Shanji

Shanji Trilogy #1

by James C. Glass

On the planet Shanji a ruthless Emperor rules a subjugated people. Kati, raised by the lower caste Tumatsin, is taken captive by the Emperor's troops, but saved by The Searchers, who see her as the promised Empress of Light, who can control the hot light of creation. But Kati's psychic powers can destroy a planet or star, and could be beyond everyone's control. She must decide how to use her powers when there is a planetary invasion from afar, led by a powerful Empress Kati thought was her friend and teacher. The barbarian girl must take charge of her own destiny, not only for herself but for Shanji and its neighboring worlds. Born with the heritage of two races, she must rule both of them.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

406 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

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Reviews

[Mary JL · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason this book gets 2 stars is two fold 1) It takes place on a planetary colony where the colonists are of Chinese ancestry. that is what impelled me to try it--so many books always use American characters only. 2) The conepts were mildly interesting.

But, if not for those two things, it would get a 1. The first forty pages are go are quite good---then the quality fell off sharply. The characters I found somewhat unbeleivable in their reactions. And the ending was quite poor--but I don't wnat to put in details.

Who is it for? Fans of military science fiction--but actually there are a lot better books out there.

[Guy Worthey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eminently readable, this epic sci fiction novel is set in a binary star system with several planets, and particularly the conflict between Tengri-Nayon's planet and Shanji, where the descendents of defeated invaders from Tengri-Nayon now form a lower caste exiled from the civilized Empire. We follow the life of Kati, a daughter of mixed blood.

And it is quite the life! Kati experiences high highs and low lows as she grows up. She is an appealing character, and all the characters are sharply drawn. The multiworld setting is thought out thoroughly, and we delve into deceptive politics, made personal by telepathic communication between worlds.

Maybe Shanji isn't quite Dune, but it's a rollicking good read with formidable depths to plumb for serious science fiction fans. Furthermore, it's got characters who are a lot more relatable that Dune's automatons.

[Chain01 Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the writing of the story. Though sometimes i get confuse reading it.

[Robert Negut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great. Interesting world, again a "what if" about humanity starting over, great idea about the close star systems, both personal and general views of the society, a healthy dose of the supernatural... Unfortunately too much traditionalism, but it was fought against and left only on a personal level in the end, which sends a good message.
Found the Asian theme (names, traditions, etc.) a bit odd, but after thinking about it I guess it's as good as any...
There were a few things that bothered me, but most were personal... Ideas some of the good characters had and things that the same characters did, usually or a personal or family level, that made me frown and clench my teeth for a moment... If they were one-time things, I'd have assumed they're there just as a reminder than no one is completely good (or completely evil for that matter), but some are recurring and that bothered me... Difference of opinions with the author I guess.
Still, a great read.

[Cory Lincoln · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good, with an interesting premise and a new (to me) execution of medieval with space travel. The book is slow in parts, and is prone to sudden leaps in character abilities that can kick you out of the illusion of the story, but overall is worth reading. If I could, I'd give it a 3.5, but the issues it has keeping it from a 4 won't let me round up. Quick read, I read it in a day. I'll look for the sequels, but if not easily found I'll move on to something else.

[Patricia Litz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. A different take on a super mind. Did not think they had to have a war and kill half of the people to save the other half. She definitely was stronger than the attackers were mentally.