An intriguing development as an alien-first-contact epic sprouts new characters. ---Kirkus Reviews M. B. Woods' third dystopian post-apocalyptic novel series 'Clash of the Aliens' changes gears creating a uniquely original hard science fiction experience for readers who enjoy Analog, Asimov, and Locus classicsIn Wood's first two dystopian America novels, Earth is reduced to survivalist feudalism by a terrorism-inspired nuclear barrage. The remnants of American society receive a fateful visit from the inquisitive Qu'uda-- reptilian extraterrestrials seeking habitable worlds. Here, in Book 3, The Hoo-Lii Chronicles the perspective shifts sharply to a faraway, exotic alien civilization. The Hoo-Lii are a technologically advanced world that's dominated by a matriarchy of diva-like queens at the apex of society; the latter have exoskeletons with deadly retractable spines, and they communicate, in part, by scent.Earlier wars between hives tainted the planet's environment; now, they've agreed on an uneasy de´tente for the greater good of their gene pool and adhere to a religion (the Way of the Mother) banning fusion weapons, among other things. An unwary Qu'uda scout ship intrudes into the situation, triggering cataclysmic misunderstandings which echo throughout the series' overarching story-line.Wood's fascinating style pays attention to the reader's need for a successful bridge. In this third installment of the Clash of the Aliens pentology, invested readers receive stylistic dividends. For example, Wood telegraphs the resolution by framing the story as a report by historian Kot-Nih, who pieces events together from various testimonies. The alien advises readers that there are no villains, and indeed, Wood's tale doesn't portray any of the three cultures as intrinsically evil although all indulge in dangerous games of power, prestige, and social ostracism; indeed, Homo sapiens may come off as the worst of the lot.This volume moves things along in a fresh manner, and its total immersion in alien values is compelling in its own right. Get all the books in the Clash of the Aliens Pentology!Collapse ISBN 978-1-387-33591-6Stranger ISBN 978-1-387-52302-3The Hoo-Li Chronicles ISBN 978-1-387-60260-5New Star ISBN 978-1-387-60261-2Dawn ISBN 978-1-387-60262-9All available from Amazon!