First published 2007
Prince Kinnall Darival lives in exile from Salla, bound by Borthan's ancient covenant that forbids personal expression. For millennia, his society has condemned the sharing of inner thoughts as the ultimate crime. Kinnall outwardly follows these rules while harboring a forbidden love for his bondsister Halum. The law prevents him from confessing his feelings or acting on them. When an visitor from Earth introduces him to a powerful drug that allows complete emotional connection between two people, Kinnall sees a path to freedom. He begins a secret rebellion against the covenant that has shaped his world for thousands of years. His quiet revolution threatens everything Borthan society believes about the dangers of the individual self.
Genres: science-fiction, romance, literary-fiction, fantasy
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: forbidden-romance, social-commentary
Setting: Borthan, Salla, Earth
Period: Millennia
Audio CD · Blackstone Audiobooks