There are such great characters in this futuristic, swashbuckling space pirate fantasy. Prince Zeid Ben Amfi, Coral Bud, Fire Lotus... The ideas and people really shaped my teen years. I try to emulate Coral Bud's fearlessness and independence. The Prince is admirable as a man who effortlessly changes back and forth from his roles as Desert Prince to modern intellectual. Wouldn't this make a great animated or live-action film? This is a great one to reread from time to time. I'll always love this under-recognized book. ( )