Helpful Score: 3
First of all, you would think that by now, the third book, March and Jax's relationship would be stable. But Aguirre did something that was the equivalent of pressing the "reset" button, and it is delicious. Neither March or Jax are the same people they were at the start of this series. In fact, I'd say that what they've been through has pretty much reversed their roles, although their old selves are in there somewhere. The first half of the book had me hanging on to every word or gesture between the two of them. I kept saying "intense", because that was the word to describe it (besides "AHHH!!"). It was kind of torture, yet I was happy. It was well worth going through the wringer in Wanderlust and here to come out the other side. There was one particular scene early in the book where March and Jax talk that had me completely involved and.. well I just don't have the words.
Aguirre seems to excel at character growth. Since we're on Vel's home planet and diplomacy is the reason for being there, Vel has the biggest role besides Jax, who is the narrator. I was really interested in finding out more about Vel in Wanderlust so I was pleased with learning more about him through Jax. The others were around less often (they weren't needed for all the negotiations that Jax attended), but everyone in Jax's circle is multi-faceted, and you catch a glimpse of inner depth in Jael, Dina, Hit, and Doc. If you're familiar with Ann Aguirre, you know these aren't always happy people either. Jax has a past full of scandal and self-preservation, and March is a psychic and soldier who had to do horrible things.
One of my favorite tropes is a stranger in a strange land or a culture-clash story, which we have here as Jax navigates the Ithtorians, some of who don't consider humans very smart. They remember an earlier delegation which had disastrous results. There are many Ithtorians who would like Jax to fail in her talks, even enough to kill her. That's why Vel is so important, explaining to Jax subtle gestures such as meaning to a bow. The story also covers what foods to eat, what markings on caripaces mean, and Ithtorian politics. I loved this. I also liked the description of the lush, tropical world the Ithtorians' surrounded themselves in, which is nicely illustrated on the cover by Scott M. Fischer.
Overall: The best installment yet. If you read Wanderlust, you really *need* to read Doubleblind. And if you haven't read this series and you like space opera/science fiction romance, I think you should pick it up. Every successive book is better than the last.
Aguirre seems to excel at character growth. Since we're on Vel's home planet and diplomacy is the reason for being there, Vel has the biggest role besides Jax, who is the narrator. I was really interested in finding out more about Vel in Wanderlust so I was pleased with learning more about him through Jax. The others were around less often (they weren't needed for all the negotiations that Jax attended), but everyone in Jax's circle is multi-faceted, and you catch a glimpse of inner depth in Jael, Dina, Hit, and Doc. If you're familiar with Ann Aguirre, you know these aren't always happy people either. Jax has a past full of scandal and self-preservation, and March is a psychic and soldier who had to do horrible things.
One of my favorite tropes is a stranger in a strange land or a culture-clash story, which we have here as Jax navigates the Ithtorians, some of who don't consider humans very smart. They remember an earlier delegation which had disastrous results. There are many Ithtorians who would like Jax to fail in her talks, even enough to kill her. That's why Vel is so important, explaining to Jax subtle gestures such as meaning to a bow. The story also covers what foods to eat, what markings on caripaces mean, and Ithtorian politics. I loved this. I also liked the description of the lush, tropical world the Ithtorians' surrounded themselves in, which is nicely illustrated on the cover by Scott M. Fischer.
Overall: The best installment yet. If you read Wanderlust, you really *need* to read Doubleblind. And if you haven't read this series and you like space opera/science fiction romance, I think you should pick it up. Every successive book is better than the last.
Helpful Score: 2
Sci-fi/ Futuristic novel by Ann Aguirre, and third in the Sirantha Jax series. Grimspace jumpter Sirantha arrives on Ithess, to be Humanity's Ambassador, and convince the Govenment to join the Alliance. But the Ithess people are isolationists, and have poor opinions of Humans. Her relationship with her lover March is in jeopardy, since he partipated in the War on Lachion. March suffers from some sort of PTSD, and has urges to kill. I was uncomfortable with this part of the story. Sirantha refuses to give up on March, no matter how he hurts her. Sirantha has to make her way through alien politics while factions on both sides try to sabotage her success. Love this book. It has plenty of plot, romance, intrigue, and action. Great series.
Helpful Score: 2
This is an example of a series that keeps getting better and better. In this one, Jax is serving as an ambassador. Jax has numerous times/chances to go back to "her old ways" when something doesn't quite pan out. (Me, Myself, and I) But, she doesn't, instead focusing on what is best for everyone else. I love Jax's character development so far through this series. The pacing is a bit slower than the last book, but that didn't effect my enjoyment.
I really like her entourage; Vel, March, Dina, Hit, and Jael. Doc too. I liked learning more about Vel, he is an intriguing character. I will say I am disappointed with something that one of Jax's "people" chose to do for the payout.
Warning- cliffhanger ending.
I really like her entourage; Vel, March, Dina, Hit, and Jael. Doc too. I liked learning more about Vel, he is an intriguing character. I will say I am disappointed with something that one of Jax's "people" chose to do for the payout.
Warning- cliffhanger ending.
