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Quadrail #3
Odd Girl Out
Ex-government agent Frank Compton must keep an extraordinary little girl safe from the malevolent group intelligence seeking to enslave the universe in the explosive third installment of Hugo Award–winning author Timothy Zahn’s Quadrail series. Frank Compton is glad he’s finally back on his home planet of Earth—galaxy-hopping aboard the Quadrail on his continuing mission to prevent the Modhri group mind from ruling the universe is exhausting business—but hadn’t expected to find a young woman waiting for him in his New York apartment with a loaded gun in her hand. Ignoring her demands that he rescue her ten-year-old sister, the former Western Alliance Intelligence agent sends his unwelcome guest packing—only to find himself under arrest the following day for her brutal murder. Released on bail and determined to do the right thing, Compton makes tracks for the world of New Tigris. But a captive child is not all that he discovers Little Rebekah may also hold the key to the ultimate defeat of the Modhri. Suddenly, keeping one small girl safe is the most important—and dangerous—task Compton has ever undertaken. And with the Modhris’ mind-slave “walkers” everywhere, there may be no safe place for an “abomination” and her protector to hide.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2008
179 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
481 books8,527 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 86 reviews
November 13, 2017
Frank Compton, the best trouble-shooter/private eye in the known universe, is at it again. Again, that is, for those of you who are already on the Quadrail train. As for me, I’m a trouble-creator since I acted by impulse in pulling Odd Girl Out off the shelf at the local library and couldn’t put it down. And, consequently, I had no idea what transpired in books #1 and #2.
Zahn is moving up fast on my favorite authors list. Here, he doesn’t disappoint. In the opening few pages: someone introduces herself to him at the point of a gun (in Frank’s direction); two people are killed in a ritual-type murder; and, Compton is arrested for the crime, then quickly bailed out by one of the richest men in the galaxy (and that is in the first 5% of the book). The plot continues at this pace for all 350+ pages. It has the energy of a Bourne chase and the complexity of an Anthony Horowitz mystery. Zahn doesn’t omit some humorous dialogue and situations. But he may have gone too far (p.355) when he has Compton say to his team: “Let’s blow this pop stand.” I am not sure that even in the 21st century that phrase has much currency.
This is the third book in Zahn’s Quadrail series which features Compton and his telepath alien associate, Bayta. There are plenty of alien species in this series (and I have only read this book) including the Spiders who run the Quadrail (that can take anyone at faster than light speeds around the galaxy) and the Modhri (a coral-based hive species) that has aspirations of galactic domination. The Modhri was uncovered by Compton in a previous adventure.
There is a loose federation of some species and their solar systems all connected by Quadrail. Compton and Bayta move quickly from one star system to another in an attempt to “rescue” the “odd girl” of the title. In doing so they have to negotiate with local officials, and crime bosses, and go undercover in several disguises. Zahn carries this along at breakneck speed through some interesting and very complex plot twists. Compton and Bayta make a good team and Zahn hits some perfect notes as his characters try to unpack several mysteries that could have a major impact on clients past, present and/or future. Another taste of Quadrail and I might be addicted so I will try to stay away until 2018.
Zahn is moving up fast on my favorite authors list. Here, he doesn’t disappoint. In the opening few pages: someone introduces herself to him at the point of a gun (in Frank’s direction); two people are killed in a ritual-type murder; and, Compton is arrested for the crime, then quickly bailed out by one of the richest men in the galaxy (and that is in the first 5% of the book). The plot continues at this pace for all 350+ pages. It has the energy of a Bourne chase and the complexity of an Anthony Horowitz mystery. Zahn doesn’t omit some humorous dialogue and situations. But he may have gone too far (p.355) when he has Compton say to his team: “Let’s blow this pop stand.” I am not sure that even in the 21st century that phrase has much currency.
This is the third book in Zahn’s Quadrail series which features Compton and his telepath alien associate, Bayta. There are plenty of alien species in this series (and I have only read this book) including the Spiders who run the Quadrail (that can take anyone at faster than light speeds around the galaxy) and the Modhri (a coral-based hive species) that has aspirations of galactic domination. The Modhri was uncovered by Compton in a previous adventure.
There is a loose federation of some species and their solar systems all connected by Quadrail. Compton and Bayta move quickly from one star system to another in an attempt to “rescue” the “odd girl” of the title. In doing so they have to negotiate with local officials, and crime bosses, and go undercover in several disguises. Zahn carries this along at breakneck speed through some interesting and very complex plot twists. Compton and Bayta make a good team and Zahn hits some perfect notes as his characters try to unpack several mysteries that could have a major impact on clients past, present and/or future. Another taste of Quadrail and I might be addicted so I will try to stay away until 2018.
January 18, 2023
Интересно защо гудрийдса ми препоръчва само детски книги, след като отбелязах, че чета тази. Не смятам, че Тимъти Зан е влязъл в категорията на Робърт Луис Стивънсън и Жул Верн, но може би аз остарявам.
Първото, което прави впечатление в третата книга от поредицата за квадрелсовата железница и Франк Комптън, че е почти невъзможно да се чете самостоятелно. Всичко, което сме научили от предишните книги за света и взаимоотношенията между героите е директно интегрирано тук.
Другото е, че определено жанра е фантастичен криминално-шпионски трилър.
Но за романа. Ох, да видя как ще го нагласим, така че да не разкривам много от предходните книги...
Веднага след приключването на случая с третия рис Комптън иска леко да си почине вкъщи на Земята. Това не му се отдава, защото у тях го чака въоръжена с един от собствените му пистолети мистериозна дама, искаща да го наеме да спаси сестра ѝ. Франк я отпраща доста безцеремонно и след има-няма два часа разбира, че е заподозрян в убийството ѝ. Бързо става ясно, че отново е замесен изконният враг на работодателите му с всичките усложнения, които идват от това (бля, бля, бля... прочетете предишните две книги). Това ще доведе отново до огромни надцаквания между вездесъщи извънземни и нашият директен и импулсивен агент, доста трупове, арести и няколко нови приятелства.
За разлика от предишната книга, тук псевдошпионските завръзки бяха много силни и надиграването между противниците ми донесе голямо удоволствие от четенето. Трябва да се отбележи, че Франк започва леко да се съмнява и в паяците и техните създатели, което е плюс, защото аман от дуализъм в класическото фантастично сюжетостроене.
Първото, което прави впечатление в третата книга от поредицата за квадрелсовата железница и Франк Комптън, че е почти невъзможно да се чете самостоятелно. Всичко, което сме научили от предишните книги за света и взаимоотношенията между героите е директно интегрирано тук.
Другото е, че определено жанра е фантастичен криминално-шпионски трилър.
Но за романа. Ох, да видя как ще го нагласим, така че да не разкривам много от предходните книги...
Веднага след приключването на случая с третия рис Комптън иска леко да си почине вкъщи на Земята. Това не му се отдава, защото у тях го чака въоръжена с един от собствените му пистолети мистериозна дама, искаща да го наеме да спаси сестра ѝ. Франк я отпраща доста безцеремонно и след има-няма два часа разбира, че е заподозрян в убийството ѝ. Бързо става ясно, че отново е замесен изконният враг на работодателите му с всичките усложнения, които идват от това (бля, бля, бля... прочетете предишните две книги). Това ще доведе отново до огромни надцаквания между вездесъщи извънземни и нашият директен и импулсивен агент, доста трупове, арести и няколко нови приятелства.
За разлика от предишната книга, тук псевдошпионските завръзки бяха много силни и надиграването между противниците ми донесе голямо удоволствие от четенето. Трябва да се отбележи, че Франк започва леко да се съмнява и в паяците и техните създатели, което е плюс, защото аман от дуализъм в класическото фантастично сюжетостроене.
August 28, 2012
Odd Girl Out by Timothy Zahn
Frank Compton, a government whistle blower is back with faithful side kick and engineered schizophrenic Bayta. The Modhri, group mind omnipotent evil opponent, is willing to compromise to destroy an abomination. Much of the action once again takes place on the Quadrail.
