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Chronicles of Alsea #2-3
Without A Front
Raised in the halls of power and holding the highest title in the land, Lancer Andira Tal is used to being prejudged because of her rank. When she meets a woman who sees beyond it, she finds her own lifelong assumptions brought into question — at a time when high-stakes political maneuvering jeopardizes everything she holds dear.
- GenresScience Fiction
1176 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2007
94 people want to read
About the author
Fletcher DeLancey
26 books316 followersFletcher DeLancey spent her early career as a science educator, which was the perfect combination of her two great loves: language and science. These days she combines them while writing science fiction.
She is an Oregon expatriate who left her beloved state when she met a Portuguese woman and had to choose between home and heart. She chose heart. Now she lives with her wife and son in the beautiful sunny Algarve, where she writes full-time, teaches Pilates, tries to learn the local birds and plants, and samples every regional Portuguese dish she can get her hands on. (There are many. It’s going to take a while.)
She is best known for her science fiction/fantasy series, Chronicles of Alsea, now comprised of four novels and a novella. Among them, the Alsea books have won an Independent Publisher's Award (2017 bronze medal), a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, a Rainbow Award, and been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.
Fletcher believes that women need far more representation in science fiction and fantasy, and takes great pleasure in writing complex stories with strong, believable women heading up the action. Her day is made every time another reader says, “I didn’t think I liked science fiction, but then I read yours.”
She is an Oregon expatriate who left her beloved state when she met a Portuguese woman and had to choose between home and heart. She chose heart. Now she lives with her wife and son in the beautiful sunny Algarve, where she writes full-time, teaches Pilates, tries to learn the local birds and plants, and samples every regional Portuguese dish she can get her hands on. (There are many. It’s going to take a while.)
She is best known for her science fiction/fantasy series, Chronicles of Alsea, now comprised of four novels and a novella. Among them, the Alsea books have won an Independent Publisher's Award (2017 bronze medal), a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, a Rainbow Award, and been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.
Fletcher believes that women need far more representation in science fiction and fantasy, and takes great pleasure in writing complex stories with strong, believable women heading up the action. Her day is made every time another reader says, “I didn’t think I liked science fiction, but then I read yours.”
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 25, 2014
This book is a spin-off of the author's very popular Star trek Voyager fanfic 'Past Imperfect' series. Alsea, one of the planets that Capt. Janeway visits on her way back to earth, contain a race of beings who are empaths--people who can feel the emotions of others. The book revolves around their society in general and their leader, Lancer Tal, in particular.
There is a lot more world-building in this book than the other series, but not through boring descriptions or expositions. We learn about Alsean society as the different castes wrangle over the merits of introducing a possible life-altering piece of technology that their leader wangled from Capt. Janeway--the 'Replicator'--that trademark Star Trek gadget that seemingly lets one produce anything out of nothing. So just imagine the panic and chaos that the threat of its introduction has instilled in the Producers (aka farmers), whose products form the cornerstone of Alsean economy.
Politics, intrigue, conspiracy and betrayals abound--in the midst of an unexpected and highly unlikely but very intense romance. The first half of the book is a little light on the action but the tension kicks up several gears in the second half. It is different enough from the Past Imperfect series in tone and content (less lesfic drama, less behind-the-scenes action (wink)), but no less profound and gripping.
5 stars
There is a lot more world-building in this book than the other series, but not through boring descriptions or expositions. We learn about Alsean society as the different castes wrangle over the merits of introducing a possible life-altering piece of technology that their leader wangled from Capt. Janeway--the 'Replicator'--that trademark Star Trek gadget that seemingly lets one produce anything out of nothing. So just imagine the panic and chaos that the threat of its introduction has instilled in the Producers (aka farmers), whose products form the cornerstone of Alsean economy.
Politics, intrigue, conspiracy and betrayals abound--in the midst of an unexpected and highly unlikely but very intense romance. The first half of the book is a little light on the action but the tension kicks up several gears in the second half. It is different enough from the Past Imperfect series in tone and content (less lesfic drama, less behind-the-scenes action (wink)), but no less profound and gripping.
5 stars
July 17, 2016
This book is a must read! I am so looking forward to the published version.
From the author's website: Without A Front is in the pipeline for a major rewrite and division into two books. It is, after all, two different stories: first a romance, and then a story of political intrigue and action. But first will come the publication of The Caphenon, a prequel to Without A Front and a complete reimagining of the universe in which Alsea is located.
From the author's website: Without A Front is in the pipeline for a major rewrite and division into two books. It is, after all, two different stories: first a romance, and then a story of political intrigue and action. But first will come the publication of The Caphenon, a prequel to Without A Front and a complete reimagining of the universe in which Alsea is located.
June 18, 2015
This story is as brilliant as The Caphenon. Can't wait to read the published version(s) of it. I have to agree with others, Fletcher DeLancey is indeed a genius. :)
January 17, 2013
4.5 Stars- maybe even 5
My favourite of Delancey's works. This is an excellent example of what can come out of the fanfic world - an original, stand-alone fiction. I enjoy Delancey's writing style and she shines in her worldbuilding as well as developing characters you can't help but love.
My favourite of Delancey's works. This is an excellent example of what can come out of the fanfic world - an original, stand-alone fiction. I enjoy Delancey's writing style and she shines in her worldbuilding as well as developing characters you can't help but love.
January 13, 2019
I thought this book was fantastic!
November 12, 2008
I liked this a lot. I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi fiction but this was quite good and I'm amazed it isn't published. I also hope it becomes a series but I found the main characters to be utterly enjoyable and want to know more about them.
June 10, 2013
My favorite..and to think I don't usually like fanfics, but it never really felt that way. Serious recommendation...after you read the first three in the Past Imperfect series.
Oh how I'd love to have that kind of connection with my tyree.
Oh how I'd love to have that kind of connection with my tyree.
May 28, 2010
My favorite sci-fi online story. Amazing. And, yes, it also amazes me that Fletcher DeLancey doesn't have any published novel. Are publishers blind?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews