Rimworlds Conspiracy — Edita A. Petrick

Deliberate inaction can be the deadliest action of all….

Arun Dyem is fighting not just for her people's freedom from slavery, but sheer survival on her home planet of Hettamir. Regent Banoran, a warlord of the New Hebrides Territory, will do everything possible to defeat her.

Once a highly paid prostitute on the planet that is enslaved to decadent pleasure seekers, Arun has emerged as the leader of her people. Through her efforts, they are on the verge of signing a treaty with the Galactic Assembly of Star Systems, also known as the Confederation, to improve their lives and keep them safe from privateers based in New Hebrides. Understanding the significance of the treaty, the Confederation has sent Avram DeWynter, the younger brother of the Confederation's president, to represent them. With Avram is his wife and infant daughter. The delegation also includes the richest man in the Galaxy as the treaty signatory on behalf of his galactic consortium, Admiral Kathryn DeWynter and her sixteen-year-old son, Daniel DeWynter.

Appointed as the regent of a Confederation frontier post, Synoor, in a clever political move that just might have backfired, Picco Banoran has never severed his privateer ties with the New Hebrides space pirates. Now he must insure the treaty is scuttled without overplaying his hand. Using his considerable ability to manipulate events without seeming to be involved, he sets up a situation where Arun, Avram's wife and child, as well as their nurse, are captured by the New Hebrides privateers.

Can they survive? Or does fate -- and the frontier gods on Synoor who secretly control it -- have a different outcome in mind -- one that will set the galaxy on a new course?

The first book in a new science fantasy series, Rimworlds Conspiracy provides all the excitement and intrigue of a galaxy science fiction. If you like complex worlds, entire galaxies at risk, and the struggles and triumphs of individuals trying to survive against incredible odds, you will enjoy this book.