Far Harbor

This was a pretty good Michaels book, and, like her Skyrider series, not overly complicated. It's the story of two young adults who are unknowingly fated for each other, and are both trying to live through the disasters of their current lives. The girl was relocated as a toddler after a disaster and misidentified as Human, when in fact she was part of that world's native population. After years of abuse by her foster family (who nickname her "Ugly"), she finally strikes back and then flees, fearing that she has committed murder. The young man is prince of the conquered native people and is a known drunk and possible madman. The reasons for his borderline insanity are explained as part of the native culture and the biologic/spirtual necessity of native persons with a high degree of paranormal ability to form a pair bond. It is widely believed that the prince's bondmate must have somehow died in childhood, and the prince himself vacillates between hope and despair as various political machinations play out around him. The tale of how these two finally meet, and whether they will be able to recognize each other makes for an entertaining and heartfelt read. Always wondered where this plot might have gone as a series. If you liked Dragonsong, you'll probably like this.