This superior thriller, the second (after "Peacekeeper") to feature Ariane Kedros, reserve major in intel and "N space" pilot, is relentlessly exciting. It starts out with Kedros, her civilian partner Matt, and Sergeant Joyce, an intel operative, heading back to the system where Kedros and Matt had discovered alien ruins (don't worry about 'em--they're just the McGuffin, at least so far). But do worry about the weapon of seriously mass destruction acquired by a fanatical sect, who want to launch the thing in revenge.
They seize a generational ship, one purpose of which is to install N space buoys ever father out, which allow pilots like Kedros to drop into that space in order to achieve FTL travel.
The tale lurches back and forth between various POVs, as the three humans(to say nothing of a too clever by half AI) get separated, and spymaster Col. Edones launches a rescue mission. Not knowing what each of the others are up to, they developd different strategies of survival, countermeasures, and damage control, which involve two competing human factions (besides the fanatics) and the presence of the alien Minoans (who had brokered a peace between the two factions before the beginning of the series). They were introduced in the first book, and we learn more about them here. And as we do, maybe you'll begin to wonder, as did I, if Ms. Reeve's creation is meant to be a future version of our own universe, or an alternate one. Perhaps in future novels we shall find out.
The tale, like "Peacekeeper," is complete in itself, and the minimal setup for further adventures takes place only in the last few pages. The author, in only her second book, demonstrates amazing skills at scene setting, world building, and military strategy. In short she has accomplished what she's set out to do.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account