Azuli Eyes<br> Chorillan Cycle<br> Book 1

Miranda Riallon, daughter of the head of the Chorillan colony’s ruling body, was a teacher, trying to solve a mystery that threatened the children of the colony. The Phase, a disease that had appeared only in the past 10-15 years, affected children only as they entered adolescence. These children – called Wildlings -- became allergic to any manufactured substance and often escaped into the unsettled areas of the planet. Miranda sets off into the wilderness to find one of her students, a young boy who she hoped to adopt.

The Scouts were sent to the colony on the planet based on evidence that suggested that the planet was being used as a base for Gen-gineers – genetic terrorists who were trying to make the “perfect” human being. Captain Ian Fieran was the leader of the Scouts on this mission. The Scouts could tell that information was being withheld from them, but was it actually evidence of Gen-gineers and smugglers, or simply the embarrassment of the colony about the Phase? Only after working with Miranda and being introduced to the wonders of the planet Chorillan do they begin to realize what the real problem is.

This is an excellent SF adventure story, with realistic characters placed in a carefully designed world/universe. While one expects the primary protagonists to be lively characters, it is unusual for secondary characters to be as genuine as the ones in this novel. I found myself caring what happened to each and every one of them. The plot is painstakingly designed to increase the suspense of the hunt for the criminals, while at the same time, Miranda and the Scouts continue the search for the missing children. I was pleased that the different storylines were resolved without leaving threads hanging. I tend to judge a book on how strongly it pulls me into the story. Azuli Eyes caught me and wouldn’t let me go until I finished it! I recommend it for readers who enjoy science fiction.

Reviewed by: Jean