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Quadrail #5
Judgment at Proteus
Zahn has developed a talent for creating worlds with specific elements, then using those elements to build the story. Details count clues are everywhere, and Zahn's characters succeed or fail on their ability to note the puzzle pieces around them and assemble them into the larger picture. The Quadrail series takes that to new heights. Compton can comment on something in such a way that you don't realize the larger implications until he shows you how it all fits together later on in the story. If you enjoy murder mysteries and puzzles in general, you'll find plenty of that here, along with some good science fiction.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
143 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
481 books8,503 followersTimothy 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 20, 2021
Fine Print: I previously confessed my addiction to the Quadrail novels and vowed that I would go into rehab for the holiday season and see if I could throw that monkey off my back. It is now the new year and I can objectively decide that it would be foolish not to finish the series. Thus I have completed my review and you may find it below.
Judgment at Proteus “delivers exactly what Zahn’s many fans expect: memorable characters, intricate plot, fascinating ideas, and more than a modicum of wit.”
Just because I am willing to agree with Mike Resnick, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author, doesn’t make both of us wrong.
If the names Bayta and Frank Compton are unfamiliar to you, please read Night Train to Rigel before reading any further.
________________________________________________________
Skip the next several paragraphs of background if you want to cut to the chase.
Frank Compton roams the Twelve Empires as a detective and “fixer” for his current client. The how and the why, I will leave to other reviews. He has talent and experience and his methods will not seem strange to any who are familiar with the worlds of Philip Marlowe and Jim Phelps. Compton has a dry sense of humor and a semi-firm belief that the mission is so important that it must be completed by any means available.
There are plenty of alien species in the galaxy of the Twelve Empires. Humans are not nearly the highest on the totem pole which includes: the Chahwyn, Filiaelians, Juriani, Bellidos, Halkas, Shorshians as well as the Spiders who run the Quadrail (that can take anyone at faster than light speeds around the galaxy). The Chahwyn created the Spider species. They also ran an experiment (I won’t spoil the details) that created the “special” human, Bayta, Compton’s associate.
A little about the Modhri (a coral-based hive species) that has aspirations of galactic domination: The Modhri was uncovered by Compton early in the series. Each of the books has a plot or subplot involving this species.
Zahn has done an excellent job of “world building” and has thought out not only the physical aspects of these alien races but how their thought processes might differ and on what multiple species might collaborate.
_________________________________________________________
Now for the rest.
The Super Quadrail cross-galaxy ride of the previous book, The Domino Pattern, has left our team in Filiaelian territory where Frank and Bayta hope to keep one hop ahead of the Modhri’s plans for galactic domination. There is a new threat that appears at the end of The Domino Pattern and that is why we find Frank and Bayta heading to Proteus. They are also watching over a young human female who is going to be “cured” by the Filiaelian experts in genetic engineering.
Is the relationship between Bayta and Frank changing? Or, is it the circumstances of their mission? “I wanted to say the hell with this, to just lock the door and settle down here for the night where I could protect Bayta while she in turn watched my back. But I didn’t dare. We were already too emotionally close for comfort, and the Modhri was just waiting for his chance to ensnare us. And if he got me, I would rather die than be the conduit through which he got Bayta.”
Compton is charged with committing murder, though not on Proteus, and the Filiaelians decide to try him there. I was really impressed with the depth of the “Slisst Protocols” described by Zahn to govern the trial. Here is a sample: “The (Protocols) came from the ancient Filiaelian mode of honor-satisfaction via combat, and retain much of the same form and language. That’s why the overseers are called guardlaws instead of judges. The don’t so much rule on the case as watch what Chinzro Hchchu and I do and award the verdict on the basis of the strength and validity of our arguments.
The plot reaches a point where Frank has to consider whether he has been infected by the Modhri. And Zahn is very good at teasing out the consequences of that possibility. This can be read as a thriller with an “end of the galaxy as we know it” timer counting down throughout this book. However, I was both surprised and delighted that Zahn finds the opportunity, albeit at breakneck speed, to ponder whether his hero’s “the end justifies the means,” approach is really the right course. We also get various species trying to be galactic dictator and there are threads of issues about how, even with the right intentions, unintended consequences tend to accumulate.
As usual, Zahn fills out these alien worlds for his galaxy of the Twelve Empires with delightful details including various cuisines ranging from Jurian braised flirdring to Filiaelian roast quipple on poro bread. I have to wonder how many aspects of the “other eleven Empires” in this galaxy from culture, to recreation, to technology, to reproduction Zahn had put together and decided not to use. Judgment at Proteus could easily have been two books, almost neatly divided in half. I am grateful to Zahn and the publisher for their decision to make the financial burden half as much. I have enjoyed the Quadrail series and Frank Compton.
If the series is over, does that mean that Zahn is also shelving Compton? If so, it’s sad.
Judgment at Proteus “delivers exactly what Zahn’s many fans expect: memorable characters, intricate plot, fascinating ideas, and more than a modicum of wit.”
Just because I am willing to agree with Mike Resnick, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author, doesn’t make both of us wrong.
If the names Bayta and Frank Compton are unfamiliar to you, please read Night Train to Rigel before reading any further.
________________________________________________________
Skip the next several paragraphs of background if you want to cut to the chase.
Frank Compton roams the Twelve Empires as a detective and “fixer” for his current client. The how and the why, I will leave to other reviews. He has talent and experience and his methods will not seem strange to any who are familiar with the worlds of Philip Marlowe and Jim Phelps. Compton has a dry sense of humor and a semi-firm belief that the mission is so important that it must be completed by any means available.
There are plenty of alien species in the galaxy of the Twelve Empires. Humans are not nearly the highest on the totem pole which includes: the Chahwyn, Filiaelians, Juriani, Bellidos, Halkas, Shorshians as well as the Spiders who run the Quadrail (that can take anyone at faster than light speeds around the galaxy). The Chahwyn created the Spider species. They also ran an experiment (I won’t spoil the details) that created the “special” human, Bayta, Compton’s associate.
A little about the Modhri (a coral-based hive species) that has aspirations of galactic domination: The Modhri was uncovered by Compton early in the series. Each of the books has a plot or subplot involving this species.
Zahn has done an excellent job of “world building” and has thought out not only the physical aspects of these alien races but how their thought processes might differ and on what multiple species might collaborate.
_________________________________________________________
Now for the rest.
The Super Quadrail cross-galaxy ride of the previous book, The Domino Pattern, has left our team in Filiaelian territory where Frank and Bayta hope to keep one hop ahead of the Modhri’s plans for galactic domination. There is a new threat that appears at the end of The Domino Pattern and that is why we find Frank and Bayta heading to Proteus. They are also watching over a young human female who is going to be “cured” by the Filiaelian experts in genetic engineering.
