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Child of the Mist (Gem of the Galaxy)

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Child of the Mist (Gem of the Galaxy) [Kindle Edition]
by Kae Cheatham

CHILD OF THE MIST, by Kae Cheatham, is the second novel in the Gem of the Galaxy set. Cheatham's science fiction novel claims all the accompanying accoutrements of the genre, including space travel, fancy gadgets, characters with telepathic powers, and not least, an exotic alien world populated by a sentient alien species. But this action-adventure romance is more than that. Upon reading, it feels quite like a fantasy tale replete with something akin to royal lineage, political intrigue, mystery, and harrowing escapes.

There are plenty of interesting characters but center stage is occupied by one Juilan Pranss, Juilan is introduced as an unassuming young woman who has recently lost her father, leaving her, as far as she knows, without relations. Julian works as a translator for another woman who turns out to be involved with the strained political scene on a planet called Srotag. When Juilan and her employer are apparently hijacked and taken to Srotag, the plot wastes no time in getting thicker. Juilan discovers that her father spent a great portion of his life on Srotag and even wed one of the human "Ceitwans" of the planet. Juilan's mother, as it turns out, was a woman of great importance to the native planetary culture. Slowly, Juilan learns that because of her lineage, she is directly involved in the political struggles on Srotag.

CHILD OF THE MIST is also a romance from a woman's point of view. To good effect, author Cheatham infuses Juilan with the passions of a young woman who is torn between two suitors. Both suitors seem to honestly love her, but each are on opposing political sides. Naturally, this opposition creates additional emotional distress for Juilan as she struggles to understand her widening role in the unfolding drama.

Cheatham takes great pains through her artful use of language to fully describe the world of Srotag by describing numerous flora and fauna which thrive in a threatened environment. Srotag is portrayed as an interesting yet alien locale filled with beauty, danger, and wonder.

There is much in CHILD OF THE MIST to attract readers of varying types. As stated above, the book falls into the science fiction genre, but because of the writing style and literary devices Cheatham employs, it would also be of interest to fantasy readers. It is a multi-layered story of intrigue populated by many original characters with rich and deep descriptions of an alien culture. There was so much, in fact, at times I wished Cheatham had included a glossary for quick reference. Cheatham worked hard in creating the world of Srotag and it shows.

For a fast-moving, romantic adventure, check out CHILD OF THE MIST.

Kae Cheatham resides in Montana and has authored eleven books which can be ordered from her web site: [...]. Books are available in print and Kindle editions.