TEST
Before I read the romances of Ava Gray and Ellen Connor, Ann Aguirre’s pseudonyms, I was a huge fan of her Sirantha Jax sci-fi series. Although science fiction will always come after my first love of romances, this awesome series runs a very close second. Set in the very far future where humans have colonized deep space and encountered many alien species, these novels illustrate that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Relationships and politics are still chaotic, public opinion can swing on a dime, and hard choices made by a few are sometimes all that stands between the masses and destruction. 
In this latest episode Sirantha is facing the Aftermath of her decision to change the beacons that guide interstellar travel, in order to foil an invasion by the Morgut, a powerful race bent on annihilating sentient life and colonizing populated planets. Changing the beacons strands the Morgut in Grimspace, the virtual space through which the interstellar ships fly, but it also traps forever six hundred human soldiers. In an instant, Sirantha goes from being a rock-star navigator to a criminal charged with mass-murder and treason, the most hated woman in the Conglomerate. Although her “crime” saved millions of lives, she has to stand trial because the population is rioting, divided between calling for her blood and defending her.
Sirantha’s relationship with her love interest, March, also takes a huge blow. As her commanding officer he bears responsibility for Sirantha’s actions, and he feels hard pressed to defend Sirantha because she crept from their bed and flew away on her mission in secret. The result is that March can hardly stand to look at Sirantha, and he leaves her to stand trial alone while he flies to another planet to search for his dead sister’s missing son. Isolated in prison, Sirantha feels the weight of the hundreds of deaths, and finds herself sinking into depression while she awaits her trial. Her mind lingers on dead compadres, unfulfilled promises, and missed opportunities.
This book is very different from the others in the series in a couple of ways. The first part of the book is more cerebral than we’re used to, while Sirantha is planning her defense and languishing in prison, instead of travelling among the stars or kicking ass dirtside. Also, there is a lot more relationship development, especially between Sirantha and Vel, her alien best friend. Sirantha’s relationship with March also progresses, most of the time in the form of heartfelt letters and recorded messages, since they’re separated for most of the book.
That is not to say that this book isn’t chock-full of adventure. I hesitate to say much more because to say anything will spoil something, so I’ll just say that this is a typical Sirantha Jax action/suspense novel. Its tautly written with a surprise around every corner, and Sirantha’s nanos get a real workout.
Unfortunately the first part of the book was a little frustrating. While waiting to find out whether Sirantha would be found innocent or guilty, or if she would break out of prison again in some wild way, I found myself impatient with the whole prison scenario. I ended up skimming a lot of that part. I also didn’t like how long Sirantha was separated from March. The romantic aspect of these novels is my favorite part and it was particularly lacking here.
These small negatives aside, once the prison part of the book ends huge things begin to happen. The plot lines from earlier books are continued and brought to conclusion and Sirantha finds herself in the middle of a huge adventure that she could have in no way anticipated. If I understand correctly there is one more book left in the series, and I can’t imagine how things will wind up. Can’t wait to find out, though.
Grade: B
Book Type: Science Fiction
Sensuality: Subtle
Review Date: 03/11/11
Publication Date: 2011/09
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.