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The Delphic Dame #2
Scarper
A fate-defying chase across the universe.
Fate is a tricky witch.
On the run across federation space, Cherry has stuffed far too many dangerous secrets into her scout ship. Now the Delphic Dame is the most hunted spaceship in the universe.
It may also be the only force in the universe capable of saving humanity.
Cherry just has to stay one step ahead of her enemies - and, maybe, of her allies.
Fate is a tricky witch.
On the run across federation space, Cherry has stuffed far too many dangerous secrets into her scout ship. Now the Delphic Dame is the most hunted spaceship in the universe.
It may also be the only force in the universe capable of saving humanity.
Cherry just has to stay one step ahead of her enemies - and, maybe, of her allies.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2023
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books586 followersAustralian author of strangely hopeful fantasy & science fiction. Independently published for over a decade.
Storyteller. Creator of Caldryn Parliament - Golden Age Mysteries in the Realm of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Storyteller. Creator of Caldryn Parliament - Golden Age Mysteries in the Realm of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 13, 2024
I love the world, love the characters but this book was awfully slow going for me. I never ached to come back like in all the previous books. There wasn’t anything particularly bad at all… it just didn’t excite me in anyway.
Of course I’m off to read the last book in the trilogy, though. I MUST see how everything works out!
Of course I’m off to read the last book in the trilogy, though. I MUST see how everything works out!
November 24, 2023
3.25 stars. This was a bit all over the place. Cherry is still on the run with Hugh (a human her oracle talent told her to find) and his son Dylan (an alien Katari child, possibly the sole survivor of a species genicide).
What worked for me: 1) conversations with those back home were wonderful, especially as they’ve grown some since we left the Confessions of a Xenoarchealogist series. 2) I really like Cherry. I like all the supporting characters, though Hugh is the most one-dimensional of them all. 3) Some interesting discussions and philosophical conversations on the ship.
What didn’t work for me: 1) I like Cherry, but she’s getting lost and sucked in to Hugh’s war with no benefit for her. It seems out of character for her. I would like Hugh to get a shakeup at some point. 2) The romance flatlined and the intimacy stalled. The intimacy portrayed came out of nowhere without a big enough build up to warrant Cherry’s choices. 3) There are A LOT of theories that don’t really have proof of being true except others’ confirmation of guesswork, but their integrity is shoddy so who knows if anybody is right. 4) Because the path forward isn’t clearly defined in this novel it just leaves the reader hanging in the middle of nowhere story-wise, which makes me not look forward to book 3 as I usually would.
All in all I think it advances the story, but am hoping the next book tightens up, plot-wise.
What worked for me: 1) conversations with those back home were wonderful, especially as they’ve grown some since we left the Confessions of a Xenoarchealogist series. 2) I really like Cherry. I like all the supporting characters, though Hugh is the most one-dimensional of them all. 3) Some interesting discussions and philosophical conversations on the ship.
What didn’t work for me: 1) I like Cherry, but she’s getting lost and sucked in to Hugh’s war with no benefit for her. It seems out of character for her. I would like Hugh to get a shakeup at some point. 2) The romance flatlined and the intimacy stalled. The intimacy portrayed came out of nowhere without a big enough build up to warrant Cherry’s choices. 3) There are A LOT of theories that don’t really have proof of being true except others’ confirmation of guesswork, but their integrity is shoddy so who knows if anybody is right. 4) Because the path forward isn’t clearly defined in this novel it just leaves the reader hanging in the middle of nowhere story-wise, which makes me not look forward to book 3 as I usually would.
All in all I think it advances the story, but am hoping the next book tightens up, plot-wise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2023
this one (2) was tough
The tone of this book was so unlike the rest. Whole sections really just felt like a collegiate bong circle. I can understand if the intent was to stay true to the reality of space travel, and therefor place 90% of the story within the confines of the ship… but then to further trap the audience within the circle jerk of Cherry’s head! All of the conversations without revelation, and Machiavellian mental chess with almost 0 application in the story. Stalemates are not the best material for books, they are unsatisfying for the players, and downright torturous for the observer.
