An average Ohio teenager learns that he is the long-lost heir to a throne that unites all of the civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy in Hickman’s SF novel.
At the outset of the author’s galactic saga, a rather modest-appearing godlike figure (middle-aged, nondescript, wearing a “shabby” fedora) creates what is destined to be Earth. Billions of years later, the multi-species citizens of the Milky Way galaxy spacefaring galactic empire (which resembles the quasi-feudal worlds found in fantasy novels) only know Earth as a legend, a dreaded place to which the kingdom’s traditional enemies are banished. On Earth, Richard, an Ohio teen, receives news of his destiny as heir to the throne of the Milky Way. This startling revelation is conveyed first by Richard’s strange elderly neighbors, then by a talking sofa—a miracle-working guardian who shape-shifts into a gentle humanoid whom Richard dubs “AAL.” Richard is shown the unique and enigmatic DNA markers proving that he is indeed the lone descendant of the Plantagenet bloodline: heroic (mostly) defenders of all their varied subjects and a benevolent force throughout space. With a loyal “artificial life” duplicate of Richard duly created to take his place back home, the adolescent is taken by AAL to tour Krel, the capital planet of his kingdom—which turns out to be populated by many creatures from human myth and lore, including centaurs and winged horses. Here is the place Richard will wield absolute power once his training is complete. But as much as AAL seems to be Richard’s strongest advocate, mentor, and guardian, the boy suspect he is holding back information as the teen confronts the challenges, responsibilities, and pitfalls of finding himself a prophesied leader-messiah across a space-scape of billions of worshipful worlds (and yes, there is a Dune reference thrown in for the cognoscenti).
In its outline, this is the umpteenth update of the “chosen one” heroic fantasy as identified by mythology scholar Joseph Campbell, with forebears ranging from King Arthur to Harry Potter. Hickman’s distinction is the wealth of detail he brings to this narrative of the most vitally important person alive, a juvenile whose every word and whim has the force of law and dictates instant policy. Richard (who fortuitously is SF savvy) must negotiate a minefield of enemies, courtly intrigue, and diplomatic tangles, which the hero approaches with simple common sense and fairness. Readers assuming this to be milder YA fare should be warned that Richard’s virginity is one of the sacrifices he makes: “Since you are a fifteen-year-old with raging hormones and have had a taste of sex, it is unlikely you will stop. Once you have a taste of the honey, you will dare to venture to the hive again and again,” states AAL, accurately, when the act takes place—explicitly described, it may even surprise readers accustomed to taboos being overturned. The finale wraps things up nicely; it’s not a cliffhanger, but clearly sets up the next installment. --Kirkus Review
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Amazon Book Sale.
Hundreds of audiobooks under $8. Shop now.
From the Publisher
Matthew Poehler
Imagination takes you some crazy places, and Hickman takes you to all of them. Fantasy, intrigue, drama & comedy, mystery, monsters, magic, the past and the future, medium spicy romance, this story tags all of them. To say there’s a lot going on is to undersell this book. The number of cool story threads open here means that there’s a lot of ground to cover in the future and I’m willing to bet Mike delivers starting with Book 2.
AudioBookReviewer
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2022
A king’s bloodline is thought to have ended, however, amongst the planet hides one with the bloodline. It was a normal day in Ohio for Richard. At 15 years of age, he was a normal gangly, shy boy with hopes of asking a girl out on a date, having fun with his friends, and keeping his grades up. Those were the days, now Richard is soaring on his sofa into outer space and meets his keeper, an artificial life form with a mission of finding the king’s bloodline and preparing him to take over. The author, Michael W. Hickman, captures the awkwardness of a teenage boy and transforms him slowly and deliberately into king material. The storyline flows smoothly with plot twists that fit well. The plot twists are interesting and intriguing. The development of the characters is well done and deliberate. Hickman’s imagination is rich and intriguing. The narrator, Ron Allan Fouts does a very good job of narration. He speaks clearly and with rich, expressive tones. His delivery is steady, and he speaks clearly. He does keep the story moving forward and keeps the interest growing as well. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023
- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2022
