Things to do today:
– Kill our master
– Steal one of his ships
– Outrun the Qaalamite Consortium
– Get to Association Space
– Stay alive
When former spoiled-little-rich-girl Lisa Allen (Human) and former slave, whore, thief, and hacker turned faster-than-lightspeed pilot Za’cijimaa a.k.a. Ciji (Dholamite) escape from their unimaginably brutal Varnian overlord and start new lives on The Hague space station, they need to culturally adapt and make connections with more bizarre aliens than they ever imagined—even as they find themselves embroiled in deep political intrigue.
Action meets romance in this fast-paced interstellar adventure. Unknowingly, Lisa herself possesses a secret key to creating peace amongst all the factions. But will she and Ciji be able to put the wounds from their past behind them so they can empower themselves and others in the new lives they have chosen?
Reviews
“It is rare to find a science-fiction novel that has as much heart as it has action, even rarer for that to be a debut novel. The Princess Key takes readers on a rollicking ride, going beyond space opera with philosophical and spiritual themes woven, above all, into a darn good story about two young women who find themselves enslaved on the ship of a Very Nasty Bad Guy—and (without spoiling one bit, for surely, you need to read the book for yourself and likely will do so by staying up until 3 a.m.) break free using all sorts of cleverness.
To say that this book has great female characters is an understatement. And world building? Mr. Clogston builds an entire Interplanetary Association more complex than Star Trek’s Federation, and more full of weird, cool aliens than a cantina in Star Wars. Yes, there’s a touch of romance, and more than a touch of humor. The only problem with this book is that, like with many great series, you’re going to be tapping your foot waiting for the next one. I can’t wait to read Ciji and Lisa’s next adventures!”
Sage Taylor Kingsley, Editor at Reedsy.com and SageforYourPage.com
“The worldbuilding is incredibly rich and creative, going into astounding detail regarding different alien species’ anatomies, customs and beliefs. The glossary at the end of the book helps keeping the different species apart, and is especially helpful when it comes to the politics. The main players and their various relationships are explained gradually and organically, and politics ends up playing a much greater role in the story than it seems in the beginning.
The story contains adult themes, including brutal violence and sexual assault, and these events are juxtaposed with the peace and order that reign on the Hague Space Station. Lisa’s and Ciji’s past experiences are revealed slowly and gradually in retrospect, which keeps the story dynamic and interesting. Witnessing them integrate into society is heartwarming and entertaining, particularly when Lisa’s politeness and understanding of social cues complements Ciji’s hard-earned life experience and her being the “adult” of the two. As the two grow and heal, and especially when Ciji interacts with other Dholamites and learns more about her species’ heritage, the topics of inheritance and the continuity of species is also explored.
The uniqueness of the story lies in how much it manages to contain and still hold together: humor, terror, sci-fi, intrigue, twists and character studies. Perfect for fans of stories about resilience and emotional arcs.”
Viktorija Blazheska, Reedsy Discovery
“In The Princess Key, Rick Clogston launches a bold and emotionally charged sci-fi adventure that blends the grit of survivalist fiction with the sweeping stakes of intergalactic politics. The story centers on two unlikely heroines—Lisa Allen, a privileged girl whose world is shattered by war, and Za’cijimaa (“Ciji”), a slave hardened by years of brutality. Thrust together by circumstance, they forge an alliance that could reshape the future of their galaxy.
Clogston’s world-building is both intricate and immersive. From the cruel brutality of the Varnian villain to the vibrant corridors of The Hague Space Station, each setting feels lived-in and bristling with tension. The alien cultures and political undercurrents give the novel a layered complexity, while the emotional arc—centered around trauma, friendship, and hope—keeps the reader grounded.
Where the novel truly shines is in the bond between Lisa and Ciji. Their relationship, forged through trauma and necessity, evolves into a genuine sisterhood that anchors the larger narrative. The contrast between Lisa’s privileged background and Ciji’s life of suffering offers rich commentary on class, power, and resilience—without ever feeling didactic.
Though it’s the first book in a trilogy, The Princess Key delivers satisfying narrative beats and emotional payoffs. There’s enough mystery and threat left unresolved to set the stage for a thrilling continuation in the next installment.
Fans of space operas like Star Wars, character-driven sagas like The Expanse, or emotionally rich YA sci-fi such as Illuminae will find plenty to love here.”
Owl Scope Global Research
Excerpt
Chapter 4 – Assessing the Damage
Ciji woke the next morning curled up on the ship’s floor. She immediately jumped to her feet, her heart pounding. No one else was there except Lisa, still asleep on the floor. She rushed to the cockpit and looked through the tinted windshield; no one there, either. She sat down in the pilot’s seat and took a deep breath.
After a few minutes, Lisa padded in and sat in the other seat. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah, I guess so,” Ciji said. “I could get used to this ‘being free’ thing. The food’s delicious, and everybody’s so kind. I feel like I’ve died and slipped into the Presence of The Eye.”
Lisa laughed.
Ciji studied her companion. “How about you? How are you doing?”
