Review: `Man looks aloft, and with erected eyes, Beholds his own hereditary skies.' Ovid
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 27, 2014
Awards for writers are awards and the spectrum of kudos bestowed on writers is quite extensive. However, in Australian author Valerie Parv's case she has not only been the recipient of numerous honors (Pioneer Award from RT Book Reviews in New York for one) but now the Australian chapter of Romance Writers of America has established the Valerie Parv Award in her honor - an award which is now run by Romance Authors of Australia! She has written 50 novels, 24 non-fiction titles, dozens of short stories in major magazines, and has a movie script currently in pre-production. New Woman magazine has names her `One of the planet's most widely read romance fiction writers,' and she has been honored as an Australia Day Ambassador.With that depth of experience it is no wonder that Valerie Parv has created her own environment for her romance suspense novels in a fictional place she calls the island kingdom of Carramer, an isolated South Pacific location that serves as the stage on which BIRTHRIGHT is played. The plot line as condensed by the author reads, `Former police officer turned deputy governor, Shana Akers, is used to handling high-stakes situations. But after learning that a space shuttle mission about to be launched from her island home may have a shocking secret agenda, she must turn for answers to the man who has challenged her mind and emotions for years. Scientific genius and space center director, Adam Desai, is a truly self-made man. Found adrift at sea as a baby, he knows nothing about his origins until two VIPs attending the launch force him to confront the truth about his past, changing everything Adam has ever believed about himself. Faced with a danger that threatens the entire world, can Adam and Shana find the strength to trust not only each other, but also the mysterious VIPs whose unusual abilities defy logical thinking? Especially when it becomes clear that they'll need all of their combined resources to reclaim humanity's birthright...'Interesting, palpably real characters placed in a fantasy obtuse situation is a challenge for any writer, but Parv's ability as a wordsmith as well as her owning an imagination that pushes the limits at the most unexpected moments creates a story that marries topical splendor, aliens, evil astronauts, intrigue, pulsatile romance, and fascinating alien politics. And to keep the philosophical fires fanned, BIRTHRIGHT is about the journey to self-discovery. Only Valerie Parv could stir this brew successfully and she is a wonder of a chef! Grady Harp, February, February 14