The Judas Solution

Blackcollar #3

by Timothy Zahn

Damon Lathe, Allen Caine, and the Blackcollar drug-enhanced combat team want to infiltrate a Ryqril-conquered colony, a tactical center where the whole sector's military data flows through against the Chryselli. But Ryqruil Prefect Jamus Galway of Plinry has a clone duplicate of Allen ready.

Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fiction, Ebooks, Military Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Space

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Timothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.

Reviews

[Jesse Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find that I cannot provide an honest review of Timothy Zahn’s books. I unconditionally love everything he writes. Some of it is better than others but I find even when I start to notice things that would have driven me crazy in other authors I don’t mind it so much.

If you haven’t read Timothy Zahn’s Blackcollar books you are missing out on some great stories. These books don’t have the strong, unforgettable characters that his Star Wars books did, nor do they have the moral lessons that the Dragonback book had. What they do have is breakneck pacing and brilliant action scenes that both never stop and never get old.

Earth was conquered 30 years ago by a brutal and powerful race called the Ryqril. They initiated ‘loyalty conditioning’ which renders humans incapable of thinking anything bad about their conquerors. The Blackcollar are a group of elite commandos trained at the end of the war. They’re basically samurai ninjas, and, as if that wasn’t cool enough, they are also geniuses. In the first two books they are roused out of retirement when Alan Caine comes looking for them and they instigate a few steps in a plan to overthrow the Ryqril and kick them out.

This book has all of the Zahn trademarks. Brilliant plans that don’t always work but frequently do coupled with enemies that are just as brilliant, if not more. I like that the enemy characters are not crippled by stupidity. When something strange happens they know immediately that it’s a diversion and they have their own answer to it. This is not a case of a tactical genius and a squad of samurai ninjas wiping the floor with a bunch of idiots. This is the case of a whole team of tactical geniuses that also happen to be samurai ninjas trying to outsmart a whole team of loyalty conditioned tactical geniuses working for insanely fast aliens with superior technology.

It’s a constant battle.

I also like that the Blackcollars use primitive weapons – shuriken and nunchaku mostly – because the Ryqril can detect complex circuitry and metal and disable it.

The story twists and turns in usual Zahn fashion. Characters keep things from each other and from themselves and build a web of intricate secrets that give a lot of “oh no you didn’t” moments.

There is little to no character development. The people in this book are only different enough that you know which ones are good guys and which ones are bad guys and which ones are in between. But that’s enough. This is some of the best fun I’ve had in a long time.

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having conquered the humans of the Terran Democratic Empire, the Ryquil turned their attention to the Chryselli, an alien race that stayed out of the Ryquil-TDE war because they needed time to prepare their own defenses. They put that time to good use, and they're holding their own. Now the Chryselli want help from the space ninjas: the Ryquil are setting up a brand new tactical coordination center a little too close to Chryselli territory for comfort. They want it taken out!

In the first space ninja book, the resistance recruited Allen Caine to impersonate a govt official on vacation in Plinry. But the Ryqril stored biodata in their computers! However would Caine impersonate this guy? Easy, the resistance claimed, we'll hack their mainframes! But the mainframes are in another star system! No problem, no problem, trust us. Caine trusted them to hack all the CPUs and it worked: he got through. But the resistance left out one tiny detail: they didn't hack a damn thing, the reason Caine's DNA matched the govt official's is because Allen Caine is a clone! The Ryqril reason "if they made one clone, why not two?" Enter Karl Judas, the clone the Ryqril use to impersonate Allen Caine and learn all the space ninjas' secrets! Will the space ninjas figure out there's a traitor in their midst??

In the sequel, the space ninjas discovered a drug to undo the loyalty conditioning that the Ryqril use to pacify humans and make them compliant. It was expected that the zealot would use the drug to rebuild Earth's resistance movement... but her plan hit a snag: too many humans serve the Ryquil not just because they're drugged but out of fear of retaliation from non-collaborators. Will the space ninjas rally humans into overthrowing their alien masters??

