A confusion of princes by Garth Nix
Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN 9781 74375 861 0
(Ages: 10+) Recommended. Fantasy. Science Fiction. Prince
Khemri is born to rule. The Empire chose him when he was an infant
and removed him from his parents to be enhanced, indulged and kept
in isolation and ignorance of the truth of the politics of the
Empire. Though he didn't know it at first Khemri is one of millions
of princes all jostling for power and position.
The Empire is an unequal world. Scientific advances have made them
the leaders in 'Mektek', 'Bitek' and 'Psitek'. Although some of
their rivals have some of these advancements the Empire seems to be
the only civilisation with all the advanced technologies. Princes
are enhanced. Their minds are developed with educational and
developmental programming and their DNA is changed and improved and
even their bones and muscles tweaked to strengthen and quicken
reflexes.
Khemri's life changes dramatically when he is 17 and he is brought
into contact with the real world, to take his place as a prince of
the Empire. It's not quite as he has imagined it! Not only does he
not take command of anything immediately there are other princes
trying to assassinate him. Fortunately his Master of Assassins is
experienced and skilled and is able to bring him safely to his
investiture.
Life in the Empire seems at first to be chaotic but as time unfolds
and Khemri's options are given he comes to realise that all is
mapped out and little is left to chance. He joins the Navy and from
then is given a series of tests and finds he really has but one path
to follow: that given by the Empire or failure and death.
His greatest test comes when he is dropped into a world where he is
stripped of his princely assets of both mind and body. He no longer
has the strength, agility, sight and mind control he has been used
to and it also seems that he has also begun to feel emotions of
ordinary humans. He begins to wonder if the life of a prince is
really the life he wants for himself. Khemri also begins to have
doubts about the political correctness of the Empire and the
Emperor, even though he has been selected as a candidate to become
Emperor.
Garth Nix has created a world where a huge central government has
control through its creation of princes. The populations of many of
the dominated worlds are unaware, as are perhaps many of the princes
themselves of how manipulated they all are, and how expendable. A
parable on our world at the moment? Where the subtleties of
information control and flow are in the hands of a few?
For trailers and an interview with the author, go to Allen and
Unwin's website .
Mark Knight