Review: Stellarnet Prince by J.L. Hilton

Title: Stellarnet Prince

Author: J.L. Hilton

Publisher: Carina Press

Genre: Sci Fi, romance

I loved this story. It’s what I call gutsy—popular fiction with real bite. The causes of conflict in this futuristic world are the same as those that caused all the horrors of human history—prejudice, greed and fear. Hilton’s story shows us that no matter where in the universe we are and no matter how different the races involved, peace will never come to those motivated by those three passions.

Genny’s love for the two Glin, Duin and Belloc is inspirational in its clarity. This is no angst-filled love triangle as we usually see such things written. There is no jealousy or having to choose between them. Instead, according to Glin customs, since they see no reason why one person can’t love more than one other, we have a three way marriage, a sharing that makes our jealousies and narrow view of love look backward. I loved all three of the main characters, each strongly drawn and complex. Hax, head of technology at Asteria and J’ni’s (Genny’s) grandmother’s sim are two other delightful characters.

Stellarnet Prince is world-building at its best. We have humans (US citizens to be precise) on the planet Glin, a watery world where the hunter-gatherer inhabitants have green, blue or speckled brown skin, webbed hands, eat raw fish and value equality to such a degree that they abhor anyone taking ownership of possessions (including land) or keeping knowledge to themselves. They are also polygamous and have a stronger sense of familiar relationships than Western culture. The Tikat also feature in this story, a race of intelligent, cricket-like creatures from another planet. This species has a hive based culture completely different to both humans and Glin. It’s clear from this story, that although a culture like the Glin may not have technology, ownership and rulers, they have wisdom that could teach humans a lot. Some humans respect that, many don’t; some humans treat Glin as equals, other don’t; and Hilton makes it clear that there are wise and foolish individuals in all races. Trouble happens when the foolish have power. Glin has a precious resource that the US wants and that brings politics into the mix with along with its cover-ups and corruption.

Politics ensnare our heroic trio and complicate the story. Will these bloggers, dedicated to bringing truth to the universe via the Stellernet, risk exposing a truth that could have disastrous consequences for them all? This is the kind of decision that has caused the moral downfall of many a politician, and wondering how our three-who-are-one deal with this challenge kept me reading voraciously until the end.

This is quite simply an excellent book. I highly recommend it.

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Description

An otherworldly love. Genny O’Riordan shares two alien lovers: Duin, a leader of the Uprising, and Belloc, the only surviving member of the reviled Glin royal family. Their relationship has inspired millions of followers—and incited vicious anti-alien attacks.

A planet at risk. A Stellarnet obsessed with all things alien brings kidnappers, sex traffickers and environmental exploitation to Glin. Without weapons or communications technology, the planet cannot be defended. Glin will be ravaged and raided until nothing remains.

A struggle for truth. On Earth, Duin discovers a secret that could spur another rebellion, while on Glin, Belloc’s true identity could endanger their family and everything they’ve fought for. Have the Glin found true allies in humanity, or an even more deadly foe?