The concept of the Quadrail and it’s interconnection of galactic empires is the thread that ties the plots of the books in this series, Night Train To Rigel and The Third Lynx being the first two.
Bayta discovers a kindred soul in a young, vulnerable girl that she and Frank end up befriending. McMicking, the chameleon like fixer, pops up with his own agenda but continues to surprise Compton with his very able and deadly support.
There is a similarity to the books of the series but each tale has it’s own, often lethal twist.
The series continues to grow on me and I enjoyed this book more than the last.
I recommend it.
Frank Compton, a government whistle blower is back with faithful side kick and engineered schizophrenic Bayta. The Modhri, group mind omnipotent evil opponent, is willing to compromise to destroy an abomination. Much of the action once again takes place on the Quadrail.
The concept of the Quadrail and it’s interconnection of galactic empires is the thread that ties the plots of the books in this series, Night Train To Rigel and The Third Lynx being the first two.
Bayta discovers a kindred soul in a young, vulnerable girl that she and Frank end up befriending. McMicking, the chameleon like fixer, pops up with his own agenda but continues to surprise Compton with his very able and deadly support.
There is a similarity to the books of the series but each tale has it’s own, often lethal twist.
The series continues to grow on me and I enjoyed this book more than the last.
I recommend it.
February 6, 2023
I thought that The Third Lynx was slow, but Odd Girl Out was even more of a slog for me. An awful lot of time is spent waiting in Quadrail stations or riding (uneventfully) on the trains, and the pace didn't pick up for me until close to the end.
I like Frank, but he really does alternate between horrible missteps and concealing everything from the reader--there is no in-between. Bayta continues to receive the absolute minimum amount of character development. Taking a break for a bit, before I tackle books 4 and 5.
I like Frank, but he really does alternate between horrible missteps and concealing everything from the reader--there is no in-between. Bayta continues to receive the absolute minimum amount of character development. Taking a break for a bit, before I tackle books 4 and 5.
October 17, 2022
Yet another reason why Timothy Zahn is a truly amazing writer! 3rd book in the series and is one of the most amazing one!
May 31, 2019
I'm finding that I really like Timothy Zahn books. He has a great sense of humor as well as a good imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a bit complex as the twist and turns are plentiful and quick. I think I'll look into others in the series (I didn't realize it was a series when I started it).
October 18, 2011
This is actually the third in a series, which I didn't realize when I picked it up. Fortunately, Zahn does a pretty good job of dropping enough hints that you can tell what's going on (without the dreaded, "So, Bob, as you well know [info dump]").
He's trying to do something between Sam Spade and James Bond, which I think mostly works. Frank Compton, the narrator, is appropriately cynical but chivalrous. He's quite competent but still manages to misjudge things on a regular basis. Given that the entire narrative is a maze of double and triple crosses against an opponent who takes over people's minds and could literally be lurking anywhere, getting the timing wrong here and there is fairly excuseable.
The pace moves along briskly, never giving Frank (or you) quite enough time to think things through. Eventually, he figures out what you can't (and conceals this until the big showdown with the mastermind, with the somewhat more typical and dreaded "How long have you known/how did you discover this/the one thing I don't understand is" exchange). Everything, including several side jaunts and red herrings, is explained, although the explanation is not always particularly satisfying. Frank manages to get arrested by three different police forces on three different worlds for at least six different murders he didn't commit--but the several he does commit seem to go unnoticed.
His associates, the face-changing McMickering and the telepathic alien/human hybrid Bayta, get very little development, but that's most likely because they received better introductions in earlier books.
It's a fun ride, even if it's a little anticlimatic and not everything hangs together at the end. But that's really more of a retrospect problem--you'll enjoy it as you read. Just don't think too hard.
He's trying to do something between Sam Spade and James Bond, which I think mostly works. Frank Compton, the narrator, is appropriately cynical but chivalrous. He's quite competent but still manages to misjudge things on a regular basis. Given that the entire narrative is a maze of double and triple crosses against an opponent who takes over people's minds and could literally be lurking anywhere, getting the timing wrong here and there is fairly excuseable.
