Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

Jason Cull is one of the best and the brightest that the human race has to offer. At least, that's what it tells him in all of the Academy's brochures. The Grath, an insect-like race technologically superior to humans, had first made contact with the Earth ten years ago since both their races were in grave danger. The Grath had been at war with another alien civilization, the Bettarians. The Grath wanted to use human labor for the construction of their ships and to fight for their cause. Soon, the Grath assumed complete control of Earth and its inhabitants. While the rest of humanity toiled away in dank factories building equipment for the alien war machine, Jason and a select few were training to help fight their masters' battles directly. The only problem is that, among the world's finest, Jason seems decidedly average.

Then, just as graduation and the trials of war grow near, Jason and his closest friends find themselves kidnapped by forces that have other plans. This renegade group represents a coalition of multinational corporations, whose sole objective is to free the Earth from Grath tyranny, and maintain its independence against any future extra-terrestrial incursions. Thrown into the midst of a resistance movement that wants him to fight against the Grath, instead of alongside them, Jason must prove himself all over again. The death of the resistance leaders leaves only Jason able (although unwilling) to take up resistance leadership. However, cometh the hour, cometh the man and Jason contemplates his new role as he faces the imminent battle.

Daniel Devine accurately creates a technologically advanced world that will please the most exacting sci-fi aficionados. The book has good pacing, although slightly overlong fist fights and flight training scenes. However, the dialogue is realistic and draws the reader into a world where camaraderie underpins the strong bonds between the characters. The main character, Jason Cull, is excellently portrayed. An unlikely, and somewhat reluctant hero, he is honest about his own flaws, and his flippant sense of self-deprecating humor is appealing. The book ends with enough potential to entice readers to pick up on the next in this interesting series. Sci-fi fans will love this book.