Dark Nadir

Sholan Alliance #5

by Lisanne Norman

The fifth book in Lisanne Norman's Sholan Alliance long-running science fiction series of alien contact and interspecies conflict

The world of Jalna had revealed many secrets to the Sholan-Human teams sent there on a rescue mission. They had discovered one of the methods Valtegans used to control other races, had learned how deceitful one of their own allies had been, and were about to begin negotiations for an alliance with several newly met races.
 
Yet the planetary conflicts had led to the injured Carrie and Kusac being placed in cryo on a non-Sholan vessel, with Kaid desperately trying to rush them back to Sholan medical facilities. But before they could reach their rendezvous point, the ship they were on was caught in a Valtegan trap, leaving Kaid barely enough time to send Carrie's and Kusac's life-pods into space, in the hope that they'd be found by friendly forces.
 
Kaid was certain he and his people were doomed, until a massive vessel suddenly materialized, scooping up both Kaid's ship and the Valtegan foe. Now all of them were prisoners of a completely unknown people. And only time would tell whether they'd fallen into the clutches of an even more deadly enemy than the Valtegans....

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Polyamory, Norman

608 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jay Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice long book, plenty of pages (almost 600). The action in this book isn't constant like some sci-fi books, but there is enough stuff going on to keep interest level high. This is the 2nd or 3rd time I've read this book actually and I still found myself wanting to skip ahead at a few points to see what will happen (it has been several years since the last reading), which I figure is a good thing as it definately kept my interest level high.

The setting, tone, subject matter are all pretty fun (in my opinion). This is the fifth book (I believe) in a series dealing with aliens, telepathy, space travel, and war with a little bit of mystery thrown in as well to spice things up.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth book in the series, and still going strong. I love how the cast of characters has expanded, as has the cast of alien species. The newest aliens (The Primes) bring forth the old adage "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". We stand on the threshold of a new Alliance between worlds.

Excellent series. Characters that you fall in love with.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have trouble keeping track of the ever growing list of characters and their plots

[Lois R. Dorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tediously long. I had the answers

to the mysteries before half the book was read. It was obvious the Primes were Valtegans and they had an insect helper. Using Kusac’s injury to mar Carrie’s and Kaid’s new happiness is just another year-jerker to help keep yarn interesting. Same good story telling, but got same/same in too many areas. But I need the information in this book for the next one!

[Al Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

A prison break thriller with a twist that takes another bold direction by removing Kusac and Carrie almost entirely to work on the dynamics of the supporting cast. Most of the main plot here feels more like filler than not with some underwhelming twists, yet the depth given to the villains and context to the supporting character interactions are a nice touch.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

They go straight from their mission into more danger. The danger is huge and to all Shola. They are taken captive and suffer much.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series.

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. This was the cringiest of furry sci fi. I’ve read SF 64 fan fiction back in the day that was better written than this. Problematic and the writing was BAD.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better! The scandals become more complex and interesting, and there's more drama. Not so much that you can't catch a break from it, but just enough to keep the book action-packed and keep you hooked. I'm especially curious about the secret group among the Valtegans that is introduced in the epilogue. Good thing I always have the next book with me before I finish each one! The only thing is that a flow chart or something would be useful to remember everything about the many different alien species.

[Kerri]

Fifth book in Norman's Sholan Alliance series. Though I guess it could technically stand alone, you really should read the first four books in the series first. Norman works with an ever-expanding cast of characters from various worlds and species, so read the whole series to get to know them best. This book was just as exciting as its predecessors. Things were explained and elaborated upon while new questions were raised. We got to know some older characters better and were introduced to many new ones. And the ending ... sad but hopeful. Check this one out, you'll probably like it.

[Adam Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story seemed to jump around a bit and sometimes there was a bit of confusion on who it was talking about, due to just pronouns being used. It eventually made it clear, and was nearly a 'stay up all night to read' book!

It sucks you in and refuses to give you back till the end, but still leaves you aching for more! Glad there is another book to read!

[Sandra Munger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are coming to a head in this series. War is possibly on the horizon. How do you fight a machine that can kill everyone on a planet from a distance. Changes in the romance for Carrie, Kusac & Kaid

[Steve]

Sholan Alliance

[Elisa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time through this series. A good read. Interesting first contact series, I like the way she bring diverse species together.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Norman gets better with every book. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be named 50 Shades of Kaid at this point. So love the book but hard to reread for some reason.