The Dark Path. Published 2002 (hardcover), 2003 (mass-market paperback); Tor Books.

A veteran commander is placed in the path of an invasion by an unknown enemy, but she is soon placed in an even more difficult position: assumng the role of an alien legendary hero, whose fate is predestined. How far will she go before she steps off the path that has been created for her to follow?

Reviews

"In this gripping sequel to The Dark Wing (2001), Hunt does a better job of depicting character and handling zor mythology and interspecies relations . . . it offers plenty of surprises." Publisher's Weekly. (©2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"What with the psychic-warrior complications, more Star Wars than Honor Harrington: some fans will relish the exploration of the zor culture." Kirkus Reviews.

"This fine sequel to Hunt's Dark Wing (2001) reads somewhat like a collaboration of David Weber and Orson Scott Card. . . It includes the implacable vuhl, a shape-changing, mind-controlling, insectoid enemy race that recalls the original foes of Card's Ender Wiggin. . . Imaginative twists include the facts that the human and zor quest team employs the telepathic assistance of Ch'ke'te's dead mate, Th'an'ya, and that some human POWs are finding out how to penetrate vuhl disguises. Gripping stuff that." Booklist. (©2003 American Library Association.)

"The sequel to The Dark Wing combines military sf and space opera to produce a large-scale sf adventure that takes place in the depths of outer space, as well as within the minds of the combatants. A good choice for sf collections." Library Journal. (©2003 Reed Business Information.)

"The novel [The Dark Wing] succeeded, did well, and now proves to be the first installment in a quest that may well prove science fiction’s version of The Lord of the Rings. . . If you enjoyed Wing, you’ll love Path." Analog. (© 2003 Dell Magazines; "The Reference Library" ©2003, Tom Easton.)