Core Empire

For nearly one thousand years, the Core Empire has held together thousands of star systems and billions of citizens. But a coup attempt has broken the empire into pieces. Some planets and systems have survived and still have law and order. Others have fallen to barbarism and piracy. For young Hugh Cascade, this is but a history lesson, even if the nightmares of kinetic weapons exploding have followed him through most of his childhood. Ten years later, the war finds Hugh, now a military cadet. Under the gentle guidance of Marine Sgt. Major Ward, Hugh has grown into a strong - and headstrong - young man. But the truth has never been shared with him: Hugh Cascade is an heir to the throne, perhaps the last, and the traitors will do anything to eliminate him. Before they can, Hugh must make the decision of a lifetime: To take the Test of Heirs to prove his worthiness to rule an empire... or die trying. The first in an exciting new trilogy, Orphan's Test is classic science fiction at its best. Contains mature themes.

Maeve uch Robert, daughter of Robert ap Morgan, had always heard the stories of her family's connection to the emperors of old. Not that she really believed them. But her sister, Morgain, clearly did. She's been trying to claim the crown for herself ever since a coup attempt killed the current emperor and wiped out most of the court. To protect Maeve, Robert plans to enroll her safely in the Imperial Fleet Academy. Then Morgain strikes again . . . Now an orphan, years later, she finds herself hiding as an enlisted spacer on a rebel ship. Every day, she fears being found out. Then a ship approaches claiming to carry a true heir to the throne. Could this be her chance to escape . . . or just one more pretender soon to die? She'll just have to wait and see what this young heir, Hugh Cascade, is made of, before deciding to risk her life or let him lose his . . . Contains mature themes.