Rating: 
Summary: A Different View
Review: This book is a sequel to "A Thousand Words for Stranger". As with that book, this follow-up benefits from some involved plotting and an avoidance of the "space epic" syndrome. On the other hand, I found that I had to push myself through the first third of the book, and I began to ask myself why I was having so much trouble getting into a book where the characters and the setting were already familiar. It did, as someone else has observed, supply some answers as to what happened in the first book. On the other hand, as I wrote of its predecessor, I am not a fan of stories employing the device of extra-sensory mental powers. Here, not only does the clan have access to the M'Hir (whatever that is -- we still don't really know), but a growing number of humans along with other alien species do, as well. The somewhat overly cutesy Drapsk, in fact, can build devices to block access to the M'Hir and to monitor it. Pretty impressive considering that noboby even seems able to define it. It all begins to feel a bit contrived. The M'Hir is there when it furthers the plot but blockable (or not available) when it becomes inconvenient.As I got into the middle of the book, things picked up. Plot threads begin to come together and the story got more interesting. Unfortunately, as you get close to the end of the story, the pace again becomes somewhat uneven. There are some well-drawn confrontations, but other sections read more like Barbara Cartland doing scifi than like anything that Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, LeGuin or McCaffrey would write. At the risk of being branded as a sexist, much of this book came across to me as the print version of what is popularly known as a "chick flick". My conclusion is that this was an OK book, but not a great one. The action mostly took place on an undefinable mental plane and it was very expressive emotionally, but physical action was sparse. The plotting, while complex, was sometimes murky and had an overly contrived (I realize that in the final analysis, all fiction is contrived -- it is a matter of degree) feel to it. I found parts of it rather tedious and had to push myself to finish it. A mediocre read, in my estimation.
Rating:
Summary: A Different View
Review: This book is a sequel to "A Thousand Words for Stranger". As with that book, this follow-up benefits from some involved plotting and an avoidance of the "space epic" syndrome. On the other hand, I found that I had to push myself through the first third of the book, and I began to ask myself why I was having so much trouble getting into a book where the characters and the setting were already familiar. It did, as someone else has observed, supply some answers as to what happened in the first book. On the other hand, as I wrote of its predecessor, I am not a fan of stories employing the device of extra-sensory mental powers. Here, not only does the clan have access to the M'Hir (whatever that is -- we still don't really know), but a growing number of humans along with other alien species do, as well. The somewhat overly cutesy Drapsk, in fact, can build devices to block access to the M'Hir and to monitor it. Pretty impressive considering that noboby even seems able to define it. It all begins to feel a bit contrived. The M'Hir is there when it furthers the plot but blockable (or not available) when it becomes inconvenient. As I got into the middle of the book, things picked up. Plot threads begin to come together and the story got more interesting. Unfortunately, as you get close to the end of the story, the pace again becomes somewhat uneven. There are some well-drawn confrontations, but other sections read more like Barbara Cartland doing scifi than like anything that Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, LeGuin or McCaffrey would write. At the risk of being branded as a sexist, much of this book came across to me as the print version of what is popularly known as a "chick flick". My conclusion is that this was an OK book, but not a great one. The action mostly took place on an undefinable mental plane and it was very expressive emotionally, but physical action was sparse. The plotting, while complex, was sometimes murky and had an overly contrived (I realize that in the final analysis, all fiction is contrived -- it is a matter of degree) feel to it. I found parts of it rather tedious and had to push myself to finish it. A mediocre read, in my estimation.
Rating:
Summary: A Different View
Review: This book is a sequel to "A Thousand Words for Stranger". As with that book, this follow-up benefits from some involved plotting and an avoidance of the "space epic" syndrome. On the other hand, I found that I had to push myself through the first third of the book, and I began to ask myself why I was having so much trouble getting into a book where the characters and the setting were already familiar. It did, as someone else has observed, supply some answers as to what happened in the first book. On the other hand, as I wrote of its predecessor, I am not a fan of stories employing the device of extra-sensory mental powers. Here, not only does the clan have access to the M'Hir (whatever that is -- we still don't really know), but a growing number of humans along with other alien species do, as well. The somewhat overly cutesy Drapsk, in fact, can build devices to block access to the M'Hir and to monitor it. Pretty impressive considering that noboby even seems able to define it. It all begins to feel a bit contrived. The M'Hir is there when it furthers the plot but blockable (or not available) when it becomes inconvenient. As I got into the middle of the book, things picked up. Plot threads begin to come together and the story got more interesting. Unfortunately, as you get close to the end of the story, the pace again becomes somewhat uneven. There are some well-drawn confrontations, but other sections read more like Barbara Cartland doing scifi than like anything that Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, LeGuin or McCaffrey would write. At the risk of being branded as a sexist, much of this book came across to me as the print version of what is popularly known as a "chick flick". My conclusion is that this was an OK book, but not a great one. The action mostly took place on an undefinable mental plane and it was very expressive emotionally, but physical action was sparse. The plotting, while complex, was sometimes murky and had an overly contrived (I realize that in the final analysis, all fiction is contrived -- it is a matter of degree) feel to it. I found parts of it rather tedious and had to push myself to finish it. A mediocre read, in my estimation.
Rating: 
Summary: A Wonderful Journey
Review: This is a great book. I had picked up the first book, A Thousand Words for Stranger and liked it, but the sequel, The Ties of Power was even better. I really loved the Drapski. The universe the author has created was fascinating. I read the book at least 5 times over the Christmas Holidays. This book is definetly a keeper. I can't wait until the next one comes out.
Rating:
Summary: Much ado about everything
Review: This second offering in the TRADE PACT series is great as a sequel to THOUSAND WORDS FOR STRANGER or as a stand alone, though I reccomend that you read THOUSAND for the shear enjoyment of the characters. Speaking of characters, Julie keeps the interest level high without giving away everything...another book, yes? The main characters, Sira and Morgan, while connected are rarely together in this far reaching story. One wonders if they will join up and this keeps you reading to find out. Julie also has added some more very interesting beings, one of the highlights to all of her books. You'll notice I have not given any of the plot away...a mere review can not do it justice. Try it for yourself. If you like alien worlds, alien societies, and just plain aliens with a couple of humanoids thrown in for good measure than this is a book you should try. Oh, yes...need I mention that there is just a touch of romance? Just a touch...Julie is very good at not going overboard in this area. Highest praise until the next Czerneda offering!
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