The Diadem Saga Books 1–3

A young outcast gains remarkable psi-powers from a mysterious crown in this magnificent blend of space opera and epic fantasy quest.
 
Jo Clayton opens wide the portals into an awe-inspiring galaxy of marvels and terrors with her Diadem Saga—an impressive combination of science fiction world-building and quest fantasy storytelling that rivals the classic works of Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton, and C. J. Cherryh—and introduces a “positive, aggressive, and interesting” heroine, the nomad Aleytys (Popular Culture). Within the breathtaking scope of her unique universe, “Clayton has the gift of creating believable aliens and alien worlds, and a lively, vivid, often lyrical style” (Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Review).
 
Diadem from the Stars: Abandoned by her space-traveling mother and forced to flee her superstitious primitive tribe, Aleytys discovers an alien crown of unimaginable power. Once the diadem’s great energy is transferred to her, it becomes an integral part of who she is and will be. But the diadem is stolen property, taken from a vengeful arachnid race—and Aleytys just became the most wanted woman in a dangerous universe.
 
Lamarchos: On the barbarous planet Lamarchos, Aleytys is determined to do what it takes to survive and protect her infant son, even stealing a cache of powerful poaku stones. But despite the awesome power of the diadem, Aleytys falls victim to a treacherous betrayal and is pursued by a horde of zombie-like aliens.
 
Irsud: Drugged and sold into slavery by the villain who stole her infant son, Aleytys must now serve as the hive queen of an alien insect/humanoid race on the planet Irsud, acting as a host body for the queen’s consciousness in a surgically implanted egg. With an enemy literally inside her, Aleytys must tap the power of the diadem to survive the ordeal and rescue her son.