The tone of this book was so unlike the rest. Whole sections really just felt like a collegiate bong circle. I can understand if the intent was to stay true to the reality of space travel, and therefor place 90% of the story within the confines of the ship… but then to further trap the audience within the circle jerk of Cherry’s head! All of the conversations without revelation, and Machiavellian mental chess with almost 0 application in the story. Stalemates are not the best material for books, they are unsatisfying for the players, and downright torturous for the observer.
October 21, 2023
2.5 stars
I found this second book in the series to be disjointed, meandering, and often confusing. The plot was an overly wordy attempt to connect the first book to what will be the concluding one, with a lot of philosophical pondering thrown in to very little action. At what point did Cherry snd Hugh become a couple or a maybe-couple, especially when Hugh was so condescending in Book One?
Despite alternating boredom and frustration with the book, I rounded up to three stars because I still am interested enough to chance Book Three when it comes out to find out how things conclude.
I found this second book in the series to be disjointed, meandering, and often confusing. The plot was an overly wordy attempt to connect the first book to what will be the concluding one, with a lot of philosophical pondering thrown in to very little action. At what point did Cherry snd Hugh become a couple or a maybe-couple, especially when Hugh was so condescending in Book One?
Despite alternating boredom and frustration with the book, I rounded up to three stars because I still am interested enough to chance Book Three when it comes out to find out how things conclude.
November 5, 2023
Slow and tiresome
Scarper was not at all on par with what has come to be expected with these books. I found myself skimming and skipping whole pages to find something of substance. Basically, it was a lot of fluff. I waited for quite awhile for this book to drop. I hope the next book is better.
Scarper was not at all on par with what has come to be expected with these books. I found myself skimming and skipping whole pages to find something of substance. Basically, it was a lot of fluff. I waited for quite awhile for this book to drop. I hope the next book is better.
October 22, 2023
Excellent sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is great, the story is twisty with no character deaths or destruction (although there is minor impending doom). I'm glad Cherry turned out to be a likeable main character. I adore Dylan. There are good surprises and some bad surprises. And a former character reappears as an ally.
The worldbuilding is great, the story is twisty with no character deaths or destruction (although there is minor impending doom). I'm glad Cherry turned out to be a likeable main character. I adore Dylan. There are good surprises and some bad surprises. And a former character reappears as an ally.
June 25, 2024
This is Book 2 of a 3-part, serialized, SF novel. For my overall opinion of this series, see my review of Salvage, which is Book 1.
October 30, 2023
A bit muddled, a bit too complicated and yet another cliff hanger
I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with this series after the abrupt cliff hanger in the first book. But, continue I did.
It is overly complex, muddled and ends in another cliff hanger.
All in all, I'm not going to continue reading this series.
I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with this series after the abrupt cliff hanger in the first book. But, continue I did.
It is overly complex, muddled and ends in another cliff hanger.
All in all, I'm not going to continue reading this series.
February 24, 2026
This book is the second book in a trilogy that is a spin off of the Adventures of a Xeno Archaeologist. I liked the trilogy a little less than the original series. Cherry is the younger sister of Nora, the female main character of the first series. Several characters from the original series appear through communications.
The first book in the trilogy ended with Cherry, Hugh, and Dylan learning a big secret and taking on an android, Giol, that has dedicated himself to being Dylan’s assistant. Hugh had been in hiding because he discovered a baby katang, Dylan, and was thwarting a directive to kill all katangs. He considers himself to be Dylan’s father. The katangs are crab like beings.
This book begins with Dylan telling the others what he learned in a ceremony that all katangs go through and which Giol had instigated. They find out about a number of aliens and the interactions between them. Some of the aliens, a rogue group of thrios (space elves), are on their trail and want to kill them. They decide to try to contact the main group of thrios for help.
The book has a lot of ethical and moral discussions.
Cherry is an oracle and her gift tells her how to handle some but not all situations. She is learning a new skill that she can use as a result of exposure to the katang’s archive of knowledge.
This book is from Cherry’s point of view.
