From Publishers Weekly
Plenty of action, an atmosphere of exotic court intrigue and a stalwart, self-reliant female heroine make Hoover's (Only Child) novel read like a deep-space version of Robin McKinley's The Hero and the Sword. As one of many children of the president of Mars, Annalyn has been raised to take her place among the ruling class. But Annalyn gradually becomes aware that Mars's commoners are unfairly treated-and that her own father will kill anyone (including Annalyn) who threatens his interests. When a solar cannon attack (possibly ordered by the president himself) disables Mars's capital, Annalyn takes part in overturning the social order and-with the support of her fellow citizens-eventually triumphs over a passel of selfish, ambitious relatives to become the planet's temporary ruler. Annalyn's step-by-step awakening to both the treachery of her immediate family and the inequities of Martian society is convincingly portrayed. Woven neatly throughout, quirky, well-thought-out details provide a distinctive setting for this fast-paced SF adventure. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9?A daughter of the President of Mars, Annalyn Court, 17, begins her education as a cadet at the prestigious military academy. Originally colonized by corporate investors looking for a place to produce products unattainable on Earth, as well as to develop technology in secret, Mars has become rich, powerful, and independent. But unrest intervenes both from within and without. Annalyn's half-brother Evan, who has difficulty deferring to authority, reveals to her some secrets about mind-transfer chips and android bodies. Simultaneously, commoners are becoming more reluctant to kneel to their all-powerful President and to defer to the wealthy elite. Finally, the President's oldest son launches an attack on Mars. In the resulting destruction and confusion, Annalyn accepts the challenge of organizing survivors and beginning to build a new, democratic society, but must face the wrath of the vengeful, inhuman creature her father has become. The novel elaborates on a theme Hoover introduced in Only Child (Dutton, 1992)?a greedy corporate entity cruelly suppresses a less powerful group for its own excessive profit. While Annalyn and her protector robot are interesting characters, most of the others are fairly one-dimensional, serving to advance the story in predictable ways. Also, some elements of the fast-moving plot don't stand up to close examination. On the other hand, the plot is interesting and the premise thought-provoking. Readers who enjoy the action and the scientific imaginings will be absorbed in Annalyn's adventures and cheer her triumphs.?Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
