The Golden One

LucasFilm's Alien Chronicles #1

by Deborah Chester

Here is an epic set in a far distant universe--a saga of faraway planets and of races strange and more fantastic than an ever seen on our world. Yet their struggles are universal: for justice, for freedom, for peace. "Lucasfilm's Alien Chronicles" is a sweeping adventure that will transport you to another time, and to another place, where a legend is about to be born.

The ruler of the reptilian Viis has purchased a new pet for his daughter. But the animal, named Ampris, has a more important destiny.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Adult, Audiobook, Aliens

344 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

About the author

The internationally published, award-winning author of 41 novels, Deborah Chester has written Regency romances, historical romances, young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. She is a tenured professor of professional writing in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma, where she teaches novel and short story writing.
She holds a B.A. with General Honors and an M.A. in Journalism; both degrees are from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied professional writing from author/teachers Jack M. Bickham, Robert L. Duncan, and Pulitzer-nominee Carolyn Hart. Chester has been writing professionally since 1978, and has used three pseudonyms – Jay D. Blakeney and Sean Dalton and C. Aubrey Hall for some of her science fiction and fantasy works.
In 2004, she was inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America.

Reviews

[Katy Lavallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic trilogy. Strong female lead with no romantic interest. Strong female villain too. Fascinating alien cultures. Classic storyline. Also a good buddy story. Themes of slavery, servitude, gladiatorial games, violence, friendship, betrayal, escape, exodus, survival, mad science experiments, and a society fallen into decadence.

[O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never realize what a scifi lover I am until I start reading a good one. I liked this book very much. After I finished it I went looking for book 2 of the series.

In a universe very different from ours, races struggle for justice and freedom. It may sound like many others but it is quite unique from others I've read.

[Kalvin Debusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing to me, it teaches courage and honor and the simplicity of young life. while on the other end of the spectrum it teaches how frail life can be but how courages one can be. My second favorite series

[Searska GreyRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this trilogy as a kid, and it's lost none of it's charm over time. ^_^

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those audiobooks that I picked up just because it was real different than what I usually read and because I love the Star Wars movies. Very pleasantly surprised and a fun listen. I wasn't sure about it at first as it plays off more like a radio show. But I got into the characters and now I want to find out what happens to the Aaroun (a cat like creature) called Ampris.

Note: This was a book that I received from a member at
Bookcrossing.com

[August · Rating 4 out of 5]

This still stands as one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to - though I didn't listen to it this time (mostly because it's impossible to get ahold of). The beginning of the first book in this trilogy takes its time getting started, but the characters, world, and story were as amazing as I remembered from childhood, and that's not something that's held true of every beloved book I've re-read in my adult years.

I can say with confidence that Ampris is one of my favorite science fiction protagonists. As usual with my favorites, she's a tragic leader type; the mantle is thrust at her in this book, but Chester masterfully plays Ampris's acceptance of that mantle through two more novels. Along with Elrabin and other unforgettable alien characters, this entirely human-free book (and series!) still tops my personal charts.

[J'aime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally purchased this as an audio book to share with my husband, who doesn't like to read. The audio production was excellent, with a full cast. So why do I have the paperback? Simple, the publisher issued volumes 1 and 2 in audio, but never released volume 3! I have a few colorful words to say about that, but will stick the reviewing the novel. The story was so good I had to buy the paperbacks to get the conclusion. This is a wonderful space opera. All the races/peoples in the trilogy are "aliens" - no humans to be found. A repitilian race has enslaved many other species of sentient beings. But, a messiah is coming to lead them in a revolution against their oppressers. And she will be raised as a companion to the princess herself. Friends will become enemies, and an empire hangs in the balance. Highly recommended.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series. I read it back when it first came out in '98 and it pulled me in. I have to say, as much as I love Ampris and the relationship between her and Elrabin, my favorite parts to read were about Israi and the watching the Viis empire slowly crumbling around them.

The Golden One is the start of Ampris' tale, from her birth, being ripped from her mother then adopted by Israi, the sri-Kaa of the Viis empire until she is ripped away from that.

This book will suck you right in with its descriptions of the life of the Ampris in the palace to the life of Elrabin in the abiru ghettos. Such well drawn characters and scenery! I love it!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading my favourite series from when I was younger. I was a little worried that I wouldn't find it as good 12 or so years later but from the first chapter I've been hooked all over again and in love with the amazing alien world Chester created. I can't believe this series is not more popular and hope one day it gets the recognition it deserves. Amazing story with great characters. It will definitely be one I pass on to my kids.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really can't formulate a coherent review for this story but it intrigued me. It really did.