Lisa shrugged. “I’m good. I mean, considering.” She put her hands on her stomach. “I still feel sick. I was hoping some food would help. Still, beats sitting behind an asteroid starving.”
“Hey! I thought I saw a Qaalamite ship moving towards us, okay?”
Lisa laughed again. “Not like I knew any better. For that matter, I had no idea Graal got that big. Or moved that fast! How the heck do they move through space anyway?”
Ciji laughed. “They fart.”
The Human girl’s eyes went wide. “Oh, no.” She buried her face in her hands, and Ciji laughed harder.
“No, seriously. Sounds crazy but their digestive tract is also their propulsion system,” Ciji said. “They can digest anything that will fit in their mouth, which would include this ship. Eventually …” She puckered her lips. “FFRRRRPPPP!”
“That’s terrible.”
The Dholamite shrugged. “Gets the job done.” She winked. “You could’ve propelled us half a lightyear last night.”
Lisa blushed.
“I guess spaggy and me-balls don’t agree with you,” Ciji said.
Lisa frowned. “Spaggy and … You mean spaghetti and meatballs?”
“Whatever,” Ciji replied with a dismissive wave. “I’m not an expert on Human cuisine.”
“Neither am I, so far as that stuff goes. I’ve seen the help eat things like that. Never tried it myself,” Lisa said.
Ciji nodded. “Oh, you mean your slaves.”
Lisa banged her hand on the arm of the chair. “For the last time, they’re not our slaves. They’re our servants. There’s a difference.”
Ciji smirked. “Not much of one.”
“There’s a huge difference. Servants are employees. They work within a specific schedule, and otherwise they’re free to come and go as they please. Mother and Father pay them and provide them living quarters. If they don’t want to work for us any longer, they’re free to leave and secure employment elsewhere. The regent offered to give us slaves, and Father refused.”
Ciji mused on this. It was a concept she was having trouble envisioning.
“You don’t think Doctor Dan’s enslaved, do you?” Lisa asked. “He’s neither a slave nor a master. He’s committed to remaining in the service of the Association for a specific length of time. After which he is free to take up his medical practice elsewhere, should he so desire.”
Ciji smiled. “I like the way you talk. Up and down like.”
Lisa shook her head. “You hear everything as music, don’t you?”
They’d talked a lot on the way here. It had taken their minds off how hungry, thirsty, and scared they were.
“Hear and see,” Ciji said. “When you talk, it’s like … blocks that fit together. But not hard, with sharp corners and edges. Smooth and even.” She looked out the windscreen. It was tinted so they could see out, but nobody could see in. “I’m glad we made it here. It was a good idea to come to the Association.” She smiled at Lisa. “Thank you for your good idea.”
Lisa gave a little bow. “You are very welcome.”
“I guess I’m your … What’s the word? Your guardian?”
“It would seem so. That makes me your ward.”
Ciji rolled her eyes. “I suppose. I’m too young to have a kid your age. I’d have to have been born pregnant to be your mother. Almost.”
Lisa laughed. “The best thing is, slavery’s illegal here. Even if the Consortium found us, they couldn’t take us back! Station security wouldn’t let them.”
Ciji smiled. “I like it here already. What was it you called the Association?”
“A democratic republic,” Lisa said. “All the member states chip in for mutual defense and elect representatives to the central government. They’ve got a common currency—”
“The Association credit?”
“Correct. And mutually agreed-upon laws, like slavery is illegal. That caused a problem when G’hrenaxis IV wanted to join. They have a rigid caste system, and the lower castes were considered slaves to the upper castes. They could join only after they changed their laws to coincide with the Association Constitution.”
Ciji leaned back in her seat and smiled at her young companion. “You learned all this stuff in school?”
“From my tutors, yes.” Lisa looked out the windscreen. “Well, and Daddy. He made his living doing politics. Even this station is considered an independent state. Looks like a commercial station, not Association military, although they protect it. This one looks like it was built by the D’jen Bartuu corporation, but it’s likely owned by a group of investors. The station has its own laws and representatives in the government. Like a mini planet. I’m sure part of the deal is, with it being so close to the border, the military can take over in time of war.”
“Evacuate the civilians, probably?” Ciji said.
“More than likely. But did you notice that nobody here carries a weapon?”
Ciji brightened. “You’re right.” She laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that. Anywhere.”
The young girl smiled. “Sure feels nice. You sang beautifully yesterday.”
Ciji’s face blushed green. “Thank you.”
“Y’know, you’re going to have to start thinking about how you’re going to get by,” Lisa said. “I do find it encouraging that you chose to sing instead of steal or … what was it? I can never remember what you called it.”
“Oh, you mean flat-backing?”
Lisa blushed again. “Yeah, that. Singing is a much better option.”
“I’m glad you agree. I thought about just dropping the blanket and letting nature take its course, but I don’t want to do that anymore.”
“Good for you! So … what are you going to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m getting hungry again.”
“I’ve got that money from yesterday.”
“That’ll only last for a while. You should think long-term. You should get a job.”
