A sophisticated society run by incorruptible AIs is prepared to do anything for their own survival....

With Amel's life hanging in the balance, Rire and Sevildom square off over their political differences.

Sevolites have finally acknowledged the vulnerable but civilized people of the Reetion Confederacy as independent commoners. But the supposedly enlightened Reetions prove far from being the harmless pacifists they claim to be - the overt concern about Amel's mental health masks a deep fear for the security of their incorruptible AIs which are key for their survival.

The Reetions want the answers Amel has locked deep inside his memory, and some of them want to change his personality medically.

As the rising social hysteria sets the stage for diplomacy between the Reetions and Sevildom, Amel's Reetion-raised brother, Erien, is forced into realization that even a civilization based on total transparency can be twisted in its motives for pursuing the truth...prepared to stop at nothing to gain it.

Lynda Williams works in e-learning at the University of Northern B.C. where she taught and developed computer science courses and administered grants. She has three awards for innovations in social uses of the internet, holds two masters degrees in applied computing fields and is a founder of the UNBC Press. Lynda has taught in three post-secondary institutions and worked as a journalist and crisis counselor. She lives in Prince George, BC, Canada with her husband and their daughters.

Lynda Williams' profile page

"The Okal Rel Saga is culturally complex and politically tangled, an epic tale of clashing civilizations and worldviews." — Dru Pagliassotti, The Harrow
"Plenty of action with great world building and well-written characters. This one is a keeper. And made me want more of the Okal Rel universe." — Pam Allan, ConNotations Magazine
"It must be said that the richness and vibrancy of the entire universe Williams has created is so intricate and well-planned that sometimes, it takes a couple of readings to get your head completely around some of the sub-themes and off-screen action. That being said, each time you read one of these books, it's a different journey, a different experience; almost a different story…" — Nathalie Mallett, author, The Princes of the Golden Cage
"With a great universe, full and life-like characters, spellbinding story line, Lynda Williams' books are a must read for any person who enjoys a GOOD sci-fi novel." — Ky Leishner, Amazon.com
"...If readers enjoys fast-moving complicated plots, swordplay, relationships, and a setting involving different worlds and space opera, they should be well satisfied." — Ronald Hore, CM Magazine
"Reading your words was a wonderful treat and a reward for completing the first year of my Masters. You have created massively complicated and intricate societies. I was entranced by the characters and blown away by the action. What a delight your books were to read. Thank you for sharing your imagination with the rest of us!" - Barbara Coupe
"Far Arena is my first read in the Okal Rel Saga, the fifth book by Lynda Williams in her series. My decision: I want to start the series and read all the books! Although new to Okal Rel, it was easy for me to see why the books are so popular and highly praised. Williams has the rare ability to develop her characters, show us the story, maintain tension, and do all three at the same time. The characters are deep and intricate. The story moves quickly; the pages keep turning. The universe is unique and developed in impressive detail. I found the conclusion of the book to be very satisfying, leaving me wanting to read the previous books. The final chapter of the book is compelling. It told me more about the intriguing character Di Mon, and I could not help wondering how things all began. If you've read one or more of the previous books in this series, you'll love Far Arena. And if, like me, this is your first dip in, you've got five guaranteed good reads waiting for you. You can't go wrong with Far Arena." — Mark Shegelski , Amazon.com