As thrilling as space ninjas are, a reader may suspend their space ninja appreciation long enough to wonder why the Ryqril seem so stupid. If they'd listen to Prefect Galway just once, if they'd listen to the one human in their employ who knows how space ninjas think, it'd be game over! In this book, one of their plans is revealed close to the end, and it is brilliant: the Ryquil fully expect to fail! (Blackcollars all up in their business, can there be any other outcome??) And by failing, they win. So now the space ninjas have a choice: succeed in attacking the Ryquil and pave the way for a huge Ryquil victory, or fail and risk capture!

You know damn well the space ninjas will find a way out of this no-win scenario, all that's left is for you to pick up this book and find out how.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final book of the Blackcollar trilogy feels rushed and sloppy. If nothing else it could have been shorter. Not to say that it's long. It's just that the conclusion, when we get to it, feels like something that should have been obvious from the last book (spoilers here if you haven't read the The Backlash Mission):

the existence of a drug that completely undoes the alien loyalty conditioning should effectively be the end of their occupation of human space.

Just the existence of such a drug makes everyone in the loyalist human government a suspect, which would sooner or later bring the whole apparatus grinding to a halt, with or without a bunch of over-complicated Blackcollar scheming. And at that point the aliens would face the choice of pulling in all their forces and running things by hand while trying to win their war against the Chryselli or pulling out completely and leaving the humans on their own.

The book also highlights a few flaws in the writing:
a) The Blackcollars always win, even when it looks like they're losing. No matter how harebrained, their schemes always succeed. Once you realize this it kind of kills the tension.
b) The aliens aren't very compelling as villains. In fact the more we learn about them the more bungling and ineffective they look. How did these guys manage to conquer humanity in the first place?!
c) The human villains are much more compelling. So compelling that Zahn winds up turning most of them into good guys, eventually. But then who are you left with for bad guys?

Overall this book was kind of a letdown after two fun initial outings. But it was at least a quick read.

[Xane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years after "The Backlash Mission", publishing rights and the stars aligned, and Zahn was finally able to finish the story of the Blackcollars. This is an interesting book, as the first two in the now-trilogy were written before the words "Star Wars" had ever graced a book of his ("Blackcollar" itself was in fact his first ever full length published novel). Naturally, this uncommon situation leaves some room for worry -will the series feel the same? -will there be a drastic change in style? -what about the quality of the writing? The answers -a resounding yes, definitely no, and "it's quintessentially Zahn"- mean that this book slides in perfectly next to the original two. He's partially hamstrung by the weak characters he has to bring twenty years forward, but like most of his books, the character arcs aren't the true highlight. Rather, it's his ability to immerse you in a world and the exciting events, situations, and action that happens there. Full of exciting action and plot twists, "The Judas Solution" is an excellent (if flawed) trilogy finale. Bottom line: if you like Zahn's other work, you will probably enjoy this trilogy as well!

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well finally finished book 3 and it is a five star story except for the try at Alien speach. It slowwed down the story and dumbed down the concorers of earth. Zahn tries to exspalain why no human translaters, but with the mind control they suposidly have I don't believe it. Also I still believe we will have computer speach if nothing else by that time so we should be able to understand the enemy when they talk to us as eisily as we understand humans on other planets who have not had comunications in over 30 years.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Blackcollar series has a few twists and turns you might not see coming. Overall, it's an entertaining read. It's not great art, but it's not bad for a rainy day.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sumár pre celú trilógiu:
V skratke - príbeh sa odohráva vo svete, kde ľudstvo našlo ďalšie domovy na iných planétach, ale našlo aj protivníka. Ľudia slúžia mimozemšťanom, ktorí ich ovládajú mentálnymi "blokmi" a potrebami vsadenými kdesi hlboko do podvedomia, takže im chcú pomáhať a obdivovať a nedokážu sa vzbúriť. Človek by však nebol človekom, keby si nehľadal cestičky, ako z toho von. Odboj, ktorý vznikol v počiatkoch invázie nevymrel úplne. Keď sa naskytol dôvod a príležitosť - vyslali svojho člena vyhľadať pomoc špeciálnej jednotky - hneď v úvode prvej knihy a dej je o tom, ako si poradil.
Trilógia sa mi na druhýkrát páčila rovnako ako aj na prvý. Príbeh je akčný, zábavný a hlavne máme komu držať palce.
A keďže nastal "správny čas", tak je tretí diel snáď ešte viac napchatý akciou ako tie prvé dva - nám známe postavy sa rozdelia do dvoch skupín.
Až dodatočne som zistila, že medzi druhým a tretím dielom ubehlo 20 rokov, napriek tomu dej pokračuje plynule a som bola rada že som sa k nim dostala, až keď boli komplet :D
Po dejovej stránke - kto má rád ostatné knihy autora, veľmi pravdepodobne sa mu bude páčiť aj táto kniha, ak dokáže ignorovať pár drobností.
Napríklad to, že špeciálna jednotka sú vlastne akísi moderní ninjovia a vo svojej výzbroji majú aj nunčaku a vrhacie hviezdice. V dobe keď kniha vznikala, boli značne populárni :D Na atmosfére príbehu to nič nemení a nemá vplyv ani na zvrat, ktorý v tejto časti nastal.

