The Marann (Tales of Tolari Space)
by Christie Meierz
I was so taken by this author’s Novella Into Tolari Space that I upended my list to read the first book which after reading it I feel it should probably be read after Into Tolari Space. Despite Amazon’s best attempt to screw with the order of things I enjoyed this book very much.
A ‘civilized’ school teacher from a outwardly technologically advanced world, Earth, travels to Tolar to be a tutor in Earth languages to the Suralian heir-to-be. She is to be isolated from her species, home world and familiar things. Observing new customs, finding ways to interact with a people who look human and coming to terms with her own buried terrors of intimacy. Even Earth technology is offensive to these sensitive and turbulent people.
Does this sound like “The King and I”? Maybe if Tolar were Siam(aka Thailand) but it is not and the layers of lore in this book are fantastically crafted. Though no real techno-babble is flagrantly tossed around regarding how Earth has made interstellar travel feasible, the biological and mental topics explored make this a science fiction jewel.
Well crafted story, great characters, science in the science fiction and excellent editing make this well worth the reading time. Five out of five semi-gratuitous units of pleasure are henceforth awarded.
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