Ascendant Sun - Catherine Asaro

Ascendant Sun is science fiction based in a far future parallel universe where the human race has split into at least three separate factions. One of those factions is the Skolian Empire. This book follows the story of one Skolian, Kelric, and his efforts to make it through enemy space to safety after the collapse of the empire. To make it more interesting the collapse occurred while Kelric was in captivity for 18 years and presumed dead. The Skolian Empire is a series I plan to explore in more detail. Highly recommended.