Is the relationship between Bayta and Frank changing? Or, is it the circumstances of their mission? “I wanted to say the hell with this, to just lock the door and settle down here for the night where I could protect Bayta while she in turn watched my back. But I didn’t dare. We were already too emotionally close for comfort, and the Modhri was just waiting for his chance to ensnare us. And if he got me, I would rather die than be the conduit through which he got Bayta.”
Compton is charged with committing murder, though not on Proteus, and the Filiaelians decide to try him there. I was really impressed with the depth of the “Slisst Protocols” described by Zahn to govern the trial. Here is a sample: “The (Protocols) came from the ancient Filiaelian mode of honor-satisfaction via combat, and retain much of the same form and language. That’s why the overseers are called guardlaws instead of judges. The don’t so much rule on the case as watch what Chinzro Hchchu and I do and award the verdict on the basis of the strength and validity of our arguments.
The plot reaches a point where Frank has to consider whether he has been infected by the Modhri. And Zahn is very good at teasing out the consequences of that possibility. This can be read as a thriller with an “end of the galaxy as we know it” timer counting down throughout this book. However, I was both surprised and delighted that Zahn finds the opportunity, albeit at breakneck speed, to ponder whether his hero’s “the end justifies the means,” approach is really the right course. We also get various species trying to be galactic dictator and there are threads of issues about how, even with the right intentions, unintended consequences tend to accumulate.
As usual, Zahn fills out these alien worlds for his galaxy of the Twelve Empires with delightful details including various cuisines ranging from Jurian braised flirdring to Filiaelian roast quipple on poro bread. I have to wonder how many aspects of the “other eleven Empires” in this galaxy from culture, to recreation, to technology, to reproduction Zahn had put together and decided not to use. Judgment at Proteus could easily have been two books, almost neatly divided in half. I am grateful to Zahn and the publisher for their decision to make the financial burden half as much. I have enjoyed the Quadrail series and Frank Compton.
If the series is over, does that mean that Zahn is also shelving Compton? If so, it’s sad.
August 30, 2025
This is the fifth and final book in the very enjoyable Quadrail series. It brings together several elements from the first four, introduces some new challenges and situations, and it all ties together quite neatly. The ending is a little rushed and differently paced and I thought a sixth volume might have been in order to wrap the overall arc of the series in a manner consistent with the previous books. The first section on the space station was great, but the concluding section grew a little convoluted and confused. I also wasn't wild about the continued relationship turn introduced in the prior book between Frank and Bayta (and he misleads her intentionally, which struck me as out of character), but then again, I never thought that Mulder and Scully should've ended up together either. Zahn created a very complex and well-designed set of interlocked civilizations with a detailed history and then did neat things with the enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend and shifting-alliances tropes. His panoply of alien races reminded me of Niven's Known Space stories, and his study of symbiosis as development of post-human groups is thought-provoking. And the whole railroad in outer space backdrop is great! This final book is a very enjoyable read, though I'd recommend reading the first one (at least), Night Train to Rigel, before boarding this one.
August 23, 2012
Fifth and last in the Quadrail / Frank Compton space opera series about Frank Compton and Bayta and their battle to prevent a galactic takeover.
My Take
Frank is so naughty---I love it---he reckons getting Doug and Ty used to table scraps and it not being appreciated is just one more reason to do it.
Zahn is not loathe to spring traps, create setups, and twist things around. I want to go back to the beginning of the series and read it all the way through in one sitting!
More dead bodies. More traps. More tricky shifting out from under. And very unexpected assignments when Proteus Station assigns Frank to investigate Tech Yleli's murder. The one Frank is accused of murdering.
Nothing is as it seems on Proteus Station. Earth and its Humans are seen as a vastly useful resource for the Shonkla-raa and Terese's pregnancy is part of a larger, much more nefarious plan. Then there's the Modhri and Shonkla-raa with their own twisted history and it's enough to terrify the Modhri! And Frank when he discovers that the Shonkla-raa tonal controls can freeze his own allies.
Still. that Shonkla-raa ability has a useful side effect much to Minnario's dismay. A discovery that forces the Modhri to acknowledge the Melding's and Frank's usefulness.
It's one betrayal after another in this installment and from some of the most unexpected sources. Yet these experiences also result in some of the most unexpected turnarounds.
I so regret that this series has ended...wahhh...
The Story
It's been four weeks since Frank killed Muzzfor and Frank has been summoned to Proteus Station to give his account of the battle to its direction and santras. A good destination to learn more about the Shonkla-raa and their connection to the group mind, the Modhri.
Frank's arrest for murder on Proteus Station sets it all rolling with cross, double-cross, and triple-cross. Genetic experimentation on Filiaelians, Humans, anyone. Even the group mind is concerned enough to form an unholy alliance.
The Characters
Frank Compton is a former Westali agent and now works for the Spiders to counter the Modhri, a parasite hidden within specially engineered coral---a group mind. One scratch and the Modhri will make its home within your mind. Controlling you without your knowledge. Easily spread from mind to mind.
Bayta is half-human, half-Chahwyn and represents the Chahwyn, the race of Spiders who operate the train that serves the universe. She is Frank's companion, partner, and liaison between him and the Spiders. Sam and Carl are the Spider defenders assigned to "protect" Frank.
Terese German is a Human whose rape-caused pregnancy is causing such physical distress that two Filiaelians, Dr. Aronobal and Logra Emikai (a Filiaelian and former cop), have agreed to escort her to Proteus Station where Terese has the best chance of overcoming her genetic disorders.
Minnario chu-Dettak is a crippled Nemut, a lawyer, and one of the passengers aboard the super-express train where Frank and Bayta fought the Shonkla-raa. The Filiaelian Proteus Station has a universe-renowned reputation of medical care and Minnario has suddenly received an invitation to avail himself of that care. Damned handy when Frank is charged with murder as soon as he enters Proteus Station!
Chinzro Hchchu is the assistant director of Proteus Station and he's really got it in for Frank. Doug and Ty are the Doberman-like guards assigned to accompany Frank while on Proteus Station and prevent his escape or exploration of unacceptable portions of the station. Usantra Dr. Wandek is a Filiaelian in charge of Terese's case, a friend of Muzzfor, AND the judge at Frank's trial. Hmmmm, I see a conflict of interest here... Osantra Riijkhan has an offer of employment for Frank in return for Earth's safety and a warning Isantra Yleli is the murdered, unlamented Yleli's kinsman. Blue One, a.k.a., Isantra Kordiss, is another Shonkla-raa.
