An Earthly Crown: Kate Elliott

Book I of The Sword Of Heaven. On the planet Rhui the jaran tribes, led by Ilya, are sweeping across the plains to conquer the settled lands, city by city. At Ilya's side, and his partner in victories, is his wife, Tess, a woman of whose true origins Ilya is unaware. Tess, born on Earth. is the sister and only heir of Charles Soerensen, leader of the failed rebellion against the alien Chapalii Empire and now a Duke of the Empire. Charles has continued his subversive activities against the alien overlords and is now caught in a deadly game of interstellar politics. He realises he must go to Rhui to reclaim both his heir and knowledge long hidden there of an ancient rebellion against the Empire. One there, Charles is swept up in a battle of wills with Ilya, who is equally adamant about keeping Tess on Rhui. But Tess has her own agenda for the future. Cover art by Jim Burns.