[James Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and the rest of this trilogy! I wish Zahn would return to the blackcollars and either write prequels or sequels or both! I first read this series back in middle school and have reread the trilogy multiple times.

This story sets the stage for the forgotten hero's to rise again. There's secrets, intrigue, betrayal, trust, action, and comedy!

The Blackcollars are a special division of the military that while kept young and in shape through the same drugs everyone else have, were made super soldiers through the Backlash Drug which enhanced their natural speed and reflexes. This formula is similar to Captain America's super soldier drug but instead of fighting with the normal soldiers are trained in guerilla warfare and martial arts. They're given low tech weapons because their alien enemy can detect High Tech equipment.

Again i loved this trilogy and wish Zahn would write more!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is a bit weak and rather more common than I would like. Technologically and physically superior, yet morally reprehensible (by human standards anyway) alien race conquers and subjugates humankind. But an even more superior small group of humans emerges from nowhere to outwit the aliens to the alien's eventual demise. The endgame logic is very weak as well. Looking at it from the human perspective only, and putting David & Goliath aside, just how many wars have been won in history by the inferior side standing on logic alone? It is refreshingly bereft of political & romantic machinations and of philosophical introspection. Otherwise it is all close to nonstop action until the end - something I like. Although to be fair this book may be for a small audience only.

[sonofapharmacist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice cap to the series (I think). Not profound or anything, just fun.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW FOR ENTIRE SERIES:

Another solid sci-fi trilogy by one of the masters. Although similar to the Cobra series in spirit (guerilla warfare specialists fighting against an alien occupation), the low-tech nature of the blackcollars throws in a more realistic wrinkle to the idea of regular soldiers fighting an uphill battle against an oppressor. Aside from some enhancements to reflexes, speed, and strength, the blackcollars have to rely on superior tactics and ingenuity to overcome the enemy.

As with other Zahn titles, there is usually a plan known only to the protagonist and it's always a pleasure to see it play out through the course of the novel. Fast-paced and exciting, these are worth the read.

[Dana Safford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blackcollars do it again.

It's great to see the blackcollars fight and win with brains over brawn.
This was another example of how good planning resolves problems.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the three, but still a great read.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun end to a fun series.

[I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent finish to the series.

[Steve Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Was a very good series. Had me hooked from the first page. I wish there were more books in the series!

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best of the trilogy imo (though the first is hard to beat). And a nice conclusion to the series as well.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series just gets better as it goes along. I previously complained that the first book had no truly surprising twists, and the characters seemed identical. The last two books do a better job delivering the surprises, and while the supporting cast is still difficult to tell apart at times, the major players are much more distinguishable. The action is also more interesting, and the plans (from heroes and villains alike) are more creative and enjoyable to watch unfold.

However, sometimes they're a little TOO creative. Lathe's ability to see through the enemy's plans seems omniscient at times, which takes away from the tension and makes the Blackcollars come across as infallible, which isn't all the fun to read time and again. It also makes the antagonists seems foolish for constantly dancing to his tune, even when they're making intelligent decisions considering the information they have.

Prefect Galway is still the star character in my opinion, because he's intelligent, one of the few people able to even try to keep up with Lathe's bag of tricks, and he has a motivation beyond the loyalty-conditioning that makes him follow Ryqril orders. He is also a genuinely good person, and shows mercy and compassion to the very people he's plotting against.