Senior Ambassador ChoDar is the second Modhri ally and offers safe travel. Karak Fayr commands the Belldic commando squad. Larry Cecil Hardin is an excessively wealthy industrialist. Bruce McMicking is Hardin's chief enforcement officer at Hardin Industries. Euro Union Security Service Agent Ackerley Morse is one of the new Modhri and he hates Frank. His new ally.
The Abomination, a.k.a., the Melding, are modified walkers, modified coral; they run off a different telepathic frequency. Which you'd think would help! Frank wants to know if the Modhri can Meld with others as they're doing with Morse. Rebekah Beach, Domino Pattern, is with the Melding now. And she is so excited to talk girl stuff with Terese.
The Shonkla-raa is a genetically altered sub-race of Filiaelians who claim they created and can control the Modhri. They're making a comeback, eager to reclaim their former glory. Walkers are the people under the control of the group mind(s).
The Cover
Eerie, the way the glowing red indentions in the side of this massive space station seem like eyes watching the approach of Frank and Bayta's shuttle.
The title is where it ends, with a Judgment at Proteus.
My Take
Frank is so naughty---I love it---he reckons getting Doug and Ty used to table scraps and it not being appreciated is just one more reason to do it.
Zahn is not loathe to spring traps, create setups, and twist things around. I want to go back to the beginning of the series and read it all the way through in one sitting!
More dead bodies. More traps. More tricky shifting out from under. And very unexpected assignments when Proteus Station assigns Frank to investigate Tech Yleli's murder. The one Frank is accused of murdering.
Nothing is as it seems on Proteus Station. Earth and its Humans are seen as a vastly useful resource for the Shonkla-raa and Terese's pregnancy is part of a larger, much more nefarious plan. Then there's the Modhri and Shonkla-raa with their own twisted history and it's enough to terrify the Modhri! And Frank when he discovers that the Shonkla-raa tonal controls can freeze his own allies.
Still. that Shonkla-raa ability has a useful side effect much to Minnario's dismay. A discovery that forces the Modhri to acknowledge the Melding's and Frank's usefulness.
It's one betrayal after another in this installment and from some of the most unexpected sources. Yet these experiences also result in some of the most unexpected turnarounds.
I so regret that this series has ended...wahhh...
The Story
It's been four weeks since Frank killed Muzzfor and Frank has been summoned to Proteus Station to give his account of the battle to its direction and santras. A good destination to learn more about the Shonkla-raa and their connection to the group mind, the Modhri.
Frank's arrest for murder on Proteus Station sets it all rolling with cross, double-cross, and triple-cross. Genetic experimentation on Filiaelians, Humans, anyone. Even the group mind is concerned enough to form an unholy alliance.
The Characters
Frank Compton is a former Westali agent and now works for the Spiders to counter the Modhri, a parasite hidden within specially engineered coral---a group mind. One scratch and the Modhri will make its home within your mind. Controlling you without your knowledge. Easily spread from mind to mind.
Bayta is half-human, half-Chahwyn and represents the Chahwyn, the race of Spiders who operate the train that serves the universe. She is Frank's companion, partner, and liaison between him and the Spiders. Sam and Carl are the Spider defenders assigned to "protect" Frank.
Terese German is a Human whose rape-caused pregnancy is causing such physical distress that two Filiaelians, Dr. Aronobal and Logra Emikai (a Filiaelian and former cop), have agreed to escort her to Proteus Station where Terese has the best chance of overcoming her genetic disorders.
Minnario chu-Dettak is a crippled Nemut, a lawyer, and one of the passengers aboard the super-express train where Frank and Bayta fought the Shonkla-raa. The Filiaelian Proteus Station has a universe-renowned reputation of medical care and Minnario has suddenly received an invitation to avail himself of that care. Damned handy when Frank is charged with murder as soon as he enters Proteus Station!
Chinzro Hchchu is the assistant director of Proteus Station and he's really got it in for Frank. Doug and Ty are the Doberman-like guards assigned to accompany Frank while on Proteus Station and prevent his escape or exploration of unacceptable portions of the station. Usantra Dr. Wandek is a Filiaelian in charge of Terese's case, a friend of Muzzfor, AND the judge at Frank's trial. Hmmmm, I see a conflict of interest here... Osantra Riijkhan has an offer of employment for Frank in return for Earth's safety and a warning Isantra Yleli is the murdered, unlamented Yleli's kinsman. Blue One, a.k.a., Isantra Kordiss, is another Shonkla-raa.
Senior Ambassador ChoDar is the second Modhri ally and offers safe travel. Karak Fayr commands the Belldic commando squad. Larry Cecil Hardin is an excessively wealthy industrialist. Bruce McMicking is Hardin's chief enforcement officer at Hardin Industries. Euro Union Security Service Agent Ackerley Morse is one of the new Modhri and he hates Frank. His new ally.
The Abomination, a.k.a., the Melding, are modified walkers, modified coral; they run off a different telepathic frequency. Which you'd think would help! Frank wants to know if the Modhri can Meld with others as they're doing with Morse. Rebekah Beach, Domino Pattern, is with the Melding now. And she is so excited to talk girl stuff with Terese.
The Shonkla-raa is a genetically altered sub-race of Filiaelians who claim they created and can control the Modhri. They're making a comeback, eager to reclaim their former glory. Walkers are the people under the control of the group mind(s).
The Cover
Eerie, the way the glowing red indentions in the side of this massive space station seem like eyes watching the approach of Frank and Bayta's shuttle.
The title is where it ends, with a Judgment at Proteus.
November 16, 2022
This one started off kinda slow but then picked up about a third of the way through. And had a lot of twists and turns. And then he tied up all the loose ends that he started with the first book. But I am disappointed that this was the last book in the series.
September 23, 2025
This was a very enjoyable series and the finale is in fine form. There was a lot crammed into the last 100 or so epages but no complaints from this reader.
September 12, 2017
Sort of ran out of steam to end the series. If it were a movie, critics would say there was far too much exposition. Just too many scenes of Frank Compton filling everyone in on all the stuff he figured out, or did, while everything else was going on instead of actually including all of that in the narrative.
And seriously, how many times does he "take Bayta's arm" to move her somewhere like she's a piece of luggage? Having read some 20+ Timothy Zahn novels, I've come to expect better.
And seriously, how many times does he "take Bayta's arm" to move her somewhere like she's a piece of luggage? Having read some 20+ Timothy Zahn novels, I've come to expect better.
