When I am reviewing a book aimed specifically at a narrow genre, I ask myself two questions. First, does the book stick to the genre? Second, what is there about the book that lifts it above the other members of the group?
The draw in this book is the main character. He is a sympathetic, rounded personality, a bit out of his depth a lot of the time, but valiantly covering it up. The short-term action sequences are also well written.
Two reasons it doesn’t quite make the grade. First is the complexity of the plotline. This is a short book, but there are too many characters, and the social and economic structure of the setting is too complicated.
Second, and arising from the first, is the large amount of discussion required to keep the reader in tune with what’s happening. This problem is not improved by the close connection to the book that precedes it in the series, creating a great deal of backstory in the opening section. For example, in a g-rated book I don’t mind a fade to black as the lady’s blouse comes off. However, I don’t expect the main character to segue into an introduction of himself.
Other, minor blips I could mention include the ending, which I shouldn’t reveal, but it is a rare example of a conclusion that ties up too many loose ends. Another is the casual approach to the science. True, simplified technical details are normal in Space Opera, but when the author spends a lot of time explaining a technical maneuver, then completely disregards it a moment later, the knowledgeable reader is tossed out of emotional contact with the characters. For those who want to watch for it, a skip against the outer atmosphere sends the ship careening away from the planet. You can’t just use the thrusters to adjust the course to fix it.
The bottom line is that, while this book ticks all the boxes for a Space Opera, it does not have the snappy, simple, action that is a hallmark of that genre. There is too much going on to create solid emotional contact with the characters or to get a good idea of the flow of the overall action.
Recommended for fans of the series. For others, read the earlier two books first.
Three stars.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.