EMPIRE REBORN

Political and interdimensional challenges confront the Taran Empire in a new series that continues DuBoff’s Cadicle Universe SF saga.

Jason is a scion of the Sietinen Dynasty, which rules the galaxy-spanning Taran Empire. Blessed with telepathic and telekinetic abilities, he works in the Taran Selective Service, headquartered within Earth’s moon. One day he learns that a salvage ship, the Andvari, has been attacked by what appears to be a “transdimensional space kraken.” Worse, the attack happened near the Rift—a “spatial tear” left over from the end of the Bakzen War, 30 years before. Jason’s father, TSS High Commander Wil Sietinen, reveals that the Tarans have been accused of violating an ancient treaty with two alien races—one being the Gatekeepers, the other an unknown quantity. The Tarans don’t know how they violated it, but the Gatekeepers warn that the unknown beings are seeking retribution. Did the malicious, now-deposed Priesthood leave behind clues on Morningstar Isle, their former home, which can help alleviate the crisis? Meanwhile, on the Outer Colony of Duronis, the Sovereign People’s Alliance plans to sow chaos for the ruling family, and Lexi Karis has infiltrated the group to learn the fate of her missing friend, Melisa. DuBoff successfully accomplishes the tricky balancing act of acknowledging the massive Cadicle Universe narrative while also pushing forward into new territory. New readers will definitely feel like they’ve missed a few happenings that comprise the series’ fabric, such as the battle against the Priesthood. Fortunately, for much of the novel’s first half, the most compelling drama remains personal, such as Jason’s breakup with his lover, Tiff. When tragedy eventually strikes, the consequences are immense, as they provide an answer to the adventure’s biggest mystery and bring Earth into the Taran fold. Meanwhile, Raena, Jason’s twin sister who rules Morningstar Isle, weighs in on cultural politics: “There’s such a focus on uniqueness and differences that it’s divided people more than bringing them together.” By the end, a rattled status quo hints at an intriguing sequel.

A smartly executed jumping-off point for new readers in a complex SF saga.