I have a strange feeling that they're trying to set Elberin and Anapris up, and I'm not really feeling any chemistry between them.

I'm all here for her story, though. She seems like she'll harden into a fighter and a kick ass one at that.

I own the other two books, so I'll def. be continuing the series to see if it gets better.

[Kammera · Rating 4 out of 5]

this Series, while I give each book a "four" separately, rates a solid 5 as a set. Deborah Chester continues her quality writing through each book. Don't let the hokey titles throw you off. She writes believable characters and story lines and pleasantly surprises you. Although, I was a bit embarrassed to run around to bookstores asking for "The Crimson Claw!"

[Samantha Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the Alien Chronicles may well be my favorite series ever, even though I always forget about them until I see them sitting on my shelf. These books are extremely well written and Ampris and Elrabin are two of the most enjoyable characters I've ever experienced.

[T J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stolen at birth from her mother and sold to the Viis princess. Apris the Aaroun is kept and raised as a pet. Her adventure begins when the Princess Kaa pulls a dangerous prank and is punished by being sold to uncaring Viis. It is a interesting series worth reading.

[Nikki Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome sci-fi story with a very emotional side to it. I love the characters and the creatures are quite unique

[Michelle Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first sci-fi novel at 13. I re-read it in 2010, 10 yrs later, with the other two books in the series and I love it just as much.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was okay and I can't wait to read the next one!

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read constantly but this series stands out! If your looking for something riveting and memorable read this.

[Matthew Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this book a handful of times in middle school; once when it came out and again before reading each sequel. I don't remember how I came across it, but I was a frequent browser of the sci-fi section at the bookstore, and I'm sure the Lucasfilm label didn't hurt (although discovering zero connection to Star Wars was probably a bit of a letdown at the time). It's stuck with me through the years as an exciting epic in an imaginative world featuring zero human characters.

Returning to the story as an adult, I think it holds up pretty well. Thinly veiled in the sci-fi trappings of a menagerie of alien races and vague mentions of advanced technology, it's a story about classism, privilege, and racism. It could be rewritten in just about any genre, but this unique alien world certainly makes it interesting. The writing style is pretty formulaic (not surprising from the author of The Fantasy Fiction Formula) and maybe under-edited (I don't think I've ever seen the word "crimson" so many times in one book- there are other words for red) but very readable.

I found all three books of the series in my parents' basement, and I'm excited to revisit the second installment.

[Negede Tadesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Golden One is a precursor to the Crimson a Claw. The first two thirds of the book make an attempt at character building but falls flat. The dialogue is predictable and feels like it's written for children (maybe it is.) I feel like the majority of what happens is filler content unfortunately..

The book gets better at around chapter 14. Without spoiling anything, this is basically when the call to action is and the events that follow and lead to book two are exciting. Will leave a review for book two. 2.5/5

[Meriah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audio wasn't bad, but was the only time I actually preferred reading the book over the audio. The audiobook was on cassette and abridged. The abridged was the worst part. Aside from that, I liked the trilogy. I just wish they would do all three as an unabridged audiobook. Or at least as a Kindle book. I have all three paperbacks, but I have learned to like being able to read in the dark. That and I get to blow up the text as large as I need it.

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking for this book for months and FINALLY came across it while looking through a Goodreads list called, “Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books,” which contains 7050 books, on page number 58 out of a total of 71 pages. I’m so glad I found it. I loved this series. Unfortunately, it’s not available on my kindle, but I’ve put in a request.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is super-satisfying to read. I was always deeply disappointed my library didn't have the rest of the series.

[Kurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Decent writing and is fairly successful at evoking the reader's sympathy with characters from a handful of alien races.

Parental suggestion: Ages 9+

[Benjamen Dees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

[Salim M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn.

[Denver Schutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit of a slow start, but a really good finish. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Braden Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather odd, but interesting sci-fi story. I had this on cassette tape, and enjoyed listening to it. Need to track down the second one.

[Kadja Draenor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and unique, but not really all that great or memorable.

[Amy Sjoquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't need to read the rest of this series if it features one protagonist who doesn't get a clue until the last few pages of the book, and another that I simply cannot feel sorry for.