Heaven's Queen - Book Review

Heaven's Queen (Paradox #3)
by Rachel Bach

What is it about:
From the moment she took a job on Captain Caldswell's doomed ship, Devi Morris' life has been one disaster after another: government conspiracies, two alien races out for her blood, an incurable virus that's eating her alive.

Now, with the captain missing and everyone -- even her own government -- determined to hunt her down, things are going from bad to impossible. The sensible plan would be to hide and wait for things to blow over, but Devi's never been one to shy from a fight, and she's getting mighty sick of running.

It's time to put this crisis on her terms and do what she knows is right. But with all human life hanging on her actions, the price of taking a stand might be more than she can pay.

What did I think of it:
An awesome conclusion of a really cool trilogy.

The stakes are still high in this last book of the trilogy, and at times I worried about how everything would turn out. Luckily Devi isn't daunted and keeps fighting for her life and for what she thinks is right.

I like that Devi has her own code of honor that she tries not to break, even when it would be so much easier to do so. This time she's not on her own, but has help from Rupert, although Devi's not sure if she can trust him not to betray her again. I loved how Devi doesn't turn into a damsel in distress as soon as she has a man helping her, she can handle herself and stays in charge of her own life.

I was a bit disappointed that some of my favorite characters were shoved out of sight, apart from a minor walk-on part near the end, but there's so much going on that it was probably inevitable. That aside I loved this book. Devi almost doesn't get the time to catch her breath. There's lots of action, danger, and hidden conspiracies.

The ending is very satisfying, although I will confess feeling a bit sad I had to say goodbye to Devi and the cool universe she lives in. I really hope Back will write other books set in this world, because I want more.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool, action-packed SciFi read.

Honour's Knight - Book Review

Honour's Knight (Paradox #2)
by Rachel Bach

What is it about:
Devi Morris has lots of problems - and not the fun, easy-to-shoot kind either. After a mysterious attack left her short of several memories and one partner, she's determined to keep her head down, do her job and get on with her life. But even though Devi's not looking for it this time, trouble keeps finding her.

She sees ghostly creatures no one else can, the inexplicable black stain on her hands keeps getting bigger and she can't seem to stop getting into compromising situations with a man she's supposed to hate. But when a deadly crisis exposes far more of the truth than she bargained for, Devi discovers there are worse fates than being shot - and that sometimes the only people you can trust are the ones who want you dead.

What did I think of it:
Another really cool read.

After reading the first book I just had to continue with book two to find out what would happen next.

And there's plenty of action and conspiracies in this book. I will confess I think book one was better, but that's probably because the stakes seem mighty high in this book. I usually like it better when things that happen to the lead character aren't world or universe changing.

But that grumble aside: I very much enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know a bit more about the alien races, and about some of the characters as well. And once the action starts, it's almost non stop. Devi stumbles from one sticky, life threatening situation in the next. Along the way she needs to decide who is to trust, and what things are the most important to her.

Again this book ends with lots of things still unresolved, and I'm eager to see if Devi can reach a happy ending in the last book in this trilogy, or if things are too bungled up for that. All in all a great story, and I'll be reading the last book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining, action packed SF read.

Fortune's Pawn - Book Review

Fortune's Pawn (Paradox #1)
by Rachel Bach

What is it about:
Devi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet.

That is, until she just gets a job on a tiny trade ship with a nasty reputation for surprises. The Glorious Fool isn't misnamed: it likes to get into trouble, so much so that one year of security work under its captain is equal to five years everywhere else. With odds like that, Devi knows she's found the perfect way to get the jump on the next part of her Plan. But the Fool doesn't give up its secrets without a fight, and one year on this ship might be more than even Devi can handle.

What did I think of it:
This is an awesome SF read.

Devi is the kind of heroine you either love or hate. She's cocky, brash, and she knows what she wants. Bach gave her enough flaws to keep her human though, and I couldn't help liking Devi in spite of her cockiness.

The crew of The Glorious Fool is a mixed bag. I really didn't like the captain and his sister-in-law, but I loved the two aliens they have on their crew. I also loved Cotter, a merc, and Rupert, the cook. There were some other characters I didn't think much of, but who got more depth later in the story.

The world building was really cool. The different governments, planets, and aliens were well worked out and felt believable. The technology, like Devi's armor and weapons, also felt very real without the story turning too technical minded for my tastes.

The story was suspenseful and full of cool, fast paced action. I loved how Devi, due to her brashness and curiosity, gets drawn into a world full of conspiracies and danger. She uncovers some things, but enough stays hidden to make you anxious to find out more.

The book ends in a way that had me totally frustrated, but also eager for more. Luckily I already have the other books in this series, because I need to know what happens next.

Why should you read it:
It's an amazing SF read.