Schwartz writes that scarper means to warn and then run. According to Merriam Webster, it simply means to run away. The main part of the story is the group’s plan to warn a space Federation about a threat and then to run away. This does not go as planned.
I liked Cherry’s character. She is smart, kind, and resourceful. Her relationship with Hugh moves forward. She believes in him and he drives some of the decisions made because of his responsibility to Dylan as well as his history with the leadership of the space sector they are in. I felt there were times when Hugh believes that Cherry should just listen to him, but she pushes back. I thought that Hugh made a decision that might not have been wise, but the author tells you why he made it.
I bought the entire series at the same time and will continue on to the third book.
The first book in the trilogy ended with Cherry, Hugh, and Dylan learning a big secret and taking on an android, Giol, that has dedicated himself to being Dylan’s assistant. Hugh had been in hiding because he discovered a baby katang, Dylan, and was thwarting a directive to kill all katangs. He considers himself to be Dylan’s father. The katangs are crab like beings.
This book begins with Dylan telling the others what he learned in a ceremony that all katangs go through and which Giol had instigated. They find out about a number of aliens and the interactions between them. Some of the aliens, a rogue group of thrios (space elves), are on their trail and want to kill them. They decide to try to contact the main group of thrios for help.
The book has a lot of ethical and moral discussions.
Cherry is an oracle and her gift tells her how to handle some but not all situations. She is learning a new skill that she can use as a result of exposure to the katang’s archive of knowledge.
This book is from Cherry’s point of view.
Schwartz writes that scarper means to warn and then run. According to Merriam Webster, it simply means to run away. The main part of the story is the group’s plan to warn a space Federation about a threat and then to run away. This does not go as planned.
I liked Cherry’s character. She is smart, kind, and resourceful. Her relationship with Hugh moves forward. She believes in him and he drives some of the decisions made because of his responsibility to Dylan as well as his history with the leadership of the space sector they are in. I felt there were times when Hugh believes that Cherry should just listen to him, but she pushes back. I thought that Hugh made a decision that might not have been wise, but the author tells you why he made it.
I bought the entire series at the same time and will continue on to the third book.
October 23, 2023
Exciting plot developments in this second instalment of the Delphic Dame series featuring Cherry, oracle and spaceship captain. Cherry rescued Hugh, human, and Dylan, katang, in the first novel, and they are still present, as is the katang droid Giol. The crew cover a lot of ground and we follow along for a ride lasting many months.
I found the portions in space and on space stations interesting in how the plot moved forward. There was just a looot of dialogue. So many discussions. And yet in order to stay up-to-date, one had to read things properly. It seems talking as a form of structure for the plot isn't my favourite. It has to be balanced with some more action.
With that said, there are some surprise twists, and of course many questions without answers still. I still think the endings that Jenny Schwartz writes are too abrupt to feel satisfactory, but all in all I'm pleased to have spent time with this book.
I found the portions in space and on space stations interesting in how the plot moved forward. There was just a looot of dialogue. So many discussions. And yet in order to stay up-to-date, one had to read things properly. It seems talking as a form of structure for the plot isn't my favourite. It has to be balanced with some more action.
With that said, there are some surprise twists, and of course many questions without answers still. I still think the endings that Jenny Schwartz writes are too abrupt to feel satisfactory, but all in all I'm pleased to have spent time with this book.
October 23, 2023
I was taken aback by this book. The previous one had been so lucid and exhilarating. The introduction of a new species had been clear and thrilling. However, at just 15% in, I found myself feeling overwhelmed. It's a complete muddle.
I appreciate that the author is attempting to explain the past events and the crucial decisions the main character must make to save her people, but it's just too much. This information should have been presented in a more straightforward manner or woven into the narrative. The main character doesn't require all these intricate details. My motivation for reading this book was the action, the family dynamics, and the potential love story. By page 37, my patience had worn thin and I called it quits.
I appreciate that the author is attempting to explain the past events and the crucial decisions the main character must make to save her people, but it's just too much. This information should have been presented in a more straightforward manner or woven into the narrative. The main character doesn't require all these intricate details. My motivation for reading this book was the action, the family dynamics, and the potential love story. By page 37, my patience had worn thin and I called it quits.
