The Midnight Moon Author:Stobie Piel When a delegation from the planet Franconia appears on Candor to ask for help in eliminating the Ellowan threat, the wise Candorians ask handsome, able Dane Calydon, a Thorwalian, to accompany the delegation back to Franconia and discover the truth. The Franconian delegation is comprised of Galya, a Tsier who says the mysterious Ellowan are inte... more »nt on conquest, and Aiyana, a shrouded Keiroit, who challenges Dane with barbed and amusing remarks, even as he is repulsed by the amphibian image he sees in the data banks of her race. Before departing with the delegation, Dane's sarcastic companion Carob, a lingbat, offers one of his offspring, Batty, to replace him for this journey. Lingbats are intelligent winged rodents, who, with the use of a mind probe, have the ability to talk. Emerging from the wormhole, they awake to discover they aren't in orbit around Franconia, but crashing on another planet, Keir, homeworld of the Keiroits and the rebel Ellowan. Dane attempts to pilot the vessel, but Aiyana sabotages his efforts. Dane is badly injured in the crash, and Aiyana, moved with compassion, heals him, revealing herself to be not an amphibious Keroit, but a beautiful Ellowan woman. Aiyana says she has brought Dane to the swamps of Keir to hear the Ellowan's story. Gayla becomes upset with Dane as he strays from what she desires. Aiyana leads Dane into the swamp and to Arnoth, the Ellowan Prince. There Dane and Aiyana give in to their attraction, and Dane begins to learn about the Ellowan's history and culture, and the truth about who are the true aggressors in this bitter war. After reading this book, I went directly to Amazon and ordered the first installment, Dawn Star, along with another of Piel's backtitles. I loved this heroine! Aiyana has depth, inner beauty as well as outer beauty, and a strength that carries her through the story. Dane is fabulous, and the numerous lovemaking scenes sizzle. Even Batty, the lingbat, is a fully realized character. It was a delight watching him come into his own. Piel's touches of humor and sparkling dialogue make this one a classic! Stobie Piel has succeeded admirably in creating a complex political situation, an intriguing storyline, and a romance between Aiyana and Dane so hot I nearly burnt my fingers turning the pages! Excellent! First rate Storytelling! If you like high adventure and steamy romance, you will love The Midnight Moon! -- Literary Times« less