About the Author

Elizabeth Moongrew up on the Texas border, served three years of active duty in the USMC (1968-71), and now lives with her husband, also a veteran, near Austin, Texas. She has published more than twenty-five novels, including Nebula Award winnerThe Speed of Dark,Hugo finalistRemnant Population,and the enduring epic fantasy series The Chronicles of Paksenarrion. She has published more than fifty short-fiction pieces in anthologies and magazines and in four of her own short-fiction collections, most recentlyMoon FlightsandDeeds of Honor. When not writing, Moon enjoys photographing native plants and wildlife, knitting socks, and cooking.

Reviews

“Ofelia–tough, kind, wise and unwise, fond of food, tired of foolish people– is one of the most probable heroines science fiction has ever known.”—Ursula K. Le Guin

“A fascinating adventure . . . masterfully rendered . . . Enthusiasts for alien anthropology, as well as Moon’s many fans, should enjoy.”—Booklist

“Pure satisfaction from cover to cover”—Anne McCaffrey

YA‘Failure to become a successful space colony, plus fear of the indigenous non-human population, forces the abandonment of Sims Bancorp Colony. Ofelia, tired of taking orders and too elderly to survive the trip to the next colony, hides until all fellow humans are evacuated. Alone but unafraid, she meets the challenges of survival and eventually befriends the natives who call themselves "The People." Gradually, Ofelia becomes an important member of The People and acts as their diplomatic liaison when a new group of humans return to the planet. Once downtrodden and overlooked, Ofelia rises above her old position to rebuild her self-esteem and redefine herself as she rises to situations calling for her to use her intelligence, emotional fortitude, and abilities. Once she has power, she uses it wisely and justly. The quick pace of the action, the vibrant descriptions, and the quirky aliens and humans will keep readers engrossed in the story. Teens unfamiliar with science fiction will find this as intriguing as those who avidly read the genre.‘Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

When Ofelia Falfurrias's colony fails to thrive, the colonists are resettled on another planet. Elderly and independent Ofelia hides in the woods, determined to remain alone on the uninhabited world. To her surprise, an indigenous race (The People) appears in her village. They quickly learn Ofelia's language and make her nest-guardian of their babies. When more humans land to investigate her presence, Ofelia acts as ambassador. This anthropological approach to first encounters is highly recommended for sf collections.

"Ofelia-tough, kind, wise and unwise, fond of food, tired of foolish people- is one of the most probable heroines science fiction has ever known."-Ursula K. Le Guin

"A fascinating adventure . . . masterfully rendered . . . Enthusiasts for alien anthropology, as well as Moon's many fans, should enjoy."-Booklist

"Pure satisfaction from cover to cover"-Anne McCaffrey