Traitors

I love this book and it is to my eternal sadness that Rusch has not (that I can find, at least) written anything else like it. This is an imaginative and well-written read that is absorbing and entertaining. Unlike much of Rusch's other work, this is a standalone book - that is, it's not part of a trilogy or series. The characters are interesting and multifaceted. People aren't simply good or evil; they just have different agendas. I first read this as a teenager, but I would certainly recommend it to adults as well.

Escaping with his life from the slaughter of his whole family, Emilio Diate - a talent-A class dancer, seeks salvation on the one shore that could protect him from the assassins of his Kingdom. The only thing he is asked to give up is his art - and the bitter choice will transform him in an introvert detective and will darken all his days. But other escapees from his Kingdom reach him and try to force him into leading a revolution, for the declared good of all his people. The desilusioned Diate wouldn't let feeling lead him anymore... until a case of stolen living-glass from a luxury resort takes him to the woman of his dreams, a passionate creature that will lead him back to love and true life. Only Diate will soon be reminded that for any happy moment thwere is a high price to pe paid - and that price he will pay, for he's losing again love, art, and life - and the family he's faked for himself in his protective cocoon. Betrayal and loss turn him into the hope of his compatriots - the guide of the revolution he never wanted and that will kill his love. A beautiful, haunting prose... One never to forget. Highly recommended!