects, otherwise he will not only fail, he will also spend the rest of his life in pain & suffering.

As a fan of Catherine Asaro's books, I eagerly anticipated this next installment & was not disappointed. The world of the Skolians & Eubians is a fascinating mixture of good & bad.

The hero, Jai Qox is descended from both sides, but with all the good intact. The conflict he faces as he tries to bring some humanity to the Eubians captivated me to the end. He showed true character & integrity, which made him someone to cheer for.

I don't know if this book would be as good without reading the others before it; although, having said that, I would still recommend it on it's own merits. It is another great read from a great author.

More from Catherine Asaro:
Primary Inversion
Catch the Lightning
The Quantum Rose
Spherical Harmonic
The Radiant Seas
The Veiled Web & more!
(06/15/03)

Colleen
2003©Colleen Helme
A RebeccasReads.Com Associate Reviewer

Reviewer's Bio:
I have been an avid reader “forever” & live in the Rocky Mountains with my husband & four children. In my spare time (when I'm not reading!) I do watercolor paintings, make music, & WRITE! My first fantasy novel, Child of the Flame, is being published this year by American Book Publishing.