Marseguro by Edward Willett

Marseguro
Edward Willett
DAW Books Inc.
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7564-0464-2

When Victor Hansen left Earth in order to see his people survive, he took the race of modified humans he had created with him. They named the planet they colonized, Marseguro, and the landlings and water-dwelling Selkies strove to live in harmony. Here on the new world, the religious beliefs of the Avatar would no longer threaten the Selkies who were deemed abominations on Earth. While most of the unmodified humans among them were in support of the freedom, there was a small faction who continued to follow the Avatar’s beliefs behind closed doors. Chris Keating’s family was among those few, and his hatred towards the Selkies prompts him to set off a distress beacon that alerts those on Earth to their location.

Richard Hansen is the grandson of Victor, and has spent his time searching for the location of his grandfather and his people. Raised on Earth under the Avatar’s teachings, Richard believes the worst of Victor and wants to help cleanse Marseguro of the Selkies. What he didn’t realize when he turned over the colony’s location, was that there would be little hope for anyone inhabiting the planet. Now, torn between duty and what he’s now seen to be true, Richard must decide where his loyalties lay. His decision could mean the difference between survival and death for all who call Marseguro home.

Marseguro is a creative tale in science fiction. Having been raised to see the worst in Selkies, Chris Keating finds what he believes will be the solution to purifying Marseguro. Richard Hansen starts his journey pleased with discovering the location of his grandfather’s people, but as the assault begins he finds himself questioning his beliefs. Mr. Willett blends science fiction with heavy religious beliefs into a well-written storyline that’s filled with dramatic scenery and character detail. Sci-fi and fantasy fans should find this story full and entertaining.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Immortal by Traci L. Slatton

Immortal
Traci L. Slatton
Delta – Bantam Dell
January 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-385-33974-2

With no memory of his parents, the life Luca remembers begins as an abandoned young boy on the streets of Florence, Italy. It’s apparent early on that Luca is different from other children. He barely ages, he doesn’t take ill, and his differences label Luca a sorcerer and witch.

Betrayed by a boy he considered a friend, Luca finds himself in the clutches of Silvano, a cruel man who beats him and sells his body to the men who frequent his brothel. Silvano holds Luca with the promise of information and the threat to use it against him as one of the many torments he inflicts. It’s his love of art and his desire to learn that comfort Luca through the long days until he finds freedom once again.

During his early years, Luca meets the artist Giotto di Bondone and later Leonardo di Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. His interest in their talents makes his years bearable as Luca continues to pursue the mystery of his heritage, religion, love and the art of alchemy.

Through plagues and war, enemies and friends, Luca remains strong, until a loss he can’t bear sends him over the edge. In grief, madness and the eventual acceptance, Luca will gain the answers he’s spent his long life chasing, but the cost to get there will be much higher than he ever imagined.

With a touch of the paranormal, Immortal is a historical novel of love, religion and the mysteries of life. On his own from a young age, Luca survives much worse than life on the streets before achieving his lifelong goals. Ms. Slatton does an amazing job of drawing readers into her story with remarkable detail and passionate characters. The unique plot and vivid description of Florence and the surrounding area adds beauty to what would have otherwise been a dark story. A lengthy tale, but well worth every moment spent reading it.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews