The Branded Ones
Fenn Trilogy Book 1
A Star Brothers Adventure
Proxima Centauri
ISBN 9798323517015
ASIN B0D2B587H3
This was the first novel I have read by Coleen but it will definitely not be the last. I have already picked up four of her other novels and have others still on my wish list. I had picked up 2 of her novels in 2024, and another 3 in 2025 but had not got around to them until reading this one. I am not certain of the order for the Star Brothers Series but I know this is 1 of 3 in the Fenn Trilogy. The description of this volume states:
“As a Star Brother, Father Ruiz has a solemn mission: to spread his Faith to the isolated tribes of the planet Fenn. But he soon realizes that he is in over his head. Not only do ancient rivalries and blood feuds split the two main groups, but he must grapple with the gelens—moon-worshippers with uncanny psychic abilities. The planet is ruled by a ruthless dictatorship, threatened by a brewing rebellion, and entangled in the complex web of political and social machinations that span the stars. And Father Ruiz’s first convert is none other than an infamous war criminal and the most powerful psychic on Fenn: a man who could either save or destroy his people. Can Father Ruiz survive the dangers and dilemmas of Fenn, and fulfill his mission without losing his soul? Find out in this thrilling sci-fi novel by the author of The Star Brothers.
Fans of Dune, The Sparrow, and The Left Hand of Darkness will love this book.”
This story also reminded me of the Earthsea novels by Ursula K. Le Guin and also The Final Planet by Andrew M. Greeley. There is a lot going on in this story, and numerous stories, traditions and cultures intermingled and conflicting.
This story is classic science fiction written large. Space Opera at its best. Fr. Anselmo Ruiz is serving a mission on a planet among the moon worshiping Dryaks. The culture is reminiscent of the Vikings, and all knowledge of Christianity has faded offer generations of isolation. Their culture is a cross between Vikings and Aztec, with all the blood, sacrifices and child sacrifices. The focal point of their culture is a citadel which has a strange dark power. With a mix of warlocks and witches who are marked by brands are Galens.
Fr. Ruiz’s missing and work reminds me of stories of the first missionaries to North America. The world building and mythos is intense. It is a volume much like Dune, in its deep religious traditions, and detailed histories, and complex plot. In some ways the whole time reading we are expecting a train wreck to happen, and the big conflict keeps getting deflected and pushed off. It was a heavier read that a lot of what I read these days but the story is well worth it. This is not light fluffy Science Fiction, It is a deep moving story. And it really left me desperate for more stories about the Star Brothers! It is a well written story I can recommend for seasoned readers!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Colleen Drippe:
House Avers
Recall
Mystery at Miner's Creek
…
Star Brothers Series:
Galen
Sunrise on the Ice Wolf
Treelight
God Country
Planet of the Winds
Sharan
…
Star Brothers Fenn Trilogy:
Vessel of Darkness
The Dawnstrikers
…
Dreams Times Ten:
Dreams Times Ten
Dreams Times Ten Volume 2
…
Contributed to:
Glimring Night and Other Tales of Fantasy
Jupiter: Planetary Anthology
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