July 25, 2024
Can You Hide…
DelphicDame2;4.5 ⭐️
Yay! It is a bit of old home week - everybody is talking. The weighing of organization of governments and how one can measure the health of a society is really interesting and important as a conversation.
The first series looked at entrenched power and how war is a pressure release valve - not only in the attrition of people but also in focusing animosity towards the other, the evil. That focus goes so deep, that pejorative thought lingers and festers long past the peace table. The other release valve is exploration … unless the system is closed.
This series is looking at collective guilt in entrenched political positions and what lengths people will go to, to maintain their grasp of power.
Hard questions. Fascinating reading.
DelphicDame2;4.5 ⭐️
Yay! It is a bit of old home week - everybody is talking. The weighing of organization of governments and how one can measure the health of a society is really interesting and important as a conversation.
The first series looked at entrenched power and how war is a pressure release valve - not only in the attrition of people but also in focusing animosity towards the other, the evil. That focus goes so deep, that pejorative thought lingers and festers long past the peace table. The other release valve is exploration … unless the system is closed.
This series is looking at collective guilt in entrenched political positions and what lengths people will go to, to maintain their grasp of power.
Hard questions. Fascinating reading.
October 30, 2023
Another Jenny Schwartz winner
I so enjoyed the previous series to this one , The Adventures of a Xeno Archaeogist. I recommend reading that one to get a background of the life of the main character and what influenced her growth. I enjoy the characters and the world building that continues in this series. I grew up on science fiction and this brings to mind the space novels of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller . if you like a story with some depth in the story please give this a try.
I so enjoyed the previous series to this one , The Adventures of a Xeno Archaeogist. I recommend reading that one to get a background of the life of the main character and what influenced her growth. I enjoy the characters and the world building that continues in this series. I grew up on science fiction and this brings to mind the space novels of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller . if you like a story with some depth in the story please give this a try.
November 1, 2023
Page Turner
A medium to fast paced second book in the Delphic Dame trilogy. It kept my attention and kept me turning pages. Cherry talked more with her sister Nora and their expedition who came up with a startling twist to the problem of the Katang homeworld. We got a tantalising glimpse of Cherry’s Katang augmented Burr gift and saw Eloise put in her place (again). There was a lot of scarpering. But I think the story suffers from a scarcity of Thrios. Of course I am very keen for the reveal in Shield. And if you’ve come to series after Feb 2024 no problem.
A medium to fast paced second book in the Delphic Dame trilogy. It kept my attention and kept me turning pages. Cherry talked more with her sister Nora and their expedition who came up with a startling twist to the problem of the Katang homeworld. We got a tantalising glimpse of Cherry’s Katang augmented Burr gift and saw Eloise put in her place (again). There was a lot of scarpering. But I think the story suffers from a scarcity of Thrios. Of course I am very keen for the reveal in Shield. And if you’ve come to series after Feb 2024 no problem.
October 26, 2023
Scarper, the second book of the Delphic Dame series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Ohhh, and the plot thickens…Cherry and Hugh have been keeping secrets, but they reveal a little more in this installment. I love the direction the story line is taking and will be eagerly awaiting the release of book three.
September 22, 2024
Nice story but really slow pacing. I enjoyed reading it but at times I had to force myself to keep going.
That being said, a lot of important stuff does happen and you definitely don't want to skip this one. And I am reading the third book in the trilogy because I am invested now! But yeah, this one was slow.
That being said, a lot of important stuff does happen and you definitely don't want to skip this one. And I am reading the third book in the trilogy because I am invested now! But yeah, this one was slow.
October 24, 2023
3.5 stars, good story and characters
I love the author’s creative story telling. Her characters are always compelling. The only issue is that sometimes the conversational writing gets clunky and hard to follow as the author attempts to put her internal thought process to paper.
I love the author’s creative story telling. Her characters are always compelling. The only issue is that sometimes the conversational writing gets clunky and hard to follow as the author attempts to put her internal thought process to paper.