Ciji huffed. “Doing what?”
“Doing what you did when you were enslaved. Except you’d get paid to do it.”
Ciji smiled indulgently. “What I did as a slave was stealing and flat-backing.”
Lisa gave an exasperated sigh. “Okay, then, do something else. You know how to do all kinds of things. You flew this ship. You speak several languages. And you could do lots of things that are much simpler than that. Here, you wouldn’t have to sell yourself. You’d get paid for your work, like our servants.”
Ciji’s eyes narrowed. “You think so?”
“Of course. Enslavement’s illegal here, right? They’ve got to pay you for working. I saw some ‘help wanted’ signs out on the Promenade. You could eat and buy clothes and save up enough to … well, do whatever you want.”
Ciji nodded. “How about you? What are you going to do?”
Lisa shrunk down in her seat. “I dunno. Not much I can do. I’m a kid.”
“You should go home.”
“How? The Qaalamite Consortium is still looking for us. They were going nuts on the comms. You can’t take me there, and I wouldn’t dare try to call. For that matter, I’ll bet the staff doesn’t even know yet. You know, about Mother and Father. Some of his jobs lasted for months, and if security was tight, we couldn’t even call home.”
“I hate to say it,” Ciji said, “but you may not have a home to return to. Slaves without a master, or even servants without a boss, tend to make up their own rules. Who knows what condition your house or palace or whatever is in.” She tapped the monitor. “We’re hooked up to the station’s computer, so there’ll be plenty for you to do while I’m gone.”
“Gone?!?” Lisa said, her eyes wide. “Where are you going?”
“The healer told us to come back and get our test results,” Ciji said. “He might know why you’re sick so much. And he said there’s a bank, so I’ll turn the non-local money we can’t use into money we can. I’ll get food, too.”
“Great,” Lisa said. “I’ll come with you.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Lisa. What if somebody in authority decides you shouldn’t be staying with a Dholamite? I mean, I’m obviously not your mother or your sister.”
“Hadn’t thought of that.”
“You sit tight,” Ciji told her. “I’ll bring back food, and I’m sure Doctor Dan will let me have your test results, too. Then we should probably head farther into Association space. Stay as far away from the Consortium as we can.”
Lisa drummed her fingers on the arm of her seat. “Ciji … you’re not going to dump me here, are you?”
Ciji’s eyes bugged out. “Of course not!” She glanced around. “And you’d better not steal the ship.”
Lisa chuckled. “Like I’d know how to fly it.”
Ciji smirked. “Oh, that’s right. You’re used to having everything done for you.”
Lisa’s eyes narrowed. Ciji laughed, waved goodbye to Lisa, and stepped out of the hatch, which closed behind her.
She found a short Phendalin—dark, leathery skin, his black hair in a buzz cut—in a military uniform like the doctor’s, but dark brown with light-brown shoulders instead of blue-on-blue. He was a middle-aged man, although with Phendalins it’s hard to tell. “Good morning,” he said with an acid smile.
Let’s hope so, she thought. “And to you.”
“I’m Commander Grolin. This your ship?”
“Yup.”
“Where’d ya get it?”
“It’s not for sale,” she replied. “Will that be all?”
“No, it will not,” he snarled. “What proof do you have of ownership?”
“I slept in it last night and flew it here yesterday,” she said more calmly than she felt. “Has one like this been reported missing?”
Commander Grolin ground his teeth. “No.”
“Then we’re done here,” she said, moving around him.
“Now hold on,” he barked. “Where did you come from?”
She hesitated. The last thing she wanted was to be on the wrong side of Station Security. The next to last thing was to answer his questions.
“Am I under arrest?” she asked.
His jaw muscles flexed. “No.”
She sighed. “I’m afraid we’re getting off on the wrong foot,” she said and forced a smile. “My name is Za’cijimaa.” She extended a hand. “Everybody calls me Ciji.”
He looked at her hand for a moment, then gave it a shake. “Allow me to introduce myself properly. Commander V’taal Grolin, security chief of the station. Everybody calls me ‘Sir.'”
“A pleasure to meet you, commander. Sir. Let me assure you, I have no intention of doing anything illegal while I’m here.”
“Which is exactly what you’d say if you were,” he shot back.
“Good point. But in any case, there’s something you should know about my private business.”
“And what is that?”
She smiled. “It’s private.”
“What about the girl?”
She paused. What was that word again? Oh, yeah. “I’m her guardian. Her business is my business and nobody else’s.”
He glared at her. “I will be keeping an eye on you.”
“As you wish.” Ciji walked briskly toward the Promenade—and noticed the security chief was right on her tail. What is this guy doing, following me? Ciji wondered. “Oh, by the way,” she said. “Where’s the bank?”
He scowled. “Why do you want to know where the bank is?”
Oops, she thought. “I don’t want to rob it. Actually, I should go to the Infirmary first.” She peeled off to the left and gave him a nervous smile. “I know where that is.” She could almost feel his eyes burning more scars into her back. “Good day. Sir.” He stood in place, still looking at her intently.