Offspring (Silent Empire)

Rating:
Summary: fantastic science fiction who-done-it
Review: Most of the Silent can no longer enter the Dream, a telepathic place of existence that allows instantaneous communication between worlds spread all over the universe. On the planet Bellerophon, Kendri and his life mate Ben are regarded as heroes because they saved part of the Dream and can enter at will. Bellerophon is electing its first governor in centuries because without the Dream, the Confederation that saw to Bellerophon's safety no longer exists. Ben and Kendri's grandmother is a candidate, who advocates a strong military to prevent pirates from raiding the planet.

During the campaign, Kendri actively supports his grandmother, but someone tries to kill him. While trying to figure out who in their inner circle wants him dead, someone kidnaps the Silent and the Silenced (those who cannot enter the Dream any longer). Although Kendri and Ben do not know it, there is a link between the murder attempts and the abductions; the dynamic duo must figure that out for failure means loved ones dying.

Readers who have followed the previous adventures of Kendri and Ben will see they prepare for parenthood using surrogate mothers and frozen embryos, which are genetic siblings of Ben. Their relationship is beautiful to behold as they battle a maniac who wants every Silent dead and the Dream buried. They make the tale into fantastic science fiction who-done-it that fans will revel in because Steven Harper turns his audience into believers that the planet Bellerophon exists in a physical solid state.

Harriet Klausner