June 27, 2012
My hipster friends turn up their noses at science fiction. They're missing out. Timothy Zahn's stories have enthralled me for years, and Judgment at Proteus is a fitting end to the absurdly enjoyable Quadrail series. I've really grown to like Compton and Bayta, and I'm glad they went out with a bang. That's a bit of a spoiler, but not too much. Enjoy.
June 9, 2012
What Zahn promised in the first book, Night Train to Rigel, he delivers in Judgement at Proteus. A phenomenal conclusion to a roller-coaster ride of a series.
October 16, 2025
This is the thrilling, page turning conclusion to the Quadrail series of novels. Zahn really packed this book to the brim, with a healthy helping of twists, turns, and alliances throughout. There are also some satisfying payoffs from past books.
The small moments of humor or comical absurdity sprinkled throughout were a highlight. (The two “watchdogs” guarding Frank Compton led to some fun moments.) My one critique would be that the ending was slightly rushed, but on the whole, this book wrapped things up quite nicely!
The small moments of humor or comical absurdity sprinkled throughout were a highlight. (The two “watchdogs” guarding Frank Compton led to some fun moments.) My one critique would be that the ending was slightly rushed, but on the whole, this book wrapped things up quite nicely!
April 7, 2018
All in all, this was a pretty satisfying conclusion to the Quadrail series.
July 26, 2018
When Frank finally gets to the end of his quest, he finds out that he has been fighting the wrong war all along. But at least he's not on a train anymore!
Much of the action in Judgment at Proteus takes place on the eponymous Proteus station, centerpiece of the Filiaelian Empire and proud showcase of their mastery of genetic engineering. Unfortunately, Frank killed some Filiaelian walkers back in book 3, so now he has some 'splaning to do. Which of course he doesn't want to, since his battle against the Modhri has been an unauthorized shadow war waged for the benefit of the Spiders and their secretive masters.
That simple hook is enough to set in motion the denouement of a five book series, wrapping up a number of loose threads, and being a hell of a lot of fun in the process. I blew through these books over the course of a couple of weeks, thanks to a timely family vacation, but being able to pick up four of five volumes at once really helped a lot. There is something to be said for waiting until a series is complete to get started.
While these are quick and easy reads, this is not simply the equivalent of popcorn fare summer blockbusters, fun to watch and quickly forgotten. You could read the Quadrail series that way, and come away having had a good time. Zahn writes in an accessible style, and has been a popular writer for a very long time, so he's good at it. But I wouldn't have enjoyed the Quadrail series quite so much if there wasn't something more lurking under the surface.
Zahn just never makes a big deal out of the ideas he explores here. Frank is a bit of a loose cannon, always trusting in his brains, guts, and luck to get him through to the end. That is a perfectly acceptable strategy when you are just a cog in the intelligence apparatus, high risk and high reward if you are indeed both clever and lucky. It clearly worked for Frank, right up until it didn't, and he got fired for making a big stink about something obviously stupid, that ended up being part of the Modhran shadow war before Frank knew what that was.
This is less good as a strategy when you are on your own, with the fate of galaxy riding on your luck. Unfortunately, Frank doesn't really know any other way to operate. Fortunately for him, others who are less clever but more systematic, are available to back him up. There are hints of this fundamental tension throughout the five books in the series, but it isn't a major plot, nor does it take up a lot of space in the text. It is just there to think about, if you find it interesting.
There are other interesting themes that clearly form the background of this series but are only mentioned in passing: unintended consequences, the price of making yourself open and vulnerable enough to love, how to ensure enough of an advantage to defensive warfare to make interstellar war unprofitable, what happens when you introduce a large number of fundamentally dissimilar alien species to one another. Each one of these things is big enough to write a whole book about, but Zahn did a good enough job on each one to just make it a background detail.
This makes his written worlds feel complete, rather than fantastical sets upon which his characters act out their lines, requiring suspension of disbelief to make the plywood and paint feel real. I could just relax into the story, and go along for the ride. The fact that Zahn can write this kind of thing year after year, over a career now stretching almost 40 years, is a remarkable accomplishment. And it is a hell of a lot of fun too.
Much of the action in Judgment at Proteus takes place on the eponymous Proteus station, centerpiece of the Filiaelian Empire and proud showcase of their mastery of genetic engineering. Unfortunately, Frank killed some Filiaelian walkers back in book 3, so now he has some 'splaning to do. Which of course he doesn't want to, since his battle against the Modhri has been an unauthorized shadow war waged for the benefit of the Spiders and their secretive masters.
That simple hook is enough to set in motion the denouement of a five book series, wrapping up a number of loose threads, and being a hell of a lot of fun in the process. I blew through these books over the course of a couple of weeks, thanks to a timely family vacation, but being able to pick up four of five volumes at once really helped a lot. There is something to be said for waiting until a series is complete to get started.
While these are quick and easy reads, this is not simply the equivalent of popcorn fare summer blockbusters, fun to watch and quickly forgotten. You could read the Quadrail series that way, and come away having had a good time. Zahn writes in an accessible style, and has been a popular writer for a very long time, so he's good at it. But I wouldn't have enjoyed the Quadrail series quite so much if there wasn't something more lurking under the surface.
Zahn just never makes a big deal out of the ideas he explores here. Frank is a bit of a loose cannon, always trusting in his brains, guts, and luck to get him through to the end. That is a perfectly acceptable strategy when you are just a cog in the intelligence apparatus, high risk and high reward if you are indeed both clever and lucky. It clearly worked for Frank, right up until it didn't, and he got fired for making a big stink about something obviously stupid, that ended up being part of the Modhran shadow war before Frank knew what that was.
This is less good as a strategy when you are on your own, with the fate of galaxy riding on your luck. Unfortunately, Frank doesn't really know any other way to operate. Fortunately for him, others who are less clever but more systematic, are available to back him up. There are hints of this fundamental tension throughout the five books in the series, but it isn't a major plot, nor does it take up a lot of space in the text. It is just there to think about, if you find it interesting.
There are other interesting themes that clearly form the background of this series but are only mentioned in passing: unintended consequences, the price of making yourself open and vulnerable enough to love, how to ensure enough of an advantage to defensive warfare to make interstellar war unprofitable, what happens when you introduce a large number of fundamentally dissimilar alien species to one another. Each one of these things is big enough to write a whole book about, but Zahn did a good enough job on each one to just make it a background detail.
This makes his written worlds feel complete, rather than fantastical sets upon which his characters act out their lines, requiring suspension of disbelief to make the plywood and paint feel real. I could just relax into the story, and go along for the ride. The fact that Zahn can write this kind of thing year after year, over a career now stretching almost 40 years, is a remarkable accomplishment. And it is a hell of a lot of fun too.
