Harmony [Hardcover]

C. F. Bentley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2008

The launch of a brand new series that blends the best elements of science fiction and fantasy.

The world of Harmony, along with its close-knit colony planets, long ago isolated itself from the rest of the universe. But in a universe where the human-based Confederate Star System fleet finds itself hard-pressed to stand against ever-increasing attacks by the alien Marillon Empire, the Harmonic Empire cannot be left alone. For if the CSS cannot win an alliance with Harmony, the Marils will surely find a way to invade the planet and seize control of the unique and invaluable metal, which only the Harmonites can produce.

Yet invasion is far from the only threat the people of Harmony face. The gulf between rich and poor, rulers and ruled continues to widen, threatening to destroy the very structure of their society—while the planet itself is becoming increasingly unstable. In this time of crisis, one young woman

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cultures clash and romance blooms in this tepid series opener set on Harmony, a cult-governed planet. The highest ranks of the Harmonic Empire have rewritten history to hide its origins and maintain the harsh caste-based social order that supports the rich and powerful while keeping the underclasses trapped in slavery. Harmony is also the only source of Badger Metal, used to shield spaceships from the vagaries of radiation and hyperspace. The Confederated Star Systems desperately need the material for warships, and they send CSS Maj. Jake Hannigan undercover to Harmony to obtain the secret of making Badger Metal. His task is complicated by the social and political shakeup when Sissy, a pious young Worker caste woman, reveals a gift for prophecy and an amazing ability to quell earthquakes and storms by emotionally bonding with the planet itself. Historian Bentley's blend of mysticism, space opera and social commentary is too scattered and self-conscious to rise above its familiar themes. (Aug.)
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Review

"A standout."
-Library Journal (starred review)

"Exciting and filled with action."
-Science Fiction Weekly

"A well done start to this series...There are twists and turns along the way that set the stage for what should be an interesting opening in the next visit to Harmony."
-Darque Reviews

"The writing in Harmony is good, the story is well-paced...It may even attract some readers who don''t normally read science fiction."
-Bookspot Central

"Harmony delves into the deep questions of life, and really is a fictional spiritual quest... you will feel the tug at your soul as the questions you have always known were there are brought to the forefront of your mind."
-Grasping for the wind

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover; First Edition edition (August 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756404851
• ISBN-13: 978-0756404857
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,463,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, December 20, 2008

By 

J. Jones (Bella Vista, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harmony (Hardcover)

Harmony is a rip-roaring fantasy/science fiction/space opera. It is full of twists and turns. It contains mystery and a touch of romance. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going the author threw in a new twist. With great characters, a well constructed plot and a well though out universe this is a book science fiction readers should not miss. . I was sorry to see the book end and was glad to see on C.F. Bentley's web site that this is the first book in a new series. Enigma, the next book, is due out in August of 2009.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing new book, November 18, 2008

By 

anan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harmony (Hardcover)

I don't have time to write a long review, but I started reading this book figuring I would read for a few minutes and then go clean the kitchen. Well, the kitchen will have to get cleaned tonight because I spent the rest of last night completely engrossed in this book. I was enthralled and read the book through to the last page. When I read the last word I was dissapointed; how could the book end?! I want more!! (although I suppose it's a good thing that it did end otherwise I would not have gotten any sleep last night at all!) All I can hope now is that there will be a sequal and the author does not take too long to write it. While this book was satisfying in and of itself, it left lots of room for more. So, please CF Bentley I need more!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Harmonous!, June 6, 2011

By 

Shannon M. Mcgee "Confuzzled Books" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harmony (Hardcover)

This book touched me in so many ways a that fantasy/ sci-fi book usually does not.

Sissy feeling in tune to the crystals of the planet Harmony is only the beginning of the journey. Even she does not know what her gift mean. She is born a lower class then the priestesses whom she now lives with and they do not know what to make of her but only know of the prophecy of a child born with call caste/or marking of class. This person is Sissy. A girl who doesn't want the the responsibilities that come with her power with Harmony because she doesn't feel good enough.

Then there is Jake a guy down on his luck. Likely to be killed unless he does what he is told by people with power from another planet. they want what is special to Harmony. A Crystal or metal made on the planet. Jake pretend to be someone on Harmony and find his destiny lies with Sissy. Together they find truths about Harmony and themselves.

I found the fantasy of this story That melded into truths we don't see and the lies that are told to hide the truths to be and inspiring read. As Sissy and Jake fight for the family they have made they bring hope to Harmony. I am eager to know what happens in the sequel to this book which is called Enigma.