A fast-paced, Classic SciFi that reads more like a mystery with a Romantic SF thread woven in. Set in the far-future on an alien world, humanity's last remnants are trying to save the species from extinction. Huxley-ian eugenics in a Classic Dystopian caste system are artfully blended with an Asimov-ian "machine-turned-man" story by first-time Author Marjorie F. Baldwin. -@- Shayla didn't ask to be a Councillor. As a Phoenician, she shouldn't have to live among the humans, let alone take part in their world. But the Seven Chiefs ordered her to go with Raif, a Proctor from the world Outside. They said they had a Plan. Well, the Seven Chiefs always had a Plan, and Shayla had plans of her own after suffering 13 years as a member of the humans' World Council. Raif had never intended for things to go this far. A few months, maybe a year, and he could send the little Phoenician girl home again, back where she belonged. She's not a little girl anymore and now he finds himself in competition with his own progenitor for control over his Heir—and future. It's not a Councillor's job to protect a Proctor but that's just what Raif needs right now. Can Shayla save him before he loses his mind completely? -@- Baldwin hooks you into her world so deeply, you'll wonder if you've been Adjusted yourself! You'll think about this book even when you're not reading it. You'll wonder if that was her Plan all along. The only bad thing to say about this book is that it ends, but it's a series book so at least the story will continue—or will it? -@- Goodreads members voted this Sexy SciFi Thriller: #1 Beach Read for 2012 #1 Hottest SciFi #1 Human Male (non-human female) Mates #2 Best Indie Book to Read in 2012 #3 Best Dystopian Original #7 Best Second Chance Romance #8 Best Social Science Fiction #18 Best Artificial Intelligence Book #19 Science Fiction by a Female Author ((Rankings may have changed by the time you see this. For current rankings click here)) -@- (This book contains strong language, explicit sexual situations and some graphic violence; therefore, it may not be suitable for all audiences.)