Rating: 
Summary: The Moon's Shadow
Review: This is an awsome book. I like the way it starts out with Jai leaving one life and having to face another. Corbal was a tricky surprize for him to overcome. Tarquine, on the other hand, was a mystery that he had to solve before he could truly embrace his new life as Emporer of Eube. Then he made a stand for something greater than all of the characters of this book. Catherine Asaro is as awsome as this Series.
Rating:
Summary: Mind your manners!
Review: Catherine Asaro's "The Moon's Shadow" is the final volume of a quartet within her fabulous Skolian Empire series that tells of the events in the aftermath of the Radiance War. (Newcomers are advised to read "Primary Inversion" and "The Radiant Seas" first.) While the first of these, "Ascendant Sun," was a classic space opera, in "The Quantum Rose" Asaro riffed on the once-high-tech world gone medieval theme, while "Spherical Harmonic" can perhaps best be described as a resurrection myth containing a quantum physics monograph (or perhaps the other way around).And now in "Shadow," one of the best of the entire series, the author returns to her romantic side--plenty of sex, plenty of space opera. Above all, though, it's a novel of manners. The red-eyed Eubian "Highton" aristocracy speak with indirection and false politeness. The biggest faux pas one of them can make is to say exactly what they mean. And suddenly among them comes their naive and reluctant new young emperor, Jabriol III, who has to grow up and take charge in a hurry (a typical Asaro theme), dealing with potential assassins and dubious allies, all the while trying to start peace negotiations with the Skolians (he's half Skolian himself); more important, all the while trying to figure out what's going on. A tall and complicated order indeed. Most delicious of all, though, readers are reintroduced to perhaps the most complex character Asaro has ever created, the Eubian finance minister Tarquine Iquar (who fans of the series will remember from "Ascendant Sun"). She's smart, she's tough, she's conflicted. For the second time in the series she appears on the book cover. Despite her age (which of course she doesn't look a bit of), she's not too old to do some growing up and taking charge herself. She knows the language of indirection, and she redirects it her way. She has plenty of secrets of her own. Will she reveal them? Indeed, dear reader, that is for you to discover.
Rating: 
Summary: Unexpected, but lacking depth
Review: I originally thought I hadn't suffered from not reading any of the previous books in this saga, but now I wonder. Perhaps a number of the characters and events would have had a greater resonance and feel more grounded had I known something about them already.
Essentially this is the story of Jai, who has unwillingly become the Emperor of Eube to save a relative's life and in the hopes of bringing peace to the galaxy. He is young, ethical and idealistic. Unfortunately he is also a "psion" (telepath) in a society where the vast majority of the population are slaves and psions are the lowest of the low.
"The Moon's Shadow" did not develop as I thought it would. I was expecting something along the lines of "Daughter of the Empire", where a novice ruler uses her unorthodox grasp of law and tradition to survive and thrive in her unwanted responsibilities. This book is quite different. Jai does not show much capacity for wisdom or compromise, only ethics. Much of the book is therefore taken up with him stumbling from one crisis to the next, many of them created or prolonged by his refusal to adapt to his new situation and take advice. For me the most significant problem with this book was a certain lack of grounding. Time has passed, but we do not know how Emperor Jai has been spending his time. We are told he is increasingly unpopular, but we do not know with who or precisely why. Everyone, even the hardest characters in the book, who spend time with Jai are won over by him and think him worthy of their loyalty, despite their knowledge of his secrets and behaviour that is strange and weak by the standards of his new society. Too much telling and not enough showing, in other words. I also found the relationship between a very old woman and a very young man hard to take.
But all that aside, I did rather enjoy "The Moon's Shadow". Asaro's style is clear and flowing, and editorial mistakes were at a minimum. The setting is really interesting and the many of the characters and events are appealing.
So - worth reading, but not a stand-out for me.
