Janus by Gail R. Delaney is the first book in the Phoenix Rising series.

Earth became prey to aliens who on the surface, offered everything they wanted, but who was secretly using humanity for their own means. They called themselves the Areth, while in fact, were actually their sworn enemies, the Sorracchi. When a member of the Sorracchi told the freedom fighters about the Areth, a desperate attempt was made, which ended in overcoming the Sorracchi, but the cost was the almost destruction of the Earth. The Areth left John Smith, as ambassador to Earth, to intervene and help with rebuilding their world. Jenifer lost Eli, the only person who she cared for, in one of the last Sorracchi raids, leaving her alone and bitter. The Earth's government is having problems with a group of people who are willing to go to extreme measures to cleanse the Earth of all aliens, called the Xenos, and their target is John and his human son Silas. President Nicholas is forced to look for the traitor in his own people when the Xenos seem to know John's itinerary. His daughter in-law, Jacqueline, offers to contact her friend Jenifer to protect John while she travels with Silas to Aretu for his safety. As John and Jenifer fight to stay alive a bond is forged, but can they survive the dangers ahead? Will Silas and Jacqueline make it to Aretu in time? What lies ahead for what's left of humanity?

I fell in love with Ms. Delaney's earlier series Phoenix Rebellion and this series picks up where the last book ended. The Sorracchi are a perfect stereotype of the evil alien invaders determined to control humanity, while the Areth look upon humans as their children. John may be from a different world, but the compassion and love he feels for the people was wonderful. I was fascinated how some humans, like Nick and Jenifer, have latent abilities like most of the Areth people have. It was almost frightening how Jenifer struggled in learning how to control the skills that the Areth people were taught to control in childhood. The bond between John and his son Silas was lovely to experience throughout the story. John's determination to help Jenifer in spite of her refusal was inspiring and captivating as she gained powers I can't even imagine. This looks to be another incredible series that rivals the depth and clarity seen in EE "Doc" Smith's Lensman series.

Reviewed by: Teresa