January 13, 2024
Nice second story
Really looking forward to the third book in a couple of weeks. Its been nice to see the interaction with the stranded and Dylan. I like how close knit everyone is despite the distance and differences.
Really looking forward to the third book in a couple of weeks. Its been nice to see the interaction with the stranded and Dylan. I like how close knit everyone is despite the distance and differences.
February 9, 2024
Great Storyteller
Jenny Schwartz tales are fun, varied, complicated, detailed, and thought-provoking with detailed character building and interaction coupled with just enough tech for the current teen or older geek 🤓. On to the third volume!
Jenny Schwartz tales are fun, varied, complicated, detailed, and thought-provoking with detailed character building and interaction coupled with just enough tech for the current teen or older geek 🤓. On to the third volume!
June 7, 2024
Complex.
Well this book was a bit of a brain workout with all the discussions and considerations and even a few metaphysical ideas. Overall I did like it. I’m still missing the romance element though. There’s hints, but very vague and personally not satisfying 😆.
Well this book was a bit of a brain workout with all the discussions and considerations and even a few metaphysical ideas. Overall I did like it. I’m still missing the romance element though. There’s hints, but very vague and personally not satisfying 😆.
July 18, 2024
I love how the author uses the unique opportunities of sci-fi to explore really interesting ideas. I do feel I wasn’t quite smart enough to understand all the concepts in the book. Excited to see how the series ends.
April 9, 2025
Not as good as 1st series
The 1st series with Nora and Liam started slow but by book 2 was great. I just finished book 2 of this series and its lost my interest. I had to push myself to finish it. Its jut taking too long for the story to develop.
The 1st series with Nora and Liam started slow but by book 2 was great. I just finished book 2 of this series and its lost my interest. I had to push myself to finish it. Its jut taking too long for the story to develop.
December 30, 2025
Nailbiter
This is an edge of your seat book with the tension and risk balanced against the developing relationships between Cherry, Hugh, and Dylan. There are multiple surprises that change the trajectory of the story each time
This is an edge of your seat book with the tension and risk balanced against the developing relationships between Cherry, Hugh, and Dylan. There are multiple surprises that change the trajectory of the story each time
February 14, 2026
Book 2, moderate cliff hanger
Life keeps getting more and more complicated for our heroes. Found family remains the central theme, with the quiet profundity typical of Schwartz’s books mixed with adventure and understated romance.
Life keeps getting more and more complicated for our heroes. Found family remains the central theme, with the quiet profundity typical of Schwartz’s books mixed with adventure and understated romance.
October 20, 2023
Good read
Wordy in parts but still an excellent read. Over emphasis in ifs, buts and maybes. Monologues were extremely long. Word.
Wordy in parts but still an excellent read. Over emphasis in ifs, buts and maybes. Monologues were extremely long. Word.
October 21, 2023
I hate book twos!
So much more going on, that is not resolved. Hints of things to come. I just want answers. Book 3 will provide...
So much more going on, that is not resolved. Hints of things to come. I just want answers. Book 3 will provide...
October 22, 2023
so good
Devoured this book in 2 days (despite working) and eagerly awaiting book 3!! Love all the little details and characters
Devoured this book in 2 days (despite working) and eagerly awaiting book 3!! Love all the little details and characters
October 25, 2023
Can't wait for the conclusion
An exciting twist to the story of Cherry Hugh and Dillon. It kept me wondering where the story would lead and still is.
An exciting twist to the story of Cherry Hugh and Dillon. It kept me wondering where the story would lead and still is.
November 1, 2023
Politics and esoteric philosophy.
A very enjoyable journey with Cherry & crew of the Delphic Dame. I am happy Nora, Liam and Jonah are still in the story line.
A very enjoyable journey with Cherry & crew of the Delphic Dame. I am happy Nora, Liam and Jonah are still in the story line.
November 5, 2023
Great!!!
I love this story, a
nd the whole stranded world, can't wait for the next one I am sure it be great
I love this story, a
nd the whole stranded world, can't wait for the next one I am sure it be great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews