Rating: 
Summary: Can't thank you enough, Catherine!
Review: Primary Inversion first appeared in hard cover in 1994 and was one of the strongest first SF novels ever, a romantic adventure with a healthy dose of super science. Not an unexpected gem, if one considers the author: Catherine Asaro holds a Ph.D. from Harvard in Mathematical Chemistry, Masters in Physics, edited her own SF/Science magazine, Mindsparks and had a previous Ruby Dynasty story in Analog, April 1994. Primary Inversion introduces us to our universe in the 2200's, but from the point of view of the genetically advanced humans that we discover seeded through the galaxy when we Earthlings finally make the leap to space. The Allied Worlds (Earth) holds one corner of the power triangle, but the struggle Sauscony (Soz) Skolia lives is between the Skolian Imperialate and the Eubian Traders (evil incarnate). She is the ideal of a perfect soldier. Jaggernaut physical training, a bio-web of weapons embedded in her body and a psi connection to the Skolian web that controls instantaneous communication in the universe make her nearly indestructible, but the fact that she's an empath and a telepath make her vulnerable in a way we rarely see in a killing machine. Throw in drop-dead-gorgeous and lonely as hell (no possibility of a Rhon mate, a man who can link minds with her, in the entire universe) and you see the formula for a novel filled with nova bursts of energy. Although this novel is meant to stand alone, it is actually the first half of a book. What is part two? The Radiant Seas (Tor 1999).
Rating: 
Summary: Promising but cut the cheese
Review: Primary Inversion is a heady mix of the worst of romance and the best of hardcore sf. The sadistic Traders and psionically-enchanced Skolians are fighting a continuous war. The two heirs of enemy houses(ahem, Romeo and Juliet?) fall instantly in love and cause a great ruckus. After a quick Sunday morning run-through, that is all I got from the book.I'll probably be blasted for not giving this book stellar ratings, but hey I'm trying to be helpful by critiquing good AND bad points. I was interested in Asaro's writing because of her background in physics and was hungry for new female science fiction writers. Unfortunately, the plot reeks of immaturity. Grossly adolescent, Sauscony, the older but so sexy heroine, reads like a female version of James T. Kirk whose "heartbender" (umm, shrink) asserts that she is incapable of being with an equal. Bagging little boys is fine, but even that was boring! The galaxy seems to be chock full of strapping Jagernauts, quivering barmaids, and gorgeous little college boys, and a line of Emperors surnamed "Qox". Oh baby, whose Qox is it.. Ur Qox baby! And for "puggings sake", do adults not swear like adults? This is like the Bold and the Beautiful in Space. There are a few positive points that, with more time and training would have made this book digestable. The underlying technology is refreshingly real and captivating, the ftl drives and antimatter weapons for example. Empathic fighters have cybernetic implants that can block their victims dying screams. The notion of love at first sight between the two heirs would seem silly if not for the fact that they had engineered "Rhon" genes that create pheremones so potent, they rack their potential mates with primal lust (like genetic soulmates). I honestly have no qualms about mixing romance with SF, but I was hoping for a more depth in character, plot, etc. You won't get compelling themes on the human condition, or strangely unique aliens or strong memorable characters. Hopefully, after this first try, Asaro will churn out much better yarns with the hope that she will dump the vacuous romantic cliches, keep the clean prose and intelligent science, and come up with a stronger plot.
Rating: 
Summary: Good First Effort
Review: PRIMARY INVERSION is apparently the first scifi novel by Asaro. For a first try, it is pretty good, despite some shortcomings. She clearly is well-grounded in science, and the hard scifi aspect of her writing is intriguing and well thought out. The plot of the story held my interest (though I wouldn't quite describe it as a page-turner)and the main characters have enough depth to make you care what happens to them. On the other hand, Asaro's political set-up is, at best, fuzzy. The Skolian dynasty is "decrepit" and there is some sort or elected body, but once you get into the story Primary Valdoria's half-brother seems to rule in a very absolute sense. Further, way too much of this story revolves around special mental powers. The advanced inter-personal links that might flow from nanotechnology and computer implants aren't enough. There have to be special psychic powers as well, and these powers constitute the main difference between the rival Skolian and Trader empires. The special powers should have been left out, in my opinion. The sadism of the Trader ruling class could easily have had other sources. The "Rhon" versus "Aristo" business was, in its genetic origins, obscure and confusing. Finally, most of the action (which is well written, by the way) takes place in the first part of the book. More action in the latter part of the story would have been a plus. Although PRIMARY INVERSION has its weaknesses, it was engaging enough to hold my interst throughout. For a first effort, it was promising. I will probably be reading more of Ms. Asaro's books. I think most scifi fans will find this an entertaining read.
