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Ace, Feb 2001, 6.50, 299 pp.
ISBN: 0441008076
By 2130, earthquakes and gigantic flooding caused by tidal waves dramatically have changed the face of the planet leading to chaos. During the abyss, a power hungry individual grabbed control and declared himself Emperor. A few generations later, his descendants still rule.
With the discovery of zero-point gravity, the after life is no longer a mystery and astrology is one of the most influential of the sciences. Philipa Cyprion was one of the world's leading astrologists until her spouse died causing her to doubt her abilities. Philipa goes off planet flim flamming marks along her orbit. When the Emperor's son is murdered, Terapol Detective Artemis Hadrien brings Philipa home to work with him in finding out who the killer is. That changes when another of the Emperor's children is killed sending Artemis and Philip back off world tracking an alien race and its relationship to Earth's ruling family.
This is the first book in what seems will be an exciting science fiction mystery series. The lead duo becomes romantically involved setting up the plot for the next novel. The fast-paced plot is brimming with action and populated with various alien species that are so vividly described, readers will think of the cantina scene. The HEART OF STONE will appeal to sub- genre fans who will want more futuristic tales by Denny DeMartino.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident Denny DeMartino Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- science fiction story
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- factions fight within govt for control
- preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Female
Profession/status:
- private investigator
Age:
- 20's-30's
Has magical/special powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character:
- mind reading
- clairvoyant
- can see into the future
- can read emotions
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events?
Yes
How sensitive is this character?
- middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- long-lived adults
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an above average amount
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Earth setting:
- medium future 22-24th century
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only)
- some scientific explanation
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
