Today’s review is about A PRINCESS OF OLDIR by Bryan Wilson. It’s part of the Power of the Stars series, but easily reads as a standalone. This sci-fi novella is about a ruling family losing power and a neighboring planet taking advantage of the situation. I found this reminiscent of Dune.

This review is brought to you by my participation in the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”, is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.). I am part of Team Behind the Musings. You can find out more about us here.

Author: Bryan Wilson
Series: Power of the Stars, #2.5
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: July 30, 2024
Print Length: 93
Purchase: Amazon

Official Synopsis

The Ojurn family has guided the planet of Oldir for centuries, and as the ancestors of a prophet, the world’s citizens have always honored their bloodline. However, the people’s struggles are on the rise, and their solar system’s limited resources continue to dwindle.

Rhanna, the daughter of the current Lord Supreme, considers it her duty to rid the planet of its troubles. She spends most of her days training to take up her family’s mantle. But when a popular young leader from a neighboring world arrives on their soil, it becomes evident that there are those with other wishes.

Set more than three decades before the events of The Forsaken Planet, this is a story of one family’s struggle to do what is right, even if it costs them their legacy.

A Princess of Oldir is both a standalone story in the Power of the Stars universe and a complementary addition for those familiar with the main books. You do not need to have read the other work to enjoy this novella.

A Princess of Oldir Review

A PRINCESS OF OLDIR is a fast-paced science fiction novella that reminded me a bit of Dune. Rhanna’s family, the Ojurns, have led the planet of Oldir for centuries. But now there is unrest on the rugged planet as thefts and unruliness rise with fears of resource shortages. When the leader of a neighboring planet arrives to discuss collaboration, the schism in alliances becomes evident.

Although somewhat predictable, A PRINCESS OF OLDIR depicts a family who wants to do what is right. Yet civilian fear and the ambition of a neighboring ruler throw everything into chaos. Rhanna is in her early 20s, which seems to be considered on the younger side in this world rather than a full adult. As such she is appropriately naive and hopeful in the way of the world. This comes across in her conversations with her family’s guard service and visiting merchants. The dialogue is a bit stilted, but otherwise conveys Rhanna’s levity and appreciation for adventure.

While this novella is related to a series, I did not feel as if I needed to first read the other books to have a basic understanding of A PRINCESS OF OLDIR. The story is well contained, with an open ending for further challenges.

Rating: withheld
Content warnings: violence, blood, death
Reading format: Kindle e-book