June 26, 2017
Last book in a series I read for the Endeavour Award. I might actually like this series more if I read it from the beginning and not just the last two books. A galaxy wide hidden conflict between an interlocking set of psychic aliens with the humans to the rescue kind of. But some of the conceits I found bothersome - all the explaining - clearly outside the advice of the Evil Overlord List. The side references to human historical movies (especially Casablanca), whatever. Still, the ideas were good ones. 3.5 of 5.
July 17, 2012
Fifth and final in this series. Pretty good, some interesting sci-fi ideas. But too many fights where our hero gets bailed out by a deus ex machina.
December 18, 2023
Шеметен завършек на поредицата за квадрижелезницата, който дори успя много приятно да ме изненада. Зан принципно си изпипва работите, но набляга много повече на приключението, а тук имаме пример за твърд фантастичен трилър с експлозия от идеи, обхващащи цялата галактика.
Книгата е само със сто страници по-голяма от предишните в поредицата, но се чете като два отделни романа. Предполагам е можело да ги разтегне в две книги без проблеми, но тогава първата щеше да се развива изцяло на станция Протей и нямаше да включва железницата, която е гръбнак на разумния космос и книгите от поредицата.
Книгата започва точно където свършва „Ефектът на доминото“ – на феалинската станция Протей. Комптън е обвинен в убийство извън станцията (а ние знаем, че го е извършил, но те не знаят защо). Решават да го съдят по стар Феалински обичай – протоколът Суиз. Много се накефих на правните завъртулки, произхождащи от древните обичаи на дуели. Смело мога да твърдя, че тук Зан е забъркал идеи достойни да се сравняват с тези на Хайнлайн от „Странник в странна страна“ и хърбъртовата „Експериментът Досейди“. Тук ще разберем цялата истина за Шон ка ра и плановете им да доминират разумната част на космоса. Ще открием и най-мръсната тайна на Чауините (създателите на „паяците, квадрижелезницата и не само“).
Втората част е шеметен екшън по цялата дължина на квадрижелезницата, изпълнен с тежки решения за Франк и много съмнения в плана му за отърваване от Шон ка ра. Морди ще изигряе огромна роля, вече като съюзник, а ще се появят и всички действащи лица от предишните книги. Резултатът е умопомрачително добър и ме държа на ръба на стола поне 100 страници.
Финалът беше заслужено сладникъв за нашите герои.
Пък аз ще взема да видя какви още ги е забърквал Тимъти Зан из непреведените на роден език негови книги.
Книгата е само със сто страници по-голяма от предишните в поредицата, но се чете като два отделни романа. Предполагам е можело да ги разтегне в две книги без проблеми, но тогава първата щеше да се развива изцяло на станция Протей и нямаше да включва железницата, която е гръбнак на разумния космос и книгите от поредицата.
Книгата започва точно където свършва „Ефектът на доминото“ – на феалинската станция Протей. Комптън е обвинен в убийство извън станцията (а ние знаем, че го е извършил, но те не знаят защо). Решават да го съдят по стар Феалински обичай – протоколът Суиз. Много се накефих на правните завъртулки, произхождащи от древните обичаи на дуели. Смело мога да твърдя, че тук Зан е забъркал идеи достойни да се сравняват с тези на Хайнлайн от „Странник в странна страна“ и хърбъртовата „Експериментът Досейди“. Тук ще разберем цялата истина за Шон ка ра и плановете им да доминират разумната част на космоса. Ще открием и най-мръсната тайна на Чауините (създателите на „паяците, квадрижелезницата и не само“).
Втората част е шеметен екшън по цялата дължина на квадрижелезницата, изпълнен с тежки решения за Франк и много съмнения в плана му за отърваване от Шон ка ра. Морди ще изигряе огромна роля, вече като съюзник, а ще се появят и всички действащи лица от предишните книги. Резултатът е умопомрачително добър и ме държа на ръба на стола поне 100 страници.
Финалът беше заслужено сладникъв за нашите герои.
Пък аз ще взема да видя какви още ги е забърквал Тимъти Зан из непреведените на роден език негови книги.
June 13, 2023
The crazy space train adventure finally comes to an end. This book easily could’ve been (maybe should’ve been) 2 books, there’s so much going on! The title really only describes the first half. There is frankly, an almost comical amount of murder charges in this one. (No seriously. It starts with the main character getting accused of six murders. And then more murders get added on top of all those. It becomes a little absurd after a while.) The final ending is almost anticlimactic after all the other crazy and intense fights. It feels a bit rushed toward the end, which was a little disappointing. There are also some loose ends of the story (mainly around minor characters) that are left open ended.
For example, It would’ve been nice to hear from or include Minnario and Emikai at the end. Terese’s story could’ve been finished rather than just shuttling her out of the narrative. (another contender for the first half being its own book!) A passing mention is given to the idea that humans already had the vocal cords to make the same control sounds as the Shonkla-raa and while that may have just been a bluff, it would’ve made for an interesting counterattack to the baddies’ trump card. The ending doesn’t address the Chahwyn at all or the final threat/guard they give to Compton. Do the spiders follow him around only until he’s no longer engaged in the war? For the rest of his life to make sure he never tells?? It’s not clear.
Overall though, a fun ride. Has the typical Zahn exotic space flavors and penchant for action, twists, and hope. I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for a spin-off series: The Many Faces of Bruce McMicking. That guy is absolutely wild every time he shows up, I love it.
For example, It would’ve been nice to hear from or include Minnario and Emikai at the end. Terese’s story could’ve been finished rather than just shuttling her out of the narrative. (another contender for the first half being its own book!) A passing mention is given to the idea that humans already had the vocal cords to make the same control sounds as the Shonkla-raa and while that may have just been a bluff, it would’ve made for an interesting counterattack to the baddies’ trump card. The ending doesn’t address the Chahwyn at all or the final threat/guard they give to Compton. Do the spiders follow him around only until he’s no longer engaged in the war? For the rest of his life to make sure he never tells?? It’s not clear.
Overall though, a fun ride. Has the typical Zahn exotic space flavors and penchant for action, twists, and hope. I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for a spin-off series: The Many Faces of Bruce McMicking. That guy is absolutely wild every time he shows up, I love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
A nice conclusion to a very enjoyable series. The reason I docked a star from the 4-star average on the rest of the series is due to two things.
First was the pacing/length which made it feel like this really should have been two books. The first chunk felt much like the others and naturally ended around the same 360 page mark. However it then had another 240ish pages that had its own rising action, climax, resolution for the whole series. It definitely would have been an odd stand-alone book, but after getting to the natural ending of the first part I kept expecting the book to be over but there were a couple hundred pages left.