Rating:
Summary: A sheep in Wolfs clothing
Review: If you haven't read THE LAST HAWK, ASCENDANT SUN and THE RADIANT SEAS you will probably miss a lot of the important story threads and character development in this story, as in a sense this is the story of the massive change in the Eubian empire that these previous novels were leading to. At the end of the Radiance War Jaibriol Qox-Skolia was still a school boy on Earth. When he saw his parents die in a shuttle crash he opted to trade himself to the Eubians in exchange for his uncle Eldrin, the Skolian Ruby Prince who had been captured in the war. For Jai was the true heir to the Eubian empire, but he was also everything they despised - a "provider" psion and a Ruby Prince - both secrets of his past and heritage he had to keep from everyone in the empire if he was to survive even a single day. This is the story of how Jai learned to survive as Emperor Jaibriol III and the difficult path to peace he finds at the heart of an empire that is the epitome of everything he hates. This is one of the best books in this series, but its true strength lies in the way it builds on previous events. In other books we have been given glimpse of the violent and corrupt Eubian empire and its vicious rulers the Highton caste but in this novel we get to know them in all their depravity and glory as Jai learns more about his father's people than he ever wanted to know.
Rating:
Summary: A sheep in Wolfs clothing
Review: If you haven't read THE LAST HAWK, ASCENDANT SUN and THE RADIANT SEAS you will probably miss a lot of the important story threads and character development in this story, as in a sense this is the story of the massive change in the Eubian empire that these previous novels were leading to. At the end of the Radiance War Jaibriol Qox-Skolia was still a school boy on Earth. When he saw his parents die in a shuttle crash he opted to trade himself to the Eubians in exchange for his uncle Eldrin, the Skolian Ruby Prince who had been captured in the war. For Jai was the true heir to the Eubian empire, but he was also everything they despised - a "provider" psion and a Ruby Prince - both secrets of his past and heritage he had to keep from everyone in the empire if he was to survive even a single day. This is the story of how Jai learned to survive as Emperor Jaibriol III and the difficult path to peace he finds at the heart of an empire that is the epitome of everything he hates. This is one of the best books in this series, but its true strength lies in the way it builds on previous events. In other books we have been given glimpse of the violent and corrupt Eubian empire and its vicious rulers the Highton caste but in this novel we get to know them in all their depravity and glory as Jai learns more about his father's people than he ever wanted to know.
Rating:
Summary: Great blend of sci fi and romance
Review: Jaibriol Qox III has just assumed the carnelian throne of the Eubian Empire. He is the rightful heir to the throne, his DNA says so. But no one else is aware that his DNA also says that he is the son of the late Sauscony (Soz) Valdoria, the hated Imperator of the Eubian Empire's sworn enemy, The Skolian Empire. Jaibriol (or Jai as he likes to be called) was born in exile where his mother and father, Jaibriol II, fled after faking their deaths. In the aftermath of the crippling Radiance War, he now believes his parents are really dead and that he has a duty to see that they didn't die in vain. Realizing he is the only chance the warring worlds have for peace, he reveals himself to the Eubians and thus takes his place as Emperor. But it is harder than Jai thought. He is young and inexperienced. The Hightons, the ruling class on Eube, speak in a florid meandering language that is full of subtext and hidden meaning. Jai can't seem to master the subletites so he blunders constantly. Making enemies early on, he quickly becomes the target of assassination plots But Jai gains unlikely allies in the woman he makes his empress, Tarquine Iquar, and his wily adviser Corbal Xir. All three have devastating secrets that if they came to light mean sure death. In Tarquine and Corbal Jai gains access to the experience and ruthlessness necessary to run his empire. But he manages to maintain his own internal idealism and need to meet the Skolians at the peace table. If you haven't read any of the other books of the series, then this probably isn't the best place to be starting. In the previous seven books, there is so much back-story, so much explanation of the events that lead to Jai taking the throne, that you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you tried to start here. Reading this book, it made me think of Jai as a narc under deep cover. Constantly watching his back trying not to make a false move. Having to pretend to transcend is kinda like a undercover cop having to commit crime to be accepted. He is deep in enemy territory and one false move could get a slave collar slapped on his throat. The irony, of