The Peacekeepers

Rating:
Summary: Great.
Review: An excellent read. Perfect for those who enjoy the taste of differant realm. The characters are strong and well developed. It really makes one optimistic for a sequal.

Rating:
Summary: Worth reading at least 3 times
Review: This was the best Christmas gift that I got in 2001 and since then (it's almost Valentine's Day, 2002, right now), I've read the book at least 2 1/2 times. It's really, really good.

I thought it was funny that the previous reviewer called that great kitty a lion. Kazza can't possibly be a lion, but if I tell you why not, it'd spoil the plot and I don't want to do that to you.

Rating:
Summary: An Intriguing New Voice in Sci-Fi Fantasy
Review: Two tribes. Two ancient leaders. An old feud. And then one of the leaders dies, leaving one heir, Nimri, and she is expected to pick up the staff of her grandfather, who was Keeper of the Peace.

And then along come interlopers, Colonel Larwin Atano and his female android, the likes of which the people of Chatterre have never seen. Nimri is fascinated by the two, though she doesn't understand half of what they say or do and considers that they must be Gods. Larwin, too, is fascinated by and attracted to Nimri, though at first, all he seems to care about is how to conquer and profit from this planet upon which he has crash-landed. Soon, however, a new threat awakens, one much worse than the conflict between the two clans.

Foguth weaves a story of a conflict that is ages-old as well as new conflicts for Nimri, who feels unprepared to protect and care for her people in her new role. The way that Nimri goes about trying - with the help of Larwin, the android, her 800 pound pet "cat" Kazza, and various others - makes for an engaging and interesting story.

Rating:
Summary: When cultures clash -- Recommended
Review: When the Peacekeeper falls ill and dies, the responsibility falls to Nimri to take up her grandfather's Tribe's Staff of Peace and fulfill the duties as a Chatterre Peacekeeper. Unfortunately, Nimri's grandfather jealously guarded his power and failed to train her for the role. Worse, she did not inherit his magical abilities and knows only the powers of healing.

Meanwhile, several galaxies away, the Shadow Warrior Colonel Larwin Atano crashes onto a inhospitable planetoid when his spacefighter is damaged by a dragon-like being. He and his android GEA-4 seek shelter deep below the surface of the planetoid a portal connects Nimri to the planetoid, and she unknowingly falls into his world startling them both.

Nimri believes that Larwin is a god sent to save her people from a rival tribe across the river. Larwin's home world has destroyed their eco system and measures wealth by the plant life kept within their buildings. He sees invasion of Nimri's world as a way to provide much needed resources to his home world as well as promotions and wealth for himself. Little do either Nimri or Larwin suspect that danger lies from a much more dangerous foe.

THE PEACEKEEPERS by Jeanne Foguth presents a fascinating mythology as two cultures collide. Unfortunately, readers may find themselves challenged to like the main characters of this book. The hero, who is intent upon invasion and increasing his wealth, fails to appreciate the inherent of a world and people untamed. Indeed, his self-serving motives leave the reader wondering if Nimri would want him if she understand the meaning of his words.

On the other hand, Nimri is a heroine defined by lack in the first half of the book. She doesn't know how to connect to her powers, nor does she believe herself worthy of the role of the Peacekeeper. Although self-doubt builds sympathy in the reader, that self-doubt also makes her a weak character during the first half of the book.

Perhaps the most charming and creative characters aren't the humans at all. The telepathic lion Kazza and the android GEA-4 will charm readers with their quirkiness humor. Recommended.