The small Federation colony of Cyberius III was almost self-sufficient. Every four years, the population migrated from North Colony to South Colony (or vice versa) to avoid the radical seasonal changes from tropical to arctic. And every four years, to settle into their new quarters, the colony holds the Quarternal celebration and contest. On this move from South to North, Lt. Jonathon Shore was the leader of the winning team, and the first thing that went through Colony President Sherri Laine’s mind was, “I hope he’s not too young for me!”

But all is not as it seems on the surface. Many people, including Shore, are playing a more serious, multi-layered, political game – a game that could result in the deaths of many people, even the death of the Colony. Whose side is Shore on, and can the President entrust her own safety, and the safety of all the colonists, to him?

This is an excellent science fiction story, with an erotic, believable romance folded in. I’ve always enjoyed SF that highlights the changes the future will bring to relationships between people, rather than merely the changes in technology, and Cyberius III fits that profile admirably. The plot is logical and the action is fast and unflagging. I enjoyed the author’s literate style and careful choice of words, which allow the reader to dive into the story and not emerge until it’s finished. The author has included a glossary of terms and names of people and places at the end of the book to which the reader can refer to keep things straight.

The love story between the protagonists is an integral part of the story as a whole, and, while graphic and very sensual, is not shocking nor out of place. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the future, and hope that the author will show us more of these people and the events surrounding them.


Reviewed by: Jean