D. Leah L. (DLeahL) - , reviewed on 9/4/2009 + 48 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Cassandra Kresnov is a synthetic human created to serve in the League's armed forces. GI's (as these soldiers are known) are designed with special abilities. Most GIs are basically "cannon fodder" and therefore have limited intellectual abilities. Cassandra and her team were part of an elite group within the GIs, with greater intelligence. Of these, Cassandra herself is unique, a truly parallel synthetic human who not only possesses highly superior analytic reasoning capabilities, but has developed emotional and aesthetic sides to her personality as well.

This advanced intelligence creates a paradox within Cassandra - as she ages, she begins to mature and develop. This development sparks rebellion against authority. When Cassandra's eyes are "opened" so to speak, she realizes that life as a common soldier is not the life she would choose for herself.

She leaves the League and tries to integrate herself within a Federation city. Ironically, although the Federation recognizes what the League does not - that she is a sentient being who has the right to determine her own lifestyle and destiny, they also harbor a long-held prejudic and fear of GIs.


As Cassandra tries to incorporate herself into life on the planet Callay, she is torn between past traumas and emotions and her present day difficulty with a culture comprised of people who are, at best, deeply ambivalent about her presence in their community.

This is a high-action book with a very strong female lead and other sympathetic male and female characters.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details