course , is that he is the rightful emperor and this is his empire. He should be right at home. He should be able to make changes if he wants, but the way of life and the attitudes of the people are so ingrained that his efforts are frightening and make him an assassination target. But he has Tarquine, who after Soz, has become my favorite character in these books. She is tough, wily, smart, duplicitous, forward thinking, selfish, compassionate, ruthless, wise and most of all she is looking out for Jai. I thought for sure Corbal would be the power behind Jai, but it is Tarquine who bears watching. This book has a lot to recommend it. There is Jai who is growing and learning and trying to make a legacy for his parents. There is lots of good sex. There is lots of great action that includes plotting and counter plotting, assassination attempts, murder, lawsuits and espionage. There are old threads tied up a little bit (Kelric and Tarquine). And there are the off screen developments in the Ruby dynasty. I especially love the scenes where Kelric, Roca and Dyhianna are puzzling over Jai's motives, not realizing that he is Soz's child. Which brings me to the commenting on the whole series. I can't wait to see what happens next. The Skolian Empire series is an excellent series of books that are wonderfully plotted. I love the fact that the reader has so much great information about the goings on that none of the characters really know. I love the idea that the one of the two people who know everything has conveniently died and that the other person isn't in a position to reveal anything. I can't wait until the Valdorias all find out about Jai. I can't wait until Jai finds out about his parents. I can't wait until poor Roca learns about Soz and Althor. So really what I am saying is: This book is good, the series is good and I can't wait til the next book. I highly recommend
Rating:
Summary: Great blend of sci fi and romance
Review: Jaibriol Qox III has just assumed the carnelian throne of the Eubian Empire. He is the rightful heir to the throne, his DNA says so. But no one else is aware that his DNA also says that he is the son of the late Sauscony (Soz) Valdoria, the hated Imperator of the Eubian Empire's sworn enemy, The Skolian Empire. Jaibriol (or Jai as he likes to be called) was born in exile where his mother and father, Jaibriol II, fled after faking their deaths. In the aftermath of the crippling Radiance War, he now believes his parents are really dead and that he has a duty to see that they didn't die in vain. Realizing he is the only chance the warring worlds have for peace, he reveals himself to the Eubians and thus takes his place as Emperor. But it is harder than Jai thought. He is young and inexperienced. The Hightons, the ruling class on Eube, speak in a florid meandering language that is full of subtext and hidden meaning. Jai can't seem to master the subletites so he blunders constantly. Making enemies early on, he quickly becomes the target of assassination plots But Jai gains unlikely allies in the woman he makes his empress, Tarquine Iquar, and his wily adviser Corbal Xir. All three have devastating secrets that if they came to light mean sure death. In Tarquine and Corbal Jai gains access to the experience and ruthlessness necessary to run his empire. But he manages to maintain his own internal idealism and need to meet the Skolians at the peace table. If you haven't read any of the other books of the series, then this probably isn't the best place to be starting. In the previous seven books, there is so much back-story, so much explanation of the events that lead to Jai taking the throne, that you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you tried to start here. Reading this book, it made me think of Jai as a narc under deep cover. Constantly watching his back trying not to make a false move. Having to pretend to transcend is kinda like a undercover cop having to commit crime to be accepted. He is deep in enemy territory and one false move could get a slave collar slapped on his throat. The irony, of course , is that he is the rightful emperor and this is his empire. He should be right at home. He should be able to make changes if he wants, but the way of life and the attitudes of the people are so ingrained that his efforts are frightening and make him an assassination target. But he has Tarquine, who after Soz, has become my favorite character in these books. She is tough, wily, smart, duplicitous, forward thinking, selfish, compassionate, ruthless, wise and most of all she is looking out for Jai. I thought for sure Corbal would be the power behind Jai, but it is Tarquine who bears watching. This book has a lot to recommend it. There is Jai who is growing and learning and trying to make a legacy for his parents. There is lots of good sex. There is lots of great action that includes plotting and counter plotting, assassination attempts, murder, lawsuits and espionage. There are old threads tied up a little bit (Kelric