From visionary author C. T. Rwizi comes the epic journey of four people on a distant planet who face the ultimate test of loyalty, friendship, and duty in the rising tide of war.
A corporate aristocracy descended from Africa rules a colony on a distant planet.
Life here is easy—for the rarified and privileged few. The aristocrats enjoy a powerful cybernetic technology that extends their life spans and ensures their prosperity. Those who serve them suffer under a heavy hand.
But within this ruthless society are agents of hope and change. In a secret underwater laboratory, a separatist cult has created a threat to the aristocracy. The Primes are highly intelligent, manipulative products of genetic engineering, designed to lead a rebellion. Enabling their mission are the Proxies, the Primes’ bodyguards and lifelong companions bound to their service.
When the cult’s hideout is attacked, Proxies Nandipa and Hondo rush to the rescue. As they emerge with their Primes onto the surface, however, everything they’d been led to believe about their world is shattered.
Nandipa and Hondo will risk it all to honor their oath of absolute loyalty. But when the very people they’re tasked to protect turn on each other, the Proxies must decide between those they were built to serve and the freedom to carve out their own destinies. And the fate of their planet may rest in their choice.
My Take
I liked this book and would read more by this author. The most unique feature of this world for me was the concept of Primes and Proxies, which I think breaks down to “brains” and “brawn.” (Not that it’s that simple or that the Proxies lack brains, because they don’t.) It was an interesting choice to make each main character part of a team, and to be the subordinate member of the team. I wonder where that came from. In the end the Proxies seem to be not just the protectors but the beginning of a conscience for the team.
The pace was generally fast, though not fervid, and the characters likeable. The concepts were interesting. I think I would have enjoyed more world building and perhaps a point of view from the broader culture. The opening summary in the blurb is a little misleading since the characters basically instigate the war.