Righteous Anger

Okal Rel Saga #2

by Lynda Williams

It is about Horth Nersal, who, as a language-impaired child, learns to compensate for his shortcomings with an inborn "talent" ... which turns out not to be only useful in achieving his personal conquests but also for settling family disagreements - often with fatal results. In Horthas world, bio-engineered humans (Sevolites) dominate the rest of humanity in a curiously neo-feudal socio-political system. Horthas genius for combat and reality skimming dog-fights (called "shake-ups") are only surpassed by his unique talents on the dueling floor (and dueling is surprisingly important under Sword Law where it is used by Sevolites to settle disputes without damaging rare and valuable possessions ... such as planets.) Horth finds it difficult to understand his family's conflicts over power and religion and in the end his "skills" force him to make some very difficult decisions, including those in which his loved ones must die!

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2006

About the author

The Okal Rel universe of author Lynda Williams is peopled by larger-than-life characters navigating cross-cultural dramas.

In 2021 the series is the basis of an experimental word-gaming gig inspired by Lynda's own writer's journey and interests.

Originally published by Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing, the series was taken over by its author in 2014, through Reality Skimming Press (2014-2017).

Williams taught applied computing at the University of Northern B.C. for 15 years, where she headed the Center for Teaching and Learning, and ran a web development lab for producing online courses. Since 2012 she has been Learning Technology Analyst and Manager at the Teaching and Learning Centre of Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, B.C. She also teaches introductory web design, part-time, at BCIT.

She was founder and producer of the online journal Reflections on Water, which ran for ten years ending in 2007.

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 of the Okal Rel saga introduces Horth Nersal, the champion and unlikely innovator who remains a strong presence throughout the rest of the series. Those who like to classify consider this one the "boy" book of the first two in the saga and while many readers enjoy the whole thing, this is the one I recommend as the starting point for those who like men of action and few words.

[Ken Goudsward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are engaging and the technology is fascinating, especially how it integrates tightly into the biology of Williams' unique human evolution.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Righteous Anger tells the story of Horth, a boy of few words unafraid to stand up for the principles he believes in. The story follows along with the dense and intriguing politics of the Okal Rel universe, told from the perspective of someone who doesn't understand the frivolities entwining everyone around him. As he grows and sharpens his clear, but unique sense of logic along with his sword-fighting abilities, Horth rises to the challenges of living both in the Empire's heart at Fountain Court and the religious fervour of San Home. This book's protagonist is like none other I've read, and it was refreshing, charming and exciting from start to finish. If you like actions that speak louder than words, you'll love this book.