The second point below contains mild spoilers for earlier books in the series.
Second was the way the growing relationship between Frank and Bayta was described. At the end of book 4 Frank kisses Bayta while she's unconscious after he is overcome with emotion from being afraid of losing her. A kiss she wakes up to, and adds question of how she'll respond. However, in this book it's described as a mutual kiss (albeit one he describes as unsure how much Bayta meant), seeming to indicate it was fully consensual. Also, one of the main arguments he has for not pursuing a relationship with her, is that it would make it easier for thought viruses to spread between them. However, earlier books proved that just working closely with someone allowed that to happen (Morse who was actively hostile to Frank succeeded multiple times). Thus the difference in effectiveness between a very close working relationship and a romantic relationship seems like a very small thing to be the main barrier to them expressing interest in each other.
However, overall I enjoyed this book and thus it gets a solid "I liked it" rating, and I would recommend it.
First was the pacing/length which made it feel like this really should have been two books. The first chunk felt much like the others and naturally ended around the same 360 page mark. However it then had another 240ish pages that had its own rising action, climax, resolution for the whole series. It definitely would have been an odd stand-alone book, but after getting to the natural ending of the first part I kept expecting the book to be over but there were a couple hundred pages left.
The second point below contains mild spoilers for earlier books in the series.
Second was the way the growing relationship between Frank and Bayta was described. At the end of book 4 Frank kisses Bayta while she's unconscious after he is overcome with emotion from being afraid of losing her. A kiss she wakes up to, and adds question of how she'll respond. However, in this book it's described as a mutual kiss (albeit one he describes as unsure how much Bayta meant), seeming to indicate it was fully consensual. Also, one of the main arguments he has for not pursuing a relationship with her, is that it would make it easier for thought viruses to spread between them. However, earlier books proved that just working closely with someone allowed that to happen (Morse who was actively hostile to Frank succeeded multiple times). Thus the difference in effectiveness between a very close working relationship and a romantic relationship seems like a very small thing to be the main barrier to them expressing interest in each other.
However, overall I enjoyed this book and thus it gets a solid "I liked it" rating, and I would recommend it.
August 2, 2020
So good, but all good things must come to an end.
Trying not to spoil anything, but I don't think I've ever been as happy to see a villain reappear.
In the last book I read by Timothy Zahn, Pawn, the climax happened about two pages before the end of the book. In this one, the climax arrives, feels like things are going to be finished soon, and then I look and I'm only HALFWAY through the book! The current adventure wrapped up a few chapters later, and it felt like it could have ended right before chapter twenty (of 33), before a new twist. And I wonder if that might have been the original plan.
I vaguely remember a panel I went to where the author (super nice down to earth guy in an Imperial Officer hat) explained in one answer of a brief Q&A that originally he had planned to do 8 books, one for each major power in the galaxy, if I remember correctly. It didn't work out (I forget why, contracts with publishers?) so I'm extrapolating and guessing that maybe this book would have ended there, and then the next 13 chapters would have been expanded into another book or two. More's the pity, because this has been my favorite series in a long time. There was plenty more room to explore. Lumping it all at the last third of this book, while giving it mostly enough closure, probably would have felt better properly expanded further.
Even so, I sure enjoyed it, do recommend it, and plan to read the whole series again someday.
Trying not to spoil anything, but I don't think I've ever been as happy to see a villain reappear.
In the last book I read by Timothy Zahn, Pawn, the climax happened about two pages before the end of the book. In this one, the climax arrives, feels like things are going to be finished soon, and then I look and I'm only HALFWAY through the book! The current adventure wrapped up a few chapters later, and it felt like it could have ended right before chapter twenty (of 33), before a new twist. And I wonder if that might have been the original plan.
I vaguely remember a panel I went to where the author (super nice down to earth guy in an Imperial Officer hat) explained in one answer of a brief Q&A that originally he had planned to do 8 books, one for each major power in the galaxy, if I remember correctly. It didn't work out (I forget why, contracts with publishers?) so I'm extrapolating and guessing that maybe this book would have ended there, and then the next 13 chapters would have been expanded into another book or two. More's the pity, because this has been my favorite series in a long time. There was plenty more room to explore. Lumping it all at the last third of this book, while giving it mostly enough closure, probably would have felt better properly expanded further.
Even so, I sure enjoyed it, do recommend it, and plan to read the whole series again someday.
Read
December 6, 2020So we finally come to the last romp for Frank Compton and his trusty sidekick, Bayta. They deliver Terese to the Filaelian Assembly's Kuzyatru Station, where she is to be treated for a genetic disease that endangers her and her unborn child. When they arrive, Frank is arrested under suspicion of the murder of six Fillies, who were indwelt by the Modhri and who died in a gunfight with police. While he is standing trial, he must also try to unravel the tangled web the Shonkla-raa have woven, and determine which of the Fillies are actually genetically modified enemies.
The plot is extremely complex, and alliances shift rapidly between Frank and his erstwhile enemies among the Modhri, who now want to enlist him to destroy the Sonkla-raa, who want only to return to their rightful place as galactic overlords. Every time they corner Frank and his friends, he must come up with another tightly held plot to defeat them. Zahn definitely has a twisty mind.
The only downside to this novel is that it proceeds at a breakneck pace for two thirds of the book, then really gets hectic, as Zahn wraps up the final installment in the series in what probably should have been two novels. Good fun, and I wonder what Zahn will come up with next.
The plot is extremely complex, and alliances shift rapidly between Frank and his erstwhile enemies among the Modhri, who now want to enlist him to destroy the Sonkla-raa, who want only to return to their rightful place as galactic overlords. Every time they corner Frank and his friends, he must come up with another tightly held plot to defeat them. Zahn definitely has a twisty mind.
The only downside to this novel is that it proceeds at a breakneck pace for two thirds of the book, then really gets hectic, as Zahn wraps up the final installment in the series in what probably should have been two novels. Good fun, and I wonder what Zahn will come up with next.
July 10, 2023
I think that Judgment at Proteus could have been two books in the end, because there's a lot going on here. Frank being accused of murders (from all the way back in Odd Girl Out) while he tries to figures out what's going on is only the first half of the story.
Everything is wrapped up in a logical manner, but it gets a bit hectic by the end. I also felt a little...off when it came to Terese's plotline.
Everything is wrapped up in a logical manner, but it gets a bit hectic by the end. I also felt a little...off when it came to Terese's plotline.
November 7, 2025
A riveting conclusion to a well-crafted and immaculately developed world. Timothy Zahn was one of my favorite authors due to his work in the Star Wars universe, particularly his contributions before Disney's takeover. To my great sadness, I have only recently discovered many of his other series, including the Icarus Saga, Chronicle of the Sibyl's War, and the Quadrail.