The pace moves along briskly, never giving Frank (or you) quite enough time to think things through. Eventually, he figures out what you can't (and conceals this until the big showdown with the mastermind, with the somewhat more typical and dreaded "How long have you known/how did you discover this/the one thing I don't understand is" exchange). Everything, including several side jaunts and red herrings, is explained, although the explanation is not always particularly satisfying. Frank manages to get arrested by three different police forces on three different worlds for at least six different murders he didn't commit--but the several he does commit seem to go unnoticed.
His associates, the face-changing McMickering and the telepathic alien/human hybrid Bayta, get very little development, but that's most likely because they received better introductions in earlier books.
It's a fun ride, even if it's a little anticlimatic and not everything hangs together at the end. But that's really more of a retrospect problem--you'll enjoy it as you read. Just don't think too hard.
May 17, 2022
2013 grade B+.
2022 grade B
Series book Q3.
2013 = Mostly an action book moving from incident to incident with slow periods between much like a modern action movie. Not a lot of long or short story arc development but fun anyway.
2022 = This is basically just a long running battle. The individual firefights are brief in the fictional reality but long in the book. They are separated by quiet segments that are brief in the book but often include days long travel to other places and planets. I "lost count" of how many times this sequence was repeated and started jumping to the next paragraph to speed things up when it got tedious. It did not help that the protagonist was always a few steps behind the antagonist as he reacted to the enemy attacks over and over again. Even the end was presented as reaction instead of proaction.
This story does have an end though. It is not serialized. Nothing is resolved with the long running enemy of the series but this incident is over.
Still, it is a smoothly written and reasonably interesting story with good characters. I would suggest first reading Night Train To Rigel though (book one in the series). Book 1 is where all the world and character building take place. Book 2 is probably not necessary. I forgot to read it this time and there were no problems. If you like this kind of storytelling, which is common in modern books and movies, you might like this one. For me it was problematic.
2022 grade B
Series book Q3.
2013 = Mostly an action book moving from incident to incident with slow periods between much like a modern action movie. Not a lot of long or short story arc development but fun anyway.
2022 = This is basically just a long running battle. The individual firefights are brief in the fictional reality but long in the book. They are separated by quiet segments that are brief in the book but often include days long travel to other places and planets. I "lost count" of how many times this sequence was repeated and started jumping to the next paragraph to speed things up when it got tedious. It did not help that the protagonist was always a few steps behind the antagonist as he reacted to the enemy attacks over and over again. Even the end was presented as reaction instead of proaction.
This story does have an end though. It is not serialized. Nothing is resolved with the long running enemy of the series but this incident is over.
Still, it is a smoothly written and reasonably interesting story with good characters. I would suggest first reading Night Train To Rigel though (book one in the series). Book 1 is where all the world and character building take place. Book 2 is probably not necessary. I forgot to read it this time and there were no problems. If you like this kind of storytelling, which is common in modern books and movies, you might like this one. For me it was problematic.
April 7, 2015
Odd Girl Out (2008) 379 pages by Timothy Zahn.
Excellent.
This is the third book in the Quadrail series. Telling you any of the plot is a spoiler for the first book, Night Train to Rigel, so I'll keep that to a minimum. Frank Compton is sort of the 1950s witty private eye, thrown into an SF universe. I think all three books start off with a murder that and he becomes the prime suspect.
Compton is quick to recognize a change in tactic and infer what is happening. He uses that skill along with the having the spiders and Bayta on his side to thwart the enemy.
It's a quick read, the pace is fast, there is easy to follow action, and then the mystery angle. I'm not saying this is great literature, but it is great fun, I really liked it. I suggest reading the books in order. Reading either this one or Third Lynx would be a big spoiler for Night Train to Rigel.
Excellent.
This is the third book in the Quadrail series. Telling you any of the plot is a spoiler for the first book, Night Train to Rigel, so I'll keep that to a minimum. Frank Compton is sort of the 1950s witty private eye, thrown into an SF universe. I think all three books start off with a murder that and he becomes the prime suspect.
Compton is quick to recognize a change in tactic and infer what is happening. He uses that skill along with the having the spiders and Bayta on his side to thwart the enemy.
