Red Leopard by Vijaya Schartz is the second book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series.

Galya may be a Goddian Princess, but her mixed heritage and non-Goddian looks has kept her from being accepted or respected by the Goddians. It is only because of her father's status that she was given a ship and an important mission. The ship's crew follows her commands, but only reluctantly. The ship receives a long distant transmission from Master Yamin of New Earth, their destination, for assistance with an uprising. The message makes little sense, but more importantly New Earth isn't known to have the advanced technology for such a transmission. Galya is determined to acquire this knowledge in hopes of gaining a place in Goddian society.

On New Earth, Terek was left in charge of the Council of Princes when King Dragomir left in hopes of gaining an alliance for their world. Unfortunately, the council members, except for Terek, are mutants created by the Goddian's who feel ther are superior to all humans and Terek is human. The Godds have been gone for eighty years allowing humans and mutants alike to enjoy greater freedom which they want to keep. Terek knows there is a threat to the stability of their world, but no one on the council believes him. Terek has been training the humans to become a fighting force so they can defend themselves. As things begin to spin out of control, Terek leads a raid on the monastery, but finds they were betrayed when he is met by the opposition led by Galya. Instead of ordering their death, Galya promises his people's safety if he fights her. Galya believes that treating humans with fairness will be for everyone's benefit and she is fascinated by Terek, also known as Red Leopard. As the sides get ready for the battle for the planet, Galya and Terek begin to form a bond, but is it strong enough to survive the upcoming struggles?

Ms. Schartz has continued her series with this action packed, fast paced story. I was captivated by this story from the start as Galya's story began to unfold. Terek's difficulties with the mutant princess is not that from today's issues between the problems between different cultures. I loved the descriptions of the futuristic technology and how it impacted their lives. Terek and Galya met, their spontaneous attraction increases as their fight unleashes feelings between them that they never expected. Galya's intuition and drive to uncover the mystery led her to not only a new life, but maybe the acceptance she wanted and a love for all times. I can't wait to read the next book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series.

Reviewed by: Teresa