Dunnagh and his symbiote Tani are no longer the only symbiotes in their band of diverse peoples.To support their band of human and alien refugees, scientists Philip and Tessa have taken on roles as hosts for which they have little preparation. In adjusting to their new home on Timorna, the humans are physically changed by the kavay that now runs in their veins and socially changed by cultural ceremonies practiced with deepest reverence on this world. Unsure of who or what they have become, they must strive to create a new identity for themselves and their children on this alien world.

For native Timornans there is also the challenge to re-assess their accepted way of life. The Khutani have found a new host species in humans, but the humans brought to this troubled world are not their former docile hosts. Human hosts are an intelligent tool-using people with their own language and culture that will inevitably change Timornan society forever.

Humans and aliens struggle to survive on a planet surface foreign to them both, which still suffers the aftermath of a past disaster. Dunnagh is responsible for his people, wanting to bring his soldiers and civilians to safety. The Khutani work to preserve not only their own people, but the races of this planet Timorna where they dwell. It takes all the Khutani mind powers, and those of Dunnagh, to bring them together for symbiosis.

Uncertain Refuge is the fourth book in the series Tales of the Kashallans, by celebrated author Celu Amberstone. Drawing on her Indigenous and Celtic heritage, Amberstone writes powerful fiction subtly different from the usual science fiction or fantasy adventures. For fans of the ‘Hundred Worlds’ approach used in Star Trek and in Golden Age magazines, there are diverse settings and cultures along the journey taken by these human and alien characters.

This is space opera writ large combined with both fantasy and hard SF. That’s one heck of an accomplishment to establish in two short opening chapters. Even without knowing there are multiple volumes, it’s obvious the Tales of the Kashallans constitute a genuine epic written with such skill that you will be enthralled however long the series lasts.

This is a richly detailed fantasy/space opera that is positively addictive. Celu Amberstone has the knack of weaving elaboration and action into a vivid tapestry of action and character. Well rounded, deftly written, and a joy to read. Highly recommended. Consider it a useful antidote to mundane life these days… a genuine pleasure you owe yourself.

-R. Graeme Cameron for Amazing Stories.

Amberstone’s world-building puts together brave new peoples and gritty adventures, evoking strong responses in the reader.

• author Paula Johanson