In the first book, I was mildly distracted by the various inclusions of alien species, and I was not expecting the multiple adversaries or groups with divergent interests. However, Zahn melds this series together in quite an homage to Murder on the Orient Express. Despite its length, the book is accessible, and the world-building is perfect. If you are looking for an entertaining who-dunnit combined with a space opera...well, this might be his best series. There are several analogies to the Icarus Saga, which has better world/story continuity. However, if I had to choose between the two, the Quadrail would be my undisputed choice.
In the first book, I was mildly distracted by the various inclusions of alien species, and I was not expecting the multiple adversaries or groups with divergent interests. However, Zahn melds this series together in quite an homage to Murder on the Orient Express. Despite its length, the book is accessible, and the world-building is perfect. If you are looking for an entertaining who-dunnit combined with a space opera...well, this might be his best series. There are several analogies to the Icarus Saga, which has better world/story continuity. However, if I had to choose between the two, the Quadrail would be my undisputed choice.
October 31, 2020
Like Sherlock Holmes+Mission Impossible+Star Wars
This is a great series. The main character is a normal human, but a genius like Sherlock Holmes in noticing detail and making connections normal humans would miss, with the ability to thwart death over and over with impossible odds ( like the agents in Mission Impossible, ) but it all happens in outer space and new worlds with tech we’ve never seen like a Star Wars movie. Aliens of all kinds and abilities and physical features. The story just keeps moving into unexpected areas. Another great feature of this series is each book actually has an end, so you could read the first (you really should read that one first ) and then read any of the others and the book will still make sense. But reading them all in order is great too. I highly recommend.
This is a great series. The main character is a normal human, but a genius like Sherlock Holmes in noticing detail and making connections normal humans would miss, with the ability to thwart death over and over with impossible odds ( like the agents in Mission Impossible, ) but it all happens in outer space and new worlds with tech we’ve never seen like a Star Wars movie. Aliens of all kinds and abilities and physical features. The story just keeps moving into unexpected areas. Another great feature of this series is each book actually has an end, so you could read the first (you really should read that one first ) and then read any of the others and the book will still make sense. But reading them all in order is great too. I highly recommend.
March 18, 2020
This book took me a bit to get into. There were a lot of loose ends to tie up and this book introduced a few more. There was a lot of talking and wrapping up various plot lines and it was a little bit boring. There was a little bit of action but not a whole lot and I found it pretty boring in some spots. Compton also got on my nerves a little bit through this book. There were a lot of times when Compton was the only one who figured anything out and was super smart about coming up with solutions, this got old fairly quickly in this book and throughout the series.
Overall 3 out 5 stars, not my favorite of the series, but at least everything was wrapped up and the series finished.
Overall 3 out 5 stars, not my favorite of the series, but at least everything was wrapped up and the series finished.
Read
March 7, 2021Rated PG for some violence
I really enjoyed this series. Frank Compton is a former intelligence agent who gets pulled into a secret war in the sci-fi future where interstellar travel is achieved in the qualrail, a commuter style train that can go 1 lightyear per minute. It's part noir, part sci-fi, part spy thriller. And it's written by Timothy Zahn, the man who made the Galactic Empire in star wars sympathetic. If any of those things sound good to you, you should look at picking up the first book in this series.
If you like aliens, spies, sci-fi, or train mysteries, you may enjoy this series.
I really enjoyed this series. Frank Compton is a former intelligence agent who gets pulled into a secret war in the sci-fi future where interstellar travel is achieved in the qualrail, a commuter style train that can go 1 lightyear per minute. It's part noir, part sci-fi, part spy thriller. And it's written by Timothy Zahn, the man who made the Galactic Empire in star wars sympathetic. If any of those things sound good to you, you should look at picking up the first book in this series.
If you like aliens, spies, sci-fi, or train mysteries, you may enjoy this series.
May 17, 2018
A good end to a good series
Zahn created a galaxy peopled with variety and intrigue. The last installment had enough adventure for 2 books but, unlike some authors, he resisted the urge to stretch out the series for two or three more book.
If you have read this far, you won't be at all disappointed by the return of several characters from previous novels and the surprising finale.
Zahn created a galaxy peopled with variety and intrigue. The last installment had enough adventure for 2 books but, unlike some authors, he resisted the urge to stretch out the series for two or three more book.
If you have read this far, you won't be at all disappointed by the return of several characters from previous novels and the surprising finale.
July 16, 2019
This is the fifth, and final, book of the series.
The author writes well, but does not always finish strong.
It is still an enjoyable book and I am glad I read this entire series. All in all it was very entertaining.
I really liked all of the characters and the situations they found themselves in. My biggest complaint is the hero's dialog seemed to be the same in every scene, and there was a lot of dialog...sometimes too much. I still recommend the series (including this book).
The author writes well, but does not always finish strong.
It is still an enjoyable book and I am glad I read this entire series. All in all it was very entertaining.
I really liked all of the characters and the situations they found themselves in. My biggest complaint is the hero's dialog seemed to be the same in every scene, and there was a lot of dialog...sometimes too much. I still recommend the series (including this book).
August 3, 2021
A great finish. Well a really good one anyway. I kind feel it wrapped up a little cleanly, getting them all together for the slaughter, but in the end, this has been a great series with great characters. You can't help but love our protagonist, Frank Compton, who tells it first person. He's funny smart, clever and observant and you can't wait to see how he'll get out of the next scrape. Great reading by a great author.
July 1, 2013
"Space opera" on the cover means preceding complicated details, ponderous back story, impossible to spell, pronounce, or remember names, slow momentum to a crawl. Even a chase or fight scene is laid out step by step, good for choreographing a film, not for keeping tension high.
"Fear is a biochemical response that can be controlled or ignored .. hopelessness is a lie and an illusion. There's always hope.. Always" p189. Frank resists the prime method of his enemy's psychological warfare. The appeal of this book is the persistent resistance of the human hero, and getting inside his head.
Others, fictional or real, may blame good guys for loss of innocent lives. Zahn makes us care about everyone, such that we mourn too. Through the voice of old warrior Frank, he vetoes regret and guilt, notes villains set the level of collateral damage. "You always think back and wonder what you could have done differently .. The cost .. was defined the minute they chose this time and place for their attack .. decreed .. civilians .. be killed." We must "make sure they died for a reason, that their lives were given so that others might live." p370.
References to old "dit-rec" dramas, like Casablanca, translates as maybe "recreational" somethings. Like rom-com? I couldn't find the term anywhere, so I messaged Zahn on Facebook.
