Harvester 7
The genetic secret to all life in the universe revealed, and so begins the countdown to Armageddon.
For over seven hundred and fifty years the harvesters had been voyaging into deep space, but each journey was becoming longer and more dangerous, because suitable planets were getting fewer and more difficult for the scouts to discover. Terrillia was a dying planet and nothing could be done to prevent the inevitable. Master Maulik carried the responsibilities of feeding his race with pride, and he performed his harvesting duties with diligence and compassion... yet his heart longed for adventure. But it is often dangerous to long, for sometimes the heart receives that which it desires most, and Maulik finds himself plunged into a game of political intrigue and brinkmanship that could alter the balance of power in his galaxy as rival species form an uneasy alliance. For the ultimate doom approaches. And as opposing factions draw together he finds himself a pawn in the great game, his only true ally, his new found friend, the Kressa.
Discover how the story begins, the preparations for war, deceit and double dealing, plans within plans, the strangest of friendships... and an entire race reduced to the status of livestock.
Purchase Links
Reviews
Harvesting is a way of life. People need to eat, y'know. But when you're harvesting everything you can, how do you feed a growing population? This story shows how cultural adaption can aid threatened people to survive. Of course these people are ETs. We humans would never degenerate to the point of devouring intelligent beings who only differ from us in cultural matters and appearance. Or would we?? This book works well as an adventure story, but if you've read "Gulliver's Travels" you may also enjoy the satirical subtext.
Life amongst the alien stars. There a threat on the horizon but not all believe. Harvester 7 travels the stars divesting planets of all their organics to feed those civilization just to survive. Other aliens vie for power and try to form a federation, but one that they control. Others still have isolated, growing those power and keeping their secrets. Each with those own agenda. And then there's the kressa , the essence of a hunting cat spliced into a spaceship. Who knows what they will do it they break their programming. A delightfully messy universe with many an outcome
It has been interesting to read a story where humankind is not considered to be the only sentient being that will prevail. For that alone this book has been a good read. The development of the plot and the evolving relationships between the main characters has allowed me to read this story in one sitting. I hope that the next instalments are equally as readable.
This was enjoyable reading, with multiple subplots evident and flowing well throughout the tail. A welcome change from human centric sci-fi feudal landscapes. This book lends itself to a flowing series with multiple fill in books to background the space scape.