The Rebel of Valkyr

"The Rebel of Valkyr" by Alfred Coppel is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds during a time of political intrigue and rebellion in a galactic empire ruled by a seemingly incompetent child emperor and his ambitious consort. The narrative primarily revolves around the character Kieron, the warlord of Valkyr, as he navigates a world fraught with tension, aiming to protect his people and reclaim their honor amidst oppressive rule. The plot centers on Kieron's growing frustration with the imperial court that dismisses the needs of Valkyr, leading him toward a rebellion alongside other star-kings. As he grapples with political machinations and the dangerous ambitions of his peers, Kieron's path intertwines with Alys, the daughter of the late Emperor Gilmer, who is simultaneously trying to assert her own claim to power. The story escalates with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justification in a galaxy marred by the remnants of ancient technological knowledge and dark sorcery. Kieron's journey culminates in a confrontation with Freka, a character shrouded in treachery, testing his resolve and the future of the empire itself. As battles rage and allegiances are tested, Kieron must find a way to navigate the chaos and emerge as a protector of a true legacy before it slips beyond his grasp. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alfred Coppel, Alfredo Jose de Arana-Marini Coppel was an American author. Born in Oakland, he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After his discharge, he started his career as a writer. He became one of the most prolific pulp magazine authors of the 1950s and 1960s, adopting the pseudonyms Robert Cham Gilman and A.C. Marin and writing for a variety of pulp magazines and later "slick" publishers. Though writing in a variety of genres, including action thrillers, he is known for his science fiction stories which comprise both short stories and novels.