ROC, $6.99, ISBN 0-451-45552-5, 509 pages

In the sequel, Owen Deathstalker and friends plot the downfall of the Empire and undertake a variety of missions to accomplish their goal. With maze-enhanced powers and grim determination, they have a better chance, but they are only six with ties to associated rebel and underground groups against an entire Empire.

So Owen and his beautiful sidekick Hazel d'Arc speed towards Golgotha on a Hadenman ship to contact the underground and disrupt the Empire's monetary base. Meanwhile, Finlay Campbell of the underground will attempt to liberate super-esp Julian Skye from the clutches of pan-clan Blue Block, the pro-empire duo of Captain Silence and Interrogator Frost, who had a taste of the Maze's power, fight back an invasion of alien insects...

If it all sounds confusing and multi-layered, with plots within plots, you've got it in one. And that's what this space opera is all about, an empire-wide clash for power. And if this is your type of book, you'll enjoy the sequel as much as the first book. The characters flesh out some more, bit players get introduced and exterminated, schemes take hold or unravel, and attacks increase on the Empire. It's all quite fun and all quite enjoyable.

More Deathstalker

Deathstalker
Deathstalker Rebellion
Deathstalker War
Deathstalker Honor
Deathstalker Destiny