Kiyama

Diana Kemp-Jones
Zumaya Publications (2003)
ISBN 1894942418
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)

When the planet Omori was invaded by aliens called “The Sikoth,” the Omoro civilization was destroyed.  These were peaceful, industrious people who were artisans and diplomats.  The Sikoths came to the planet requesting assistance because their world was destroyed.  They planned on taking over Omori by sterilizing the population.

Kanuwe, her sister Januka, and her brother Malaru, were all created to find the twin planet Omori-na and repopulate it.  In addition to being fertile, they are neurosynths that have been given vitality and longevity.  They are guided by the soul of an ancient Omoru wiseman named Badarou.  Kanuwe and her siblings are shown the history of their planet and its devastation through dream journeys.  They also have visions of the people from their past.   Kanuwe is able to see the past and future which provides her with the knowledge that she needs to accomplish her goals.

The plot thickens when Januka is kidnapped by slave traders.  The alien kidnappers are a disgustingly repulsive race of creatures.   Kanuwe and Malaru go after Januka to rescue her.  Along the way they have to deal with some devastating losses and their journey is prolonged.

“Kiyama” is an excellent science fiction novel.  Kemp-Jones has a talent for being able to vividly create descriptions of the scenes in her story so that they are easy to imagine.  Every setting is conveyed in a rich, colorful way.  She does an excellent job of creating the characters.  The sibling neurosynths are written as people with great depth.  She makes you care about them as if they really exist.    Your heart goes out to them because you want them to succeed with bringing their culture back to life. The evil aliens are vividly described.  I could almost smell their nastiness.  The plot moves along quickly and I find myself holding my breath through many of the stressful, action filled scenes with the aliens. 

I highly recommend “Kiyama” to science fiction fans.  You will not be disappointed.  I look forward to reading other novels by this author.

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