Skolian Empire Book 6
1999, ANALOG magazine, May, June, Jul/Aug 1999

Who recommends: Preeti, JW, Lori, Robin, Laurie, Barbara, Shelly
Who discommends: Isabel, Margaret

A descendant of a genetically programmed slave race finds solace, desire, and love with a disguised (sorta) member of the Ruby dynasty. Good "Beauty and the Beast" based story. Has nice message about overcoming the limitations of the genetic hand one is dealt in life.--Preeti

I enjoyed the story but I didn't like the romance. Maybe I'm in a contrary mood but (time for some spoiler space just in case...)
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the age gap really bothered me. I know I'm not being logical since the 1,700 year gap in Bishop didn't seem like a big deal but the 50 odd years here grossed me out. It may have something to do with Vyrl mentioning his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To match him with an eighteen year old (no matter how mature)! Then there was Jax and the rape...--Isabel (24 Jan 00)

I didn't even notice an age gap. Was he really that much older? You know that the Rhon mature more slowly; that makes a difference to me So he may be 60 in dog years but 30 in human years. If that makes sense.--Shelly (24 Jan 00)

I would have bought the Rhon maturing more slowly scenario since that's the same one Asaro used in CATCH THE LIGHTNING. But the mention of the grand and great-grand kids and Vyrl already having lived one life with his childhood sweetheart bothers me. Just made Vyrl seem so *old* even if he wasn't acting that way. Oh well, it's just a pet peeve of mine - the same thing bothered me in Turner's NAMELESS MAGERY. This wouldn't have disturbed me if I hadn't like the story!--Isabel (24 Jan 00)

I would describe this as bad master/slave romance. The specific things I disliked were: Docile female; She's 18 and he's got grandchildren???; People whose business is finding lost colonies making so many major errors in their understanding of the culture; Arbitrators insisting the heroine will be safe from the villain when they don't know what's going on or what threats he's made; Arbitrators not insisting on talking to her separately.--Margaret (09 Mar 00)