ISBN: 0-7564-0075-9 Order from: Amazon.com
A fast-moving, enjoyable conslusion to the space opera, this adventure features likable characters, colorful aliens, and romance; along with some distracting view-hopping.
Reviewed by David on June 15, 2002
Genre: Science Fiction (Space Opera, ESP, Romance)
Synopsis: In this conclusion to the trilogy started in A Thousand Words for Stranger, and continued in Ties of Power, a number of former mysteries are resolved. The plots of the likable but secretive race of Drapsk come to an intense pitch, and threaten the powerful telepaths of the M'Hir, including Sira.
Sira and her recently found love with the human Jason Morgan are also complicated by the plots of human telepaths, including Jason's former mentor and nemesis Symon.
Full Review: This novel, as are its prequels, is full of exotic aliens, touching romance, and unending action. Unlike the previous novels, most of the aliens and plots are familiar, so the author spends more time on their exploration rather then introduction of new facts. This adds to the sense of familiarity and oncentrates the reader's attention on the plot. Most of the characters are well defined, and there is a notable dearth of villains—even the most dangerous charaters are misled or suffering from circumstances.
The plots are large rather than intricate, and filled with action rather than subtlety—a characteristic of Space Opera. The view-hopping, with attendant cliff-hangers is sometimes distracting, but on the whole, this is a fast, easy, and very enjoyable read.
One is frequently tempted to smile while reading this suspenseful, romantic (in all senses of the word) adventure in space, and it serves as a satisfying conclusion to the many plots woven in the Trade Pact trilogy.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 2002, Donald A. Wollheim (DAW), June 2002, Mass market paperback, 495 pages
ISBN: 0-7564-0075-9 Order from: Amazon.com