A Confusion of Princes

March 12, 2012
In this exciting space opera, 19-year-old Khemri is a Prince of the Empire, one of 10 million Princes who rule much of the galaxy under a mysterious Emperor and an AI called the Imperial Mind. Raised in splendor by mind-controlled slaves, physically and psychically augmented, and virtually immortal, Khemri, like the other Princes, is intensely self-centered, assuming that he will someday become Emperor. A year into his formal training, however, he is sent on a mission to the fringe world of Kharalcha where, stripped of his augmentations, he must fight space pirates and the forces of the Empire. Falling in love with a naval reserve officer, Khemri takes the painful first step in learning what it means to be human. Writing in the mode of Robert A. Heinlein or Andre Norton (to whom the book is dedicated), Nix (the Keys to the Kingdom series) has crafted an adventure filled with hostile aliens, deadly spaceship battles, cybernetic wonders, humor (often involving Khemri’s naïveté), and a touch of romance. The book is tied to a planned online MMORPG, Imperial Galaxy. Ages 13–up. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management.

June 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-Khemri is one of the newest Princes of the Empire and as yet unaware that mortal peril accompanies the luxuries, servants, and technological augmentations that come with his rank. The intergalactic Empire is directed by the Imperial Mind but run by millions of Princes who all compete to become the next Emperor. First among Khemri's servants is his Master of Assassins, Haddad, who guides and protects him on his first journey to the Naval Academy. There Khemri meets Morojal, a mysterious priestess who tells him that the Emperor has plans for him. From that point onward, Khemri's life takes many strange turns, even to the point of having to live as a regular human beyond the bounds of the Empire. It is then that he meets Raine and learns with her that it is possible to care for someone other than himself and something other than the Empire. Khemri seems to be on a path to becoming the Emperor but will he be able to choose another fate? Nix once again proves his mastery of speculative fiction by creating a society unlike any in his previous works. In this single volume he manages to tell a tale that is grand in scope with vivid characters and imaginative technology. Science fiction fans should enjoy his vision while the author's longtime devotees will find new reasons to appreciate him.-Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

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