Sirantha Jax is tasked with going to Ithtor to try to convince the insect-like race to ally with the Conglomerate against the Morgut, who are attacking Conglomerate outposts and murdering everyone. The Ithtorians have isolated themselves against everyone, but agreed to the visit by Jax and her party (who include Ithtorian Vel- Jax's good friend, Marsh- Jax's boyfriend, and Dina, Hit and Jael. The Ithtorians are split- some want to maintain isolation, but others feel they are stagnating and need to allow travel and commerce with other planets. Jax and her party have to defend against political intrigue, subterfuge, and Marsh' post-traumatic stress which makes him unreliable and violent. The book had a little too much (for me) of Jax-Marsh relationship issues, but otherwise was a pretty good story. I really like the character of Vel, who left his home planet to live among the "soft skins", and worked as an assassin, once contracted to assassinate Jax- but he didn't and became her staunch friend. The best Sirantha Jax yet!!! The political intrigue and plot twists in this Jax installation were amazing! I really enjoyed getting to know more about Vel's home planet and culture. I also really enjoyed getting more insight on March and his dark history. The character growth for Sirantha was really nice; She's turned into a real hero in this one.Now the war has started…I can't wait to read #4!
Do You like book Doubleblind (2009)?
The book that made me truly fall in love with Jax and her world. Vel is flawless
—svraj
At the risk of being repetative: Love! Love! Love!
—Valeria109
