Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely Fantastic
Review: This amazing. I'd put off reading this series for a couple of years because I wasn't sure it looked interesting. Then, finally, with nothing else to read, I picked up the first one. Now I can't put this one down and I want to read the whole series now. Absolutely fantastic. It's really good how she gets by genetic impossiblities. Also, the way she made you wait for them to finally mate, the anticipation was well worth it, because it was written so well.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Fantastic
Review: This amazing. I'd put off reading this series for a couple of years because I wasn't sure it looked interesting. Then, finally, with nothing else to read, I picked up the first one. Now I can't put this one down and I want to read the whole series now. Absolutely fantastic. It's really good how she gets by genetic impossiblities. Also, the way she made you wait for them to finally mate, the anticipation was well worth it, because it was written so well.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good, much better than the first
Review: This follow up to "Turning Point" shows dramatic improvement in Norman's writing ability. But she still needs to improve on pacing and character development.First of all, this is not hard core sci-fi, which is nice for a change. This is light sci-fi with a heavy emphasis on romance. A lot of people say this isn't for guys, but I'm a guy and I got into it. I actually apreciate a book that develops a good love story. Kusac and Carrie are really the only reason to read these books. But here's my problem. Have you ever known a couple that you genuenly liked, but you got tired of them always arguing over stupid things and knew that all of their problems would be solved if they would just TALK about it? That's this story. Carrie and Kusac get into three major arguments and it gets tiresome. Carrie's character seems to have become a lot weaker than in the first book and she reeally isn't developed all that much. There's also about ten thousand characters who have similar sounding names, as well as a dozen story lines, yet none of them are really interesting. Several times Vanna's subplot threatens to take over the book and you just get tired of all the extra characters. Not only that, but the pacing is pretty slow. Lot's of things are repeated, and there's tons of unnessecary scenes that could be trimmed down. There really isn't one main story line, this is more like a soap opera that just goes from one event to another with no end in site. The "climax" is based on an event that happens in the last 100 pages and has nothing to do with the beginning of the book. That's actually when the book really starts to come together. The first 500 pages are real tedious and slow. Another reviewer for one of Norman's books hit it right on the head - we never get to see what the characters think. All we here is dialogue, and tons of it. The specific feelings, emotions, and thoughts of the characters are never really revieled, and this is frustrating. Just when you think you're getting somewhere, the scene shifts to another character and you start all over. So why give it three stars? Like I said, the relationship between Kusac and Carrie is the reason to read this, and they are very interesting characters. Most of their scenes are very touching. The story lights up whenever they are together. The same goes for Kusac's family. Early on they aren't too likable, but by the end they're very noble and endeering. Bottem line: the book was too long winded, and too many characters almost derail the rather small story. I'm not sure if I like where the series is going and will give at least the third book a try.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good, much better than the first
Review: This follow up to "Turning Point" shows dramatic improvement in Norman's writing ability. But she still needs to improve on pacing and character development. First of all, this is not hard core sci-fi, which is nice for a change. This is light sci-fi with a heavy emphasis on romance. A lot of people say this isn't for guys, but I'm a guy and I got into it. I actually apreciate a book that develops a good love story. Kusac and Carrie are really the only reason to read these books. But here's my problem. Have you ever known a couple that you genuenly liked, but you got tired of them always arguing over stupid things and knew that all of their problems would be solved if they would just TALK about it? That's this story. Carrie and Kusac get into three major arguments and it gets tiresome. Carrie's character seems to have become a lot weaker than in the first book and she reeally isn't developed all that much. There's also about ten thousand characters who have similar sounding names, as well as a dozen story lines, yet none of them are really interesting. Several times Vanna's subplot threatens to take over the book and you just get tired of all the extra characters. Not only that, but the pacing is pretty slow. Lot's of things are repeated, and there's tons of unnessecary scenes that could be trimmed down. There really isn't one main story line, this is more like a soap opera that just goes from one event to another with no end in site. The "climax" is based on an event that happens in the last 100 pages and has nothing to do with the beginning of the book. That's actually when the book really starts to come together. The first 500 pages are real tedious and slow. Another reviewer for one of Norman's books hit it right on the head - we never get to see what the characters think. All we here is dialogue, and tons of it. The specific feelings, emotions, and thoughts of the characters are never really revieled, and this is frustrating. Just when you think you're getting somewhere, the scene shifts to another character and you start all over. So why give it three stars? Like I said, the relationship between Kusac and Carrie is the reason to read this, and they are very interesting characters. Most of their scenes are very touching. The story lights up whenever they are together. The same goes for Kusac's family. Early on they aren't too likable, but by the end they're very noble and endeering. Bottem line: the book was too long winded, and too many characters almost derail the rather small story. I'm not sure if I like where the series is going and will give at least the third book a try.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting but Long Winded.
Review: This was an interesting novel with some good consepts but it did not feel well thought out in the long run. There was to many plot elements that were repeated and irrational and childish reactions from the characters that it became annoying after a while. If most of these characters are such high level telepaths and a few so closely linked then how come they are always fighting and can't solve some of their simple problems. It was rather hard to follow at times because it was jumping perspectives so often. Sometimes it would even change perspectives within a paragraph! It is written more like a soap opera then a science fiction novel. The book also feels to long winded and there are to many unnessissary scenes. The only part of this book that felt like there was a plot was in the last 100 pages. There were also many inconsistancies and editorial problems. And do they drink anything other then c'shar or coffee?! Oh, I take that back, once they drank wine but still, it became rather annoying when all they seemed to drink was c'shar almost everytime they were in a new room. When it comes down to it, the novel does have some interesting consepts and it is fun if you want to read a light, easy to read novel. Many of the characters are intersting but sometimes the intersting ones don't get enough "camera time". There are many funny and touching moments during Carrie's discovery about the new world she is living in. If you are intrigued by human/alien relationships and are looking for sci-fi that boarders on fantasy, the "Sholan Alliance" might be the series for you.
Rating: 
Summary: better but much, much worse
Review: WARNING: PLOT EXPOSURE. While it is true that Norman's writing ability increased from the first, her characters are poorly developed - neither Kusak or Carrie, the two main characters, experience any growth throughout the book. The plot is also extremely contrived. I knew the moment it said she was pregnant that the fact she would lose the child was as much a certainty that she would survive for the next installment of Norman's series. Norman didn't disappoint - or did, by showing that she wasn't below using lame plot devices and contrived events to make sure Carrie isn't "burdened" by a child. Other events within the book carry (pun not intended) a similar quality.
Rating:
Summary: Better than the first!
Review: Wow, she's outdone herself! I can't wait to read the third, I hope she remains at these standards! so far, I love this series and it's twists and turns, what a world!
Rating:
Summary: Better than the first!
Review: Wow, she's outdone herself! I can't wait to read the third, I hope she remains at these standards! so far, I love this series and it's twists and turns, what a world!
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