Law of Survival

Jani Kilian: 3

ISBN: 0-380-80785-8 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

Another taut plot, full of suspicion, intrigue and politics, a set of well-drawn characters, nicely complex alien culture and an important rôle for the heroine makes this an entertaining, fast-moving experience.

Reviewed by David on January 27, 2002

Genre: Science Fiction (Mystery, Intrigue, Aliens)

Synopsis: Jani Kilian was once a soldier assigned to a liason team on an Idomeni planet. Badly injured in a conflict among the humanoid aliens, Jani's body was salvaged using Idomeni genetic material.

After almost twenty years on the fringes of civilization, Jani's has resurfaced again. Both valued and hated for her deep knowledge of Idomeni culture, Jani is thrust deep into the human and Idomeni politics. While some are benefitting from the trade between the two races, others, on both sides, would do anything to prevent it. And Jani is the pawn for both sides.

Pawns are expandable, but Jani has learned to survive. So despite her injuries and dislike of intrigue, Jani Kilian has to become a player in the deadly games of the capital.

Full Review: In the past two novels, Jani has largely been a victim. Suffering from continuing medical problems of the hybridization and her old injuries, accused of old crimes, Jani has concentrated on survival, almost accidentally causing change around her. Now, at last, she takes a more active rôle.

While still plagued by her body, the heroine is more beset by political means. The human and Idomeni societies are merging through exchange of technologies, trade and politics. There are those who want to prevent it, and others who see it as beneficial. Jani is not only a biological symbol of the process, but a valuable diplomatic resource in the interaction.

As Jani is threatened by assasinations attempts, both physical and character, she finds unexpected support. But the danger and plots are everywhere, and the greatest challenge may be telling friend from foe. A clear element of a mystery novel, as well as more exposure to the interesting paper-based technology spice up the political plot.

The society in the novels has been solidly built up, and the politics are nicely believable. Jani's showing more initiative than in the previous books, increasing the reader's satisfaction, and while there's plenty of threat, there is also more friendly interaction.

The series, with its mixture of the exotic, but not too alien Idomeni culture, and believable intrigue, is appealing and shows scope for satisfying development. While clearly setting up for further sequels, the book comes to a satisfying resolution. For first-time readers, starting with the first novel (Code of Conduct) is recommended.

Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-380-80785-8 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com