THE STARFLOWER

In Kenny’s SF novel, a woman finds herself at the center of a universe-spanning prophecy.

Gayle Zimmon, going by the military call sign “Starflower,” is an “Under,” a class of human that is considered lesser and relegated to working in the military forces and service jobs, living under strict rules regarding relationships and procreating. Despite this lowly designation, Zimmon has made a name for herself for her skill and prowess in the campaigns she has served in during the war against the alien Aldrakin. But Zimmon’s growing popularity with the oppressed Unders has made her the bane of the Star Lord Malik and the Star Council, who force her to serve in the desolate world of Bai-Yota, stuck in the middle of nowhere. Despite how quiet this assignment was expected to be, Zimmon finds herself in the middle of a decisive battle ending with the Aldrakins’ surrender. It’s when meeting with the Aldrakins to finalize the terms that she hears about their prophecy (“The Starflower blooms in the enemy camp, and you shall know her, for she shall be the warrior you cannot defeat”) for the first time; the weight of a whole universe seems to fall on her shoulders, even if she doesn’t fully believe it. Though the war may be over, Zimmon’s trials are just beginning: The Star Council refuses to allow the possibility of her serving as a figurehead for an underground uprising, so she must dodge assassination attempts, play diplomat to a variety of species, and potentially start a new life with her lover, all while somehow fulfilling the mysterious prophecy. In this SF yarn, the author weaves a wide web of fascinating alien cultures. Zimmon is a fascinating character, though she seems almost too perfect at times; perhaps it’s hard to not be spectacular when you’re the object of an alien race’s belief system. Kenny really shines in his depiction of the cultural aspects of the different alien groups—each is distinct, clearly thought-out, and entertaining to read about.

A fast-paced SF novel featuring a vast world rich in intricate cultural details.