It's a quick read, the pace is fast, there is easy to follow action, and then the mystery angle. I'm not saying this is great literature, but it is great fun, I really liked it. I suggest reading the books in order. Reading either this one or Third Lynx would be a big spoiler for Night Train to Rigel.
February 15, 2009
This third noir mystery/railroad/interstellar adventure in Zahn's series is another good one. The plot and pacing are very well executed, the characters are well drawn, and it's simply a very good old-fashioned science fiction story.
July 18, 2018
I picked this book up in the library earlier this year, read the first chapter, and realized that a lot of things were being discussed instead of revealed. Then I looked at the inside cover and realized I had selected book three of a series. Weirdly, lots of reviews of Odd Girl Out have the same story as mine. I don't know what you did Tim, but this one stands out on a shelf for some reason.
As is now the pattern, Frank starts out the book being associated with a murder. Unfortunately for him, this time the cops arrest him and throw him in jail to await arraignment. Fortunately, Frank has friends in high places who can bail him out.
What his friends can't do is explain why the woman who broke into his apartment, and then asked for help before he sent her packing, now lies dead next to a man with a suspiciously similar head wound. This is a classic noir setup, and Frank probably should have seen it coming, given his love of classic cinema. Even Homer nods.
While this escalation is par for the course, what is not is the way we get hints that friend may be foe, and foe friend. The Modhri, Frank's nemesis in the great game for control of the Quadrail and the galaxy, asks him for help. While understandably suspicious, Frank, the keen student of behavior, is intrigued enough to look into it. And the Modhri isn't the only one acting strange. Bayta, his partner, is still cool towards him after Frank kissed a cute girl in the last book, no matter that mind viruses were involved. His employers are keeping a closer than usual eye on him. And of course, he is out on bail for a double homicide.
Which is all just another day in the office for the galaxy's wiliest railroad detective. Fortunately, Frank is far too stubborn to let trivialities like the coldness and distrust of his only friends stand in his way. If things like that mattered to him, he wouldn't have blown the whistle on the United Nations' hopeless scheme to colonize the worthless planet of Yandro. And he won't let it stop him from finding the little girl the dead woman asked him to protect.
As is now the pattern, Frank starts out the book being associated with a murder. Unfortunately for him, this time the cops arrest him and throw him in jail to await arraignment. Fortunately, Frank has friends in high places who can bail him out.
What his friends can't do is explain why the woman who broke into his apartment, and then asked for help before he sent her packing, now lies dead next to a man with a suspiciously similar head wound. This is a classic noir setup, and Frank probably should have seen it coming, given his love of classic cinema. Even Homer nods.
While this escalation is par for the course, what is not is the way we get hints that friend may be foe, and foe friend. The Modhri, Frank's nemesis in the great game for control of the Quadrail and the galaxy, asks him for help. While understandably suspicious, Frank, the keen student of behavior, is intrigued enough to look into it. And the Modhri isn't the only one acting strange. Bayta, his partner, is still cool towards him after Frank kissed a cute girl in the last book, no matter that mind viruses were involved. His employers are keeping a closer than usual eye on him. And of course, he is out on bail for a double homicide.
Which is all just another day in the office for the galaxy's wiliest railroad detective. Fortunately, Frank is far too stubborn to let trivialities like the coldness and distrust of his only friends stand in his way. If things like that mattered to him, he wouldn't have blown the whistle on the United Nations' hopeless scheme to colonize the worthless planet of Yandro. And he won't let it stop him from finding the little girl the dead woman asked him to protect.
March 15, 2024
In Odd Girl Out, the third book in Zahn’s Quadrail series the action starts immediately and does not stop until the story ends.
The story begins with Frank Compton, the chief special agent employed by the Chahwyn in their war against the Modhri, returning to his apartment in New York from his last adventure, to find a woman pointing a Glock pistol at his head - his own gun!
After proving he is actually Compton the woman identifies herself as Lorelei. She wants Compton to help find Rebekah, her 10-year-old sister, who is trapped on the Earth colony of New Tigris.
