cover image The Beautiful Being

The Beautiful Being

Jessica Inclan, The Beautiful BeingJessica In. , $13 (265pp) ISBN 978-1-4201-0116-4

Inclán (Believe in Me ) fails to successfully develop an intriguing concept in this disappointing romantic fantasy. The Cygirians, their home planet destroyed by cruel Neballats, live in exile on Upsilia while struggling to rebuild their culture and rescue their scattered people. Cygirians can only use their psychic powers when paired with a Twin, a spouse and teammate whose psychic ability balances theirs. Reluctant leader Edan Mirav and former prisoner Ava Arganos discover each other after resigning themselves to living Twinless. Once paired, they unite to rescue their people, but Neballats use mind control to force them into betrayal instead. Inclán's refreshingly light hand with romance becomes limp in key scenes, muting conflict and leaving characters flat while piling too much backstory into meandering meditations. (Oct.)