Unaltered: Cortii 4.5 is a science fiction novella written by J. C. Steel. While a story in the author’s Cortii series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novella. Irin Seviki was faced with a situation that he knew would be perilous at best. Being summoned to Central Worlds had opened up a whole new set of concerns for the rancher whose family had colonized the planet where he had his land and horses. His father was a do Harek, a member of the elite classes. That Irian do Maseka do Harek wanted to see him meant nothing good. Irin’s instinctive response was to hire a Cortiian bodyguard to accompany him, and not just any Cortiian bodyguard. He believed entrusting his safety to Cortiora Derian Khyria Ilan han Wildcat, whom he had met before, was his best chance for surviving this situation. He had met Khyria when she was injured and on the run after an altercation with her commanders. Irin still had the Wildcat Badge she had given him at the time, and it had become a part of his routine to carry it with him.

Unaltered: Cortii 4.5 is a fast-paced and exciting story that had me engaged and involved from the opening pages. This is the first Cortii series book that I’ve read; however, the author makes it easy for new readers to feel a part of the action. The relationship between Irin and his Cortiian bodyguard, particularly the Cortiora Kyrian, makes for a thought-provoking and illuminating read. Seeing how they work past the vulnerabilities of being on Central Worlds -- and keeping Irin in one piece -- makes for a suspenseful read that is accessible to action and adventure readers as well as those who enjoy their science fiction hard. The plot is unpredictable and clever, and the story works quite well. Unaltered: Cortii 4.5 is most highly recommended.

Irin has been called upon to meet his genetic father in Central Worlds. He has never met his father and he actually resents the man who wanted nothing to do with him until now. The meeting sounds suspicious and Irin calls in his Cortii contacts, including his most trusted Cortiora, Khyria. He doesn’t want to meet his very wealthy father and he doesn’t want to visit any Central Worlds planet. Using the ruse of doing a trade with a prominent horseman from another planet, Irin makes the trip, only to be greeted by a very damaged father. He has been injured by some chemical attack which is causing him to slowly die; a situation in which Irin doesn’t want to become involved. His father wants Irin’s genes; it’s the only way he will survive. Irin undergoes one of the many proposed treatments before Khyria helps him escape. But, is there any place in the universe that Irin will be safe now that his father has declared Irin to be his legitimate heir?

JC Steel’s short novella, Unaltered: Cortii 4.5, has everything that a science fiction reader could possibly want: multiple worlds, genetic modifications, mind-controlling powers and so much more. This novella is a part of a series. Since I haven’t read any of the other books, I was at a slight disadvantage to follow the who’s who and complexities of character relationships involved in making the plot move forward. There was definitely a lot of action and interesting scenarios to make the story interesting as a stand-alone. A good sci-fi adventure. Perfect for fans of the series.