The Nonborn King – Summary
Set six million years in the past, The Nonborn King is the third instalment in Julian May’s Saga of the Pliocene Exile. The novel explores a world where time-traveling humans from the 22nd century disrupt the fragile balance of power between two alien species: the elegant Tanu and their twisted cousins, the Firvulag. These species, locked in an ancient rivalry, face further upheaval when Aiken Drum, a genetically engineered human with extraordinary psychic powers, declares himself the “Nonborn King”.
The story unfolds after a catastrophic flood reshapes the Mediterranean landscape, leaving both alien factions weakened. Aiken Drum seizes this opportunity to consolidate power, but his rise is fraught with challenges. His ambition pits him against various factions: traditionalist Tanu who resist human influence, rebellious humans known as Lowlives, and the Firvulag, who harbour their own destructive agenda. Amidst these struggles, Aiken must also contend with internal turmoil and betrayals from those closest to him.
As alliances shift and betrayals abound, key characters like Felice Landry and Elizabeth Orme emerge as pivotal players. Felice’s destructive tendencies contrast with Elizabeth’s peacekeeping efforts, creating a dynamic interplay of motivations. The novel builds toward a tense climax as Aiken’s precarious rule is tested by external threats and his own flawed psyche. By the end, the stage is set for further conflict in the series’ next book, The Adversary.
Key Themes
- Power and Ambition: The pursuit of dominance drives much of the conflict.
- Betrayal and Loyalty: Characters navigate shifting alliances.
- Cultural Clashes: Interactions between humans and aliens highlight differences in values.
- Psychic Powers: Telepathy and other abilities play a central role in shaping events.
- Survival and Adaptation: Characters grapple with a changing world post-catastrophe.
Character Details
Aiken Drum
Role: Protagonist and self-proclaimed “Nonborn King”
Traits: Ambitious, cunning and deeply flawed. Aiken is a genetically engineered human with immense psychic powers. His rise to power is marked by manipulation and opportunism, but his internal struggles reveal vulnerabilities that make him a complex leader.
Felice Landry
Role: Human rebel with destructive tendencies
Traits: Fiercely independent and dangerously impulsive. Felice’s psychic powers are matched by her penchant for chaos, making her both an asset and a liability to those around her.
Elizabeth Orme
Role: Peacekeeper among humans and aliens
Traits: Compassionate yet strong-willed. Elizabeth seeks harmony amidst chaos, often acting as a counterbalance to Aiken’s ambition.
Nodonn Battlemaster
Role: Leader of a xenophobic Tanu faction
Traits: Traditionalist and vengeful. Nodonn opposes human influence and seeks to reclaim Tanu supremacy.
Mercy Lamballe
Role: Aiken’s queen
Traits: Complex and enigmatic. Mercy’s loyalties are divided between her past with Nodonn and her present with Aiken.
King Sharn
Role: Ruler of the Firvulag
Traits: Ruthless yet calculating. Sharn embodies Firvulag ambitions for dominance through cunning strategies.
Tony Wayland
Role: Human wanderer
Traits: Cowardly yet resourceful. Tony’s journey through various factions highlights his adaptability in a volatile world.
Marc Remillard (Abaddon)
Role: Leader of exiled metapsychics
Traits: Visionary but morally ambiguous. Marc’s introduction adds layers of intrigue as he seeks to exploit the chaos for his own ends.
Reader Fit
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Epic science fiction blended with fantasy elements.
- Complex political intrigue and power struggles.
- Richly developed worlds featuring alien cultures.
- Stories exploring psychic abilities and their societal impact.
- Multi-layered characters with moral ambiguities.
Fans of authors like Frank Herbert (Dune) or Ursula K. Le Guin (The Left Hand of Darkness) will likely find The Nonborn King captivating.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1983
- Reading Time Estimate: 12-15 hours (based on average reading speed)
- Notable Awards: None specifically for this book
Related Books
- Dune by Frank Herbert – For its exploration of power dynamics in an intricate world.
- Hyperion by Dan Simmons – For its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and rich character arcs.
- The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin – For its focus on cultural clashes and complex relationships.
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Dive into The Nonborn King today to experience an unforgettable journey through time, power struggles and psychic intrigue!
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