Frank Compton, narrating human, fights group mind Mohdri, who is trying to take over the galaxy. A scratch from Mohdri coral infects a target. When the growth is large enough, the ignorant "walker" blacks out every time the hidden Mohdri takes control. Mohdri now co-operates, in the face of a greater threat. the Shonkla-raa, who intend to enslave and destroy all other species. Shonkla-raa enlarged vocal boxes sing tones that take over Mohdri walkers and susceptible psychic communicators .
Frank is becoming enamored of his partner Bayta. She is part-human, but invisibly mind-linked to the Chahwyn, who hide the fact they created the Mohdri originally for their protection. They believe their newest creation, modified metal Spider protectors that operate the universal Quadrail transit system, can save them.
We can never be sure if Mohdri plans betrayal. "He doesn't want to be a slave." .. "I find that ironic." p 243.
Fillies, horse-like aliens, are expert genetic manipulators. Extensive mandatory physical screening at their medical center, Proteus station, keeps the Mohdri out. Frank and Bayta escort pregnant human teen Terese, raped on Earth, invited here to fix her genetic abnormalities.
Local cop Emekai arrests Frank for killing six santra high-class Fillies on a train in a previous book. (Took me some time to catch up, never got used to translated speech depicted differently.) Minnario, a passing stranger, an alien Nemut lawyer confined to a wheelchair, offers to defend Frank at the trial, and reads up on the archaic rules, the Slisst Protocols. Judge Chinzro Hchuchu assigns two pink spiny (pineapple-skin-)armored canine beasts miskai-dorosli as guards, who Frank calls Doug and Ty.
At midnight, Frank investigates why Terese, in Building Twelve, is housed in an area suitable for more humans, and forbidden to visitors. The solution seems obvious.
Twists are not simple. Layers upon layers snarl the threads. Evidence of a mole increases. Frank must get creative to escape traps.
To give away any more would give away solutions. Every time Frank gets ahead, the enemy push back. Zahn's ingenious solutions are impressive - elevate rating, despite impossible spellings and "space opera"-ness. It was a tough read. I doubt I can do more of the series, forgetting too much jargon in between, most included above, so you get the sense of the challenge.
Typo: (first sentence, second line)
p 316 "hear me though the haze swirling" is "through the haze". To eliminate two close together "through" occurrences, I'd change "swirling through Bayta's mind" to "via Bayta's mind to theirs."
"Fear is a biochemical response that can be controlled or ignored .. hopelessness is a lie and an illusion. There's always hope.. Always" p189. Frank resists the prime method of his enemy's psychological warfare. The appeal of this book is the persistent resistance of the human hero, and getting inside his head.
Others, fictional or real, may blame good guys for loss of innocent lives. Zahn makes us care about everyone, such that we mourn too. Through the voice of old warrior Frank, he vetoes regret and guilt, notes villains set the level of collateral damage. "You always think back and wonder what you could have done differently .. The cost .. was defined the minute they chose this time and place for their attack .. decreed .. civilians .. be killed." We must "make sure they died for a reason, that their lives were given so that others might live." p370.
References to old "dit-rec" dramas, like Casablanca, translates as maybe "recreational" somethings. Like rom-com? I couldn't find the term anywhere, so I messaged Zahn on Facebook.
Frank Compton, narrating human, fights group mind Mohdri, who is trying to take over the galaxy. A scratch from Mohdri coral infects a target. When the growth is large enough, the ignorant "walker" blacks out every time the hidden Mohdri takes control. Mohdri now co-operates, in the face of a greater threat. the Shonkla-raa, who intend to enslave and destroy all other species. Shonkla-raa enlarged vocal boxes sing tones that take over Mohdri walkers and susceptible psychic communicators .
Frank is becoming enamored of his partner Bayta. She is part-human, but invisibly mind-linked to the Chahwyn, who hide the fact they created the Mohdri originally for their protection. They believe their newest creation, modified metal Spider protectors that operate the universal Quadrail transit system, can save them.
We can never be sure if Mohdri plans betrayal. "He doesn't want to be a slave." .. "I find that ironic." p 243.
Fillies, horse-like aliens, are expert genetic manipulators. Extensive mandatory physical screening at their medical center, Proteus station, keeps the Mohdri out. Frank and Bayta escort pregnant human teen Terese, raped on Earth, invited here to fix her genetic abnormalities.
Local cop Emekai arrests Frank for killing six santra high-class Fillies on a train in a previous book. (Took me some time to catch up, never got used to translated speech depicted differently.) Minnario, a passing stranger, an alien Nemut lawyer confined to a wheelchair, offers to defend Frank at the trial, and reads up on the archaic rules, the Slisst Protocols. Judge Chinzro Hchuchu assigns two pink spiny (pineapple-skin-)armored canine beasts miskai-dorosli as guards, who Frank calls Doug and Ty.
At midnight, Frank investigates why Terese, in Building Twelve, is housed in an area suitable for more humans, and forbidden to visitors. The solution seems obvious.
Twists are not simple. Layers upon layers snarl the threads. Evidence of a mole increases. Frank must get creative to escape traps.
To give away any more would give away solutions. Every time Frank gets ahead, the enemy push back. Zahn's ingenious solutions are impressive - elevate rating, despite impossible spellings and "space opera"-ness. It was a tough read. I doubt I can do more of the series, forgetting too much jargon in between, most included above, so you get the sense of the challenge.
Typo: (first sentence, second line)
p 316 "hear me though the haze swirling" is "through the haze". To eliminate two close together "through" occurrences, I'd change "swirling through Bayta's mind" to "via Bayta's mind to theirs."
January 10, 2021
The Best of the Best
Zahn has proven himself to be a master of science fiction. Having written some of my favorite stand-alone novels, and several Star Wars stories. But the Quadrail series has been One of my favorites. And this one is probably the best in the series. I loved every minute of it.
Zahn has proven himself to be a master of science fiction. Having written some of my favorite stand-alone novels, and several Star Wars stories. But the Quadrail series has been One of my favorites. And this one is probably the best in the series. I loved every minute of it.
September 19, 2017
Fitting all action finish to this series - a page turner that I finished in one sitting. I liked the resolution to the problem(s) and the ways that the characters developed over the book and the course of the series. I hate to say goodbye to this particular universe.
December 28, 2017
Satisfying Finish
There was the same action and conspiracy plot twists as the entire series. Plus he tied up all the loose ends and even used clues from early in the series to have the big reveal at the end. It was a strong finish.
There was the same action and conspiracy plot twists as the entire series. Plus he tied up all the loose ends and even used clues from early in the series to have the big reveal at the end. It was a strong finish.
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