Diana Palmer - The Morcai Battalion Review

If you are familiar with this author's usual genre, then you will be surprised to read this completely foreign form of fiction to originate from Diana Palmer's pen--science fiction. Ms. Palmer's skill in weaving together dynamic relationships with strong, witty female characters is present in this new novel, part 1 of a series to be published in the near future. It is only the subject matter that she treats in a new, refreshing manner.

If you enjoy science fiction works, then you will thoroughly enjoy the new worlds, alliances, and characters introduced by this seasoned writer. Ms. Palmer introduces her book with a letter to her readers explaining that this book was a work in progress for forty-two years. When she introduced her work first, there was no Star Trek on the airwaves. Star Wars was still a vague idea in Lucas' mind. It is quite evident, then, that besides avidly reading westerns, the author in her formative years cut her teeth on Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov and their ilk. What she did include, that kept her writing out of print, were strong, capable women in high command and forward combat positions. Her main character, Madeline Ruszel, had to be delegated to ship's doctor before one book publisher would even consider printing her book in 1979, 14 years later. Unfortunately, the publishing company went out of business shortly after their original agreement. It wasn't until 2006 that Diana Palmer's original ideas were allowed back into the book you see today in print by Luna books S. A.--The Morcai Battalion.

When you read this action-packed book some items may sound familiar to those of us who are science fiction fans. Just remember that in a world of equalities, the author could have been a screen writer for the original Star Trek TV episodes. Her ideas were there first, although Ms. Palmer adds that some new ideas have been mixed with the old original ideas from her brain child of 1965.

What is the book about? Oh, the usual...inter-galactic war and despots, space terrorists, a federation of three (not one) galaxies thanks to time-fold travel, collusion, betrayal, spies, kidnapping of lovely princesses and princes, secrets, escape, imprisonment in a death camp, rescue, heroics, honor, a scattering of humor, heroes and heroines, and even a
tiny bit of romance. But it isn't just the sci-fi theme that intrigues me. Diana Palmer is past master in creating strong, vital leading characters for whom you feel compelling loyalty. Her characters are real and the relationships are dynamic.

This is part 1 of a trilogy. I think you will enjoy this series, so be looking forward to the next two to be published. In her first book, she stayed true to her original design. But as she says herself, in the next two books, the sky's the limit!