Rating:
Summary: Future Shock Among the Mayans
Review: Primary Inversion is the first novel in the Skolian Imperialate series. Sauscony Valdoria is a Jagernaut Primary, a rank equivalent to Admiral, a Psion, and a member of the Ruby dynasty. She and her fellow cyberfighters, and empaths, have landed on Delos for R&R and are having a difficult time handling the fear of the population. When they encounter a group of Eubian bodyguards, one invites Soz out for a drink, but this only initiates flashbacks to a time when Soz became a provider to a Highton Aristo while undercover in an intelligence operation. The Eubians, also known as Slave Traders, are stunted Psions who can only receive feelings of pain, but experience pleasure at the sensation. Thus, they are all sadists, basking in the pain of others, particularly the Rhon empaths, who generate stronger feelings of pain and hence are called providers for the intense pleasure they provide to the Aristos. The Skolians sense that the Eubian is an Aristo in disquise, probably looking for providers to kidnap. They report the Eubian's presence to the local police and discover a fellow empath in the interpreter who takes their report. When the others leave, Soz stays behind to talk to the interpreter and he gives her a vintage book as a gift for confirming that he is an empath. When Soz returns to the inn, she finds Rex, her Secondary, in a fey mood. He announces that he is going to retire and asks Soz to marry him. Soz agrees, but then Rex learns that their children cannot be part of the Ruby dynasty, since Rex lacks the recessive genes that allow the Ruby dynastic line to access the ancient controllers for the Skol-Net which links all human space with instantaneous communications. This reminder chills his desire to marry Soz, but he warms up again after re-consideration. While walking around, Soz has a conversation with a little girl which triggers a connection in her memories: the Eubian didn't generate the usual empty feeling to her empathic talents that is characteristic of an Aristo. Soz investigates further and finds something very strange: an Aristo heir to the Eubian throne who is a full Psion. This novel is full of strange ideas and viewpoints. Although the backstory is imparted in small doses, there is an immense history that looms in the background. Overall, this novel is confusing, but still a fun read, and the romantic aspects are just as well handled as the technological. Portions of this series have been published in Analog, yet the series has been praised in Romantic Times. An unusual combination that should happen more often. Recommended for anyone who enjoys hard SF intermingled with a plot of political intrigue and romance.
Rating:
Summary: Future Shock Among the Mayans
Review: Primary Inversion is the first novel in the Skolian Imperialate series. Sauscony Valdoria is a Jagernaut Primary, a rank equivalent to Admiral, a Psion, and a member of the Ruby dynasty. She and her fellow cyberfighters, and empaths, have landed on Delos for R&R and are having a difficult time handling the fear of the population. When they encounter a group of Eubian bodyguards, one invites Soz out for a drink, but this only initiates flashbacks to a time when Soz became a provider to a Highton Aristo while undercover in an intelligence operation. The Eubians, also known as Slave Traders, are stunted Psions who can only receive feelings of pain, but experience pleasure at the sensation. Thus, they are all sadists, basking in the pain of others, particularly the Rhon empaths, who generate stronger feelings of pain and hence are called providers for the intense pleasure they provide to the Aristos. The Skolians sense that the Eubian is an Aristo in disquise, probably looking for providers to kidnap. They report the Eubian's presence to the local police and discover a fellow empath in the interpreter who takes their report. When the others leave, Soz stays behind to talk to the interpreter and he gives her a vintage book as a gift for confirming that he is an empath. When Soz returns to the inn, she finds Rex, her Secondary, in a fey mood. He announces that he is going to retire and asks Soz to marry him. Soz agrees, but then Rex learns that their children cannot be part of the Ruby dynasty, since Rex lacks the recessive genes that allow the Ruby dynastic line to access the ancient controllers for the Skol-Net which links all human space with instantaneous communications. This reminder chills his desire to marry Soz, but he warms up again after re-consideration. While walking around, Soz has a conversation with a little girl which triggers a connection in her memories: the Eubian didn't generate the usual empty feeling to her empathic talents that is characteristic of an Aristo. Soz investigates further and finds something very strange: an Aristo heir to the Eubian throne who is a full Psion. This novel is full of strange ideas and viewpoints. Although the backstory is imparted in small doses, there is an immense history that looms in the background. Overall, this novel is confusing, but still a fun read, and the romantic aspects are just as well handled as the technological. Portions of this series have been published in Analog, yet the series has been praised in Romantic Times. An unusual combination that should happen more often. Recommended for anyone who enjoys hard SF intermingled with a plot of political intrigue and romance.
Rating:
Summary: A perfect blend of all the elements that makes a sci fi book
Review: Primary Inversion reminds me of Lois McMaster Bujold's Mirror Dance. Asaro balances a complex political scene with brilliant action and heart breaking characters. If you have yet to read Asaro this book marks the best place to begin. Although the hardcover is rare I believe it is worth hunting down in zShops (I did).
Rating:
Summary: Catherine Asaro returns us to Real Science Fiction
Review: Rising past the glut of pseudo-science fiction and bad fantasy, occasionally jewels like Catherine Asaro's novels emerge. Primary Inversion and the two novels that she's written since are incredible. They are very well written, and are based on actual science theory and plausible concepts. The characters are very interesting, and the reader is immersed in the intrigues and complexity of the Skolian universe. All are great reads for the "purists" in the SF arena. If you enjoy the masters like Asimov, Orson Scott Card, Ray Bradbury, David Brin, and Arthur C. Clark, you'll love Asaro's books. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant first novel of political intrigue & romance
Review: The novel is a fast paced story of political intrigue on a galactic scale. It is the first novel in a long time which uses psi senses in such a believable manner. I found her design of the three civilizations quite well structured. Ms. Asaro uses the romantic elements in fine style. I simply did not wish to put down the book.
Rating:
Summary: Strong characters AND science
Review: This is a great read and a VERY solid debut. Not only is the female lead capable yet appealingly vulnerable, the science is also novel and interesting, particularly the star drive (the implications of relativity are fully considered), Asaro's rendition of telepathic cyberspace (though she loses a point for calling it "psiberspace," groan -- along with all the other "psi" words like "psicon"), and the relationship between the aristos and their providers. I did enjoy coinage like "heartbender" (for psychiatrist). I've read the beginning of the next one off the shelf in the bookstore and had to force myself to put it back (can't afford to buy every book I want in hardcover so will reluctantly wait for the PB of "Catch the Lightning"). OK, so I figured out how it was going to end pretty easily, but it was one HELL of a fun ride getting there
Rating:
Summary: LOVE
Review: This is my favorite book. I hope to someday name a daughter after Sauscony.
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