The Anialwch Connection The Mascot Trilogy, #2

Book 2 in the Mascot Series is a novel that can stand on its own but leaves the reader hungry for Book 3. Book 1 ended with Donte's discovery that he was the chosen one in a prophesy. The colonists were prophesied to rise up against the mascots (humans genetically altered with animal genes.) Donte and Princess Celyn were prophesied to lead the planet of Purlieu to freedom from, the Fontalo, the company that created the mascots, and the scientists of the planet of Oriel, who conducted the Purlieu Experiment.
In an attempt to prepare for his role in the Prophesy and his eventual position as Ruler of Bergen, Donte serves three years on the spaceship Moeder. He knew nothing about combat before he joined. Hopefully the experience will be unnecessary, but he wants to be prepared. The spaceship Moeder once belonged to the Fontalo. In forty years their technology has probably advanced, but at least Donte has increased his knowledge.
Donte returns to Purlieu ready to assume his responsibilities in the Prophesy only to discover that his grandfather, the current Ruler of Bergen, considers the Prophesy nothing more than folklore. Pieter wants Donte to forget about the Prophesy and concentrate on his training to be Ruler of Bergen. Pieter believes that only mascots should rule, but Donte believes that human colonists should have equal say in the governing of the colonies. Their conflict grows until Pieter threatens to ban Donte from the colony. But Donte feels he can't back down without betraying all the colonists of Purlieu.
Pieter isn't Donte's only, or even his biggest problem. If he is to fulfill his role in the Prophesy, he must learn to work with Princess Celyn, a teenager who feels she has prior claim on Donte. She had a vision that she and Donte would exchange vows when she turned nineteen. Donte's mate, Rianne, has an idea, but Donte is concerned it could put their relationship at risk.
As Donte assumes his role in the Prophesy, some begin to fear him. He doesn't know who he can trust and assassination attempts threaten people he loves. Donte can't give up. The colonists and mascots of Purlieu are depending on him.