Sadly, the worst characters are the Ryqril, the true villains. We never get to see events from their point of view, and since they are incapable of making their own tech as well as incompetent strategists I don't understand how they even got to the point where they're the biggest threat in the galaxy. Frankly, they were their own worst enemies by the end of this book, constantly handicapping or overruling their more capable human slaves. Their fighting abilities are also inconsistent throughout the series. Originally portrayed as a match for a Blackcollar -- or at least close to -- they later seem no tougher than the human security the Blackcollars usually wipe the floor with.

All things considered though, the trilogy was a reasonably fun read, and a good example of the kinds of crazy-awesome schemes Zahn is capable of dreaming up.

[John Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackcollar the Judas Solution (2006) 462 pages by Timothy Zahn

The Plinry blackcollars go on two concurrent missions, Lathe, Mordecai, Spadafora and Caine go to Khala to try to infiltrate a Ryq base there. Meanwhile Skyler and his group come to Earth. Jensen and Flynn get separated from Skyler when Flynn's parachute fails to deploy.

Thirty years ago the Ryqril invaded the TDE (Terran Empire) and pretty much conquered it. They have a process called loyalty conditioning that they used on the leaders of all the TDE planets. In the previous novel they discovered whiplash, a drug that breaks the Ryqril loyalty conditioning.

The plot is sort of a chess match, with the blackcollars using one trick and the loyalty conditioned security officers countering them. Then the security laying traps that the blackcollars walk into, but manage to use their wits and enhanced fighting skills to escape.

Fast paced, classic Zahn. I loved it.

[Dorian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Blackcollar series does not disappoint!

Fast paced, excellent action from the space ninjas and friends. Plenty of intrigue to keep it interesting. This book follows four different blackcollar operations at the same time, plus the respective counter-operations; for the most part this is handled well, but poor characterization sometimes makes it hard to remember which mission the blackcollars are on when the scene switches.

This is the third novel in the trilogy, and bits have started to feel more and more predictable. This book is still a fun page-turner, but it's probably good that the series ends here.

[Junius Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great finish to a great trilogy. By this point in the story, you've come to expect that the Blackcollars will come out on top, and prove to have been ahead of the curve in unexpected ways all the time. The question is just: "how will that look specifically?" I found myself pleased and surprised at the particular turn this one took, and there were some good laugh-out-loud moments as well. A solid hit for Zahn.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a third book in the Blackcollar series, the prevous two volumes of which appeared twenty or so years ago. Zahn does a good job of picking up the tone and narrative right where the preceding volume left off. Good adventure sf with political insight. It's unfortunately saddled with one of the worst covers ever.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going with five stars here because Zahn really hits his stride with the series in the finale. This time, we witness the clash of two mega plots -- one by Lathe to free the Terran Federation of the Ryquil, at least for a while, and another by Galway, to turn the tables on the Blackcollars once and for all. Who's playing whom? Zahn's at his best in this book.

[Robert Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in Author Zahn’s Blackcollar series, as with the previous two it is an excellent read. Since this was written in 2006 I don’t expect an addition to the series, but one would be appreciated. Author Zahn’s well defined characters and complex plot keep the reader’s interest throughout the book.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closes out a solid military-ish sci-fi trilogy about enhanced space ninjas and how they beat the advanced civilization of giant cat-warriors who had taken over the Terran empire, using only their wits, nunchucks, and throwing stars. I sound like I don't like these books, but I actually really really do. You just have to take them for what they are.

[Doc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. I'm a sucker for the combination of technology, humanity, intrigue, strategy and tactics, and blowing stuff up. Zahn has done a fine job of building the characters, tech, and complex political and human issues.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfying end to the series but not Zahn's best work. The heroes always win, the aliens are kind of stereotyped, and the fight scenes get a little repetitive. Not a bad book but again not the best he's done.

[Nicole]

I enjoyed this book, as I do all Zahn. The end didn't quite jive with what was actually said in the story... it felt like he just kinda pulled it out of a rainbow :P

[Eric Torrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun little Timothy Zahn book. not the best ever, but a fun book and a good ending to the trilogy.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. So glad I read this Series