Lost in Translation

By Edward Willett

Book Overview

A thrilling far-future science fiction adventure of communication and learned trust between human and alien

As a young child, the human empath Kathryn's world was ripped apart when the alien, bat-like S'sinn slaughtered her parents before her very eyes. Only the Translators, the elite guild of empaths who maintain the fragile peace of the seven-race Commonwealth, were able to free her from the trauma and give her a new life.

As a young S'sinn, Jarrikk saw his flight mates slaughtered by the humans who sought to colonize his world. Crippled so that he could never fly again, he sought death, as honour demanded, but when the Guild of Translators recognized his empathic ability, that choice was forbidden him. Instead, he, too, was trained to be a Translator.

When humans and S'sinn find themselves poised on the brink of a war that could devour not only their own species but all the races of the Commonwealth, these two shattered survivors from opposite sides of the last war, in a desperate attempt to salvage peace, forge an unbreakable bond-and unlock a power that could save or doom them all.

As shadowy traitors unleash chaos, Jarrikk and Kathryn unleash their newfound abilities in a desperate attempt to avert apocalypse-and come face to face with the deadly consequences of the power they now wield.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 199827358X
• ISBN13: 9781998273584
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Endless Sky Books
• Length: 322 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

excellent military science fiction

The S'sinn, a bat like sentient creature, colonized K'ikks'sarr; shortly thereafter humans established colonies on the planet. From the first contact, the two species were antagonistic towards one another. When the humans killed several S'sinn, war broke out with the S'sinn vowing to take it to any orb that contained the dreaded humans. Mankind retaliated leading to a belligerent stalemate until the multi-species Commonwealth declared the end of all hostilities with humans and S'sinn remaining on K'akks'sarr within separate boundaries. The human Kathryn and the S'sinn Jarrikk lost much that they held dear during the war; Kathryn's parents died while Jarrikk's training group perished along with his ability to fly. Both are empaths and become Translators in the Commonwealth. Another planet is claimed by both species so the Commonwealth sends the two translators to negotiate a peace that neither side wants. To avert renewed hostilities, both translators will have to break respective oaths. Betrayed on all sides, Jarrikk and Kathryn turn to one another forging a new telepathic weapon that hopefully will prove strong enough to stop the bloodshed. LOST IN TRANSLATION delves into the society and mores of the S'sinn that explains why they seem to behave in a feral manner towards humans. This in depth look at an alien culture makes for fascinating reading. The bond between the two cross translators enables them to understand the other side's perspective. The military science fiction audience will believe that Edward Willet is a Translator with first hand experience working with the sentient S'sinn and want future Translations. Harriet Klausner