This is a grim future.  The earth has been destroyed, and its survivors scattered across the solar system and broken into feuding clans.  Divided by heritage, politics, and inequality of resources, war is almost constant.  In an attempt to reconcile differences and form an alliance, Clan Douglas and Clan Kinsale secretly betroth their children.  But, can anything save the last remnants of Earth's population from a future of war and death? 

Lord Lachlan de Douglas and Lieutenant Kimberly Kinsale are young, valiant, and without hope.  Lachlan, though courageous and known for his valor in battle, is crushed by a dark secret that rules his every emotion.  Kimberly is held hostage by her commander's duplicity, and her need to protect her Clan's honor.  Thrown together by their parent's past pact, and by mutual regard, Lachlan and Kimberly must decide if love can survive treachery, politics, and the reality of a universe torn apart by constant bloodshed.  Both hope for a lasting peace, but can it be achieved without each betraying their Clan's most guarded secrets or their love for each other?

Although this is certainly a romance, and a good one--it is also science fiction.  Ms. Gray's universe is dark and compelling.  It's filled with a rich tapestry of arcane lore, stunning technologies, and breathtaking battle scenes.  The Matrix Robots are extremely original, as is the back-story surrounding Earth's destruction.  However, the real genius of this book is in its characters.  Although this novel is filled with battle, political intrigue, and all the science and technology any sci-fi aficionado could hope for, it's also the story of a boy and a girl, and of their hopes and dreams.  This book has an appeal that is undeniable and simple.  The characters are poignant and real.  Their problems, aside from the deep-seated Clan politics, and the accompanying betrayals, center around human emotion.  How can anyone hold on to hope and love in a world that offers little but despair? 

DARKSCAPE is sci-fi and romance at its very best.  Ms. Gray has created a compelling universe and peopled it with bright and interesting characters.  We can only hope for a sequel.