Prey of the Umwira

Among all the races of the planet Timorna, the fierce Warlinga are not all believing tales of people from the stars and new Kashallans among them. The Dingay clan plots to their own benefit, but not even all their own clan know of the changelings among them, half-breeds with the feared enemy Umwira race from the Ghostlands. When Dunnagh and his symbiote, along with trusted friends, are captured by Warlinga, there is more at risk than they know. Nathan, as leader, is called on to fulfill his oaths.

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.

Prey of the Umwira is the fifth 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... 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