Corr Syl the Terrible — Garry Rogers

Corr Syl the Terrible by Garry Rogers is a young-adult science-fiction novel that is set on Earth, but in an alternate reality where all animals are intelligent. Older than the Human species, most animal species have evolved far beyond Human abilities. They have learned to heal their bodies, adapt their shape, and live in harmony with nature. They call themselves Tsaeb (silent T, long a). This Sci-Fi story for teens takes place in the wake of the July war that destroyed the long-standing peace between Humans and Tsaeb. As the story begins, Corr Syl the rabbit warrior questions his place in the world. He longs to run away from the killing and explore the Earth, but a desperate call interrupts his plans. Unidentified Tsaeb traitors have kidnapped Rhya Bright, his friend, fellow warrior -- and secret crush. Corr springs into action, tracking down the lynx descendent Able Remington, who betrayed Rhya to protect his own kidnapped family. Able denies any involvement and seems to have fooled everyone, except Corr Syl. Corr sets out to find Rhya, who has been transported by helicopter. In desperation, he locates and commandeers an ancient warcraft from a nearby museum. Z99, as the ship introduces itself, is sentient and constructed with fantastic technology borne from theories on dark matter and imaginary relationships. The ship proves an invaluable asset as Corr's journey takes him to Xi'ou, the capital of the Taoso nation. Though ostensibly ruled by the Emperor, the nation's true power lies in the hands of Ya Zhou, the Human Minister who commands a network of Tsaeb assassins and spies. His second-in-command is General Yang, a fellow Human under the complete control of an ambitious black widow spider named Lactella. Together, they plan to rule the world through military might. Though he began his mission alone, Corr meets unexpected allies like the young Cai family, who want to see Ya Zhou deposed for the return of true peace and freedom. When Corr tracks Rhya to Zhou's secret headquarters hidden inside a volcano, he realizes at last that he cannot do it alone. He calls for help from his former battle group, including his best friend Allysen Olykden, while he turns over responsibility for the greater Human problem to his mentor, Halbert Sims. Together, the battle group descends into the heart of the volcano, determined to save their missing friend Rhya, who has been making her own preparations for escape. Corr Syl the Terrible is the riveting tale of a young warrior's journey to become something more than the swords on his back.