Stardoc #2 Beyond Varallan [Mass Market Paperback]

I particularly like this series because it focuses on a female- a group that often gets short-shrift in the genre. She is mysterious, powerful in her own right, but also acting and thinking in a feminine manner. This is not simply a book written by a male author where the heroine is female in body only, going out and courageously kicking alien butt, acting and thinking in everyway like a man. It is good to get into her head, as the book is all written from her perspective, as the author considers how this genetically engineered woman might respond to different developments. And this Veihl does very well.

At one point, for a good portion of the book, I started to be disappointed with Veihl. The characters she had so well portrayed in the first book, and in the beginning of the second, seemed to not be following their previous descriptions. They lacked credibility. It seemed that Veihl lost her touch. But stick with it- the explanation is convincing, when it finally comes.

Unfortunately, there is less thematic philosophical development in this book, compared with the series originator. I was hoping for more exploration of the ethical ideas involved in Dr. Grey's decision to clone, and the ramifications of slavery and ownership. Perhaps it is something that will be seen in the next book.

Reeves from Kevarzangia Two (book one) returned as well. So he is among the fighting when Dr. Grey Veil and the League (and bounty hunters and merchs, etc) come with weapons blazing!

***** This book is just as WONDERFUL as book one was! It has several surprises and twists to keep the reader off center. I especially recommend it to all the Honor Harrington fans out there! Cherijo's story is a masterpiece and S.L. Viehl will (if not already) become a huge name in Sci-Fi/Fantasy circles! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Again, read StarDoc first, without it you will be lost.

After being rescued from her predicament on K2 by her adopted HouseClan, Cherijo travels with her HouseClan of Torin on their huge ship called The Sunlace. He is headed towards her betrothed's home plant of Joren, with some stops and surprises along the way. She immediately befriends the Senior Healer on board, and becomes fast friends with the older female. There is a clash with a fellow resident, resulting in a physical confrontation. Her ClanBrother Xonea becomes obsessed with protecting her, and further confrontations with her fellow Terran Duncan Reever are forthcoming. All while the League is still pursuing her, sending mercenaries after her consistently, while there is a betrayer on board that is killing off her Clan members in bizarre and brutal ways.

Cherijo must deal with Xonea's over-protectiveness extending even to the point of his Choosing of her to protect her, the enigma of Duncan Reever, the unresolved mysterious murders, a cacophony of injuries including her own, a hostile co-worker who will eventually become an ally, plus a huge new family when she has never known familial love before.

Light, entertaining, exciting; this is one of those series you will read for the pure unadulterated pleasure of reading. Life doesn't always have to be heavy. Enjoy.