and Tarquine). And there are the off screen developments in the Ruby dynasty. I especially love the scenes where Kelric, Roca and Dyhianna are puzzling over Jai's motives, not realizing that he is Soz's child. Which brings me to the commenting on the whole series. I can't wait to see what happens next. The Skolian Empire series is an excellent series of books that are wonderfully plotted. I love the fact that the reader has so much great information about the goings on that none of the characters really know. I love the idea that the one of the two people who know everything has conveniently died and that the other person isn't in a position to reveal anything. I can't wait until the Valdorias all find out about Jai. I can't wait until Jai finds out about his parents. I can't wait until poor Roca learns about Soz and Althor. So really what I am saying is: This book is good, the series is good and I can't wait til the next book. I highly recommend
Rating:
Summary: Indeed
Review: Loved this book! First Catherine Asaro book I bought in hardcover, and it was worth every penny. I started the series with "Quantum Rose," because I was looking for a crossover sci-fi romance. I loved it so much, I went all the way back to "Primary Inversion" and read the books in the order they were published. I certainly hope there are more installments coming. The pacing of "The Moon's Shadow" suggests that the saga is far from over. The relationship between Jai and Tarquine is beyond my ability to put into words. Ms. Asaro does so very nicely and believably, with a sensitivity that many mainstream romance novelists lack. The characters are not your stereotypical romantic heroes. Instead, they are smart, conniving, sensitive, and flawed. They are people who suffer yet endure and hope and love. Her ability to build worlds that we never want to leave is amazing. The cultural and political manipulations in "The Moon's Shadow" were fun, sometimes humorous, and intellectually satisfying. The Highton speech and how Jai handles it in particular made me smile. I look forward to the next installment.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Read
Review: On the planet Delos, The Eubians exchange prisoner Prince Eldrin of the Skolian Empire for Jai Rockworth the heir to the Eubian Concord. Although nobody knows it, Jai, who will be the next Emperor, is related to all the high powered rulers in the Skolian Empire. The Skolians and the Eubians after centuries of war are holding to an informal and uneasy truce, one that could explode into war with the least provocation. The Eubian economy is based on the slave trade and is condemned by the Skolians who know their enemies feed on the pain of their psychic, slaves known as Providers. Jai's most fervent wish is to forge a permanent peace between the two empires but forces within his own government try their best to kill him before he can make any reforms. When he marries his Finance Minister Tarquine, he gets a wife who will use all her dirty tricks in her mighty arsenal to keep her husband safe. Readers get a close look at how the Eubian Concord really works and it will sicken them as much as it does the hero of THE MOON'S SHADOW. The protagonist is young but he gathers some powerful allies who help him rule and try to see that he is protected from assassination from those who disagree with his goals. Catherine Asaro has written one of the best works of her star-studded career, one that will have readers searching the shelves for her backlist. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: strong alien races SF
Review: On the planet Delos, The Eubians exchange prisoner Prince Eldrin of the Skolian Empire for Jai Rockworth the heir to the Eubian Concord. Although nobody knows it, Jai, who will be the next Emperor, is related to all the high powered rulers in the Skolian Empire. The Skolians and the Eubians after centuries of war are holding to an informal and uneasy truce, one that could explode into war with the least provocation. The Eubian economy is based on the slave trade and is condemned by the Skolians who know their enemies feed on the pain of their psychic, slaves known as Providers. Jai's most fervent wish is to forge a permanent peace between the two empires but forces within his own government try their best to kill him before he can make any reforms. When he marries his Finance Minister Tarquine, he gets a wife who will use all her dirty tricks in her mighty arsenal to keep her husband safe. Readers get a close look at how the Eubian Concord really works and it will sicken them as much as it does the hero of THE MOON'S SHADOW. The protagonist is young but he gathers some powerful allies who help him rule and try to see that he is protected from assassination from those who disagree with his goals. Catherine Asaro has written one of the best works of her star-studded career, one that will have readers searching the shelves for her backlist. Harriet Klausner
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