Compton wants nothing to do with this and dismisses Lorelei. Later that night Compton is woken by the police pounding on his door; Lorelei has been found murdered by Compton’s gun.
Teaming up with Bayta and McMicking, an agent from Hardin Industries, the search for Rebekah begins.
The story is full of the usual problems with the walkers under the control of the Modhri trying to eliminate Compton and Bayta while they try to locate and help Rebekah.
Compton and Bayta also find that Lorelei and Rebekah are art of a different group, the Melding, the creation of an experiment by the Modhri 30 years ago that went wrong – in the view of the Modhri. In attempting to create more independent subjects the Modhri started planting polyp colonies in infants. About 10 years ago the Modhri lost control of the Melding and has been trying to locate and eliminate them since.
In the end Compton and his group are able to get Rebekah of New Tigris and reunited with the rest of the Melding.
This story moves quickly and there is a lot of action. Compton and Bayta seem to be constantly outnumbered and under attack by agents of the Modhri; however, with the Melding now in the game, they may have enlisted a valuable ally against the Modhri.
The story begins with Frank Compton, the chief special agent employed by the Chahwyn in their war against the Modhri, returning to his apartment in New York from his last adventure, to find a woman pointing a Glock pistol at his head - his own gun!
After proving he is actually Compton the woman identifies herself as Lorelei. She wants Compton to help find Rebekah, her 10-year-old sister, who is trapped on the Earth colony of New Tigris.
Compton wants nothing to do with this and dismisses Lorelei. Later that night Compton is woken by the police pounding on his door; Lorelei has been found murdered by Compton’s gun.
Teaming up with Bayta and McMicking, an agent from Hardin Industries, the search for Rebekah begins.
The story is full of the usual problems with the walkers under the control of the Modhri trying to eliminate Compton and Bayta while they try to locate and help Rebekah.
Compton and Bayta also find that Lorelei and Rebekah are art of a different group, the Melding, the creation of an experiment by the Modhri 30 years ago that went wrong – in the view of the Modhri. In attempting to create more independent subjects the Modhri started planting polyp colonies in infants. About 10 years ago the Modhri lost control of the Melding and has been trying to locate and eliminate them since.
In the end Compton and his group are able to get Rebekah of New Tigris and reunited with the rest of the Melding.
This story moves quickly and there is a lot of action. Compton and Bayta seem to be constantly outnumbered and under attack by agents of the Modhri; however, with the Melding now in the game, they may have enlisted a valuable ally against the Modhri.
March 19, 2020
I feel like these books are getting better as I go along. Frank seems to channel a bit more of his inner "Harry Dresden" and I'm enjoying it. This book is the half way point in the Quadrail series. Unfortunately I do not have books 4 and 5. If the right deal comes along I will pick them up but my list of books is so long right now that I should be reading what I already own.
Unlike the previous book, this one does end with a mild cliffhanger. A Chahwyn secret that leaves me extremely curious. In fact, while I didn't rush off and buy book 4 immediately, I will be monitoring the price.
As I said in my review of Book 2 (The Third Lynx), I'm feeling more compelled to read these books again; after I finish the series of course.
Unlike the previous book, this one does end with a mild cliffhanger. A Chahwyn secret that leaves me extremely curious. In fact, while I didn't rush off and buy book 4 immediately, I will be monitoring the price.
As I said in my review of Book 2 (The Third Lynx), I'm feeling more compelled to read these books again; after I finish the series of course.
March 1, 2021
Fun read. As always, Zahn is constantly trying to show how clever his protagonist is with convoluted plots and convenient plot twists bordering on deus ex machina, but it all just works here. Frank Compton does lots of being Frank Compton, while we see a bit of development with Bayta as she develops a kinship with the latest MacGuffin (a relationship which doesn't really get explored much despite some ominous hints early on.) While the reader's eyes may faze over and brain tune out all the non-stop "shell game" antics of who or what got loaded onto which vehicle, in the end they can ignore the specifics and trust that everyone will end up where they belong in the end.
October 24, 2024
I had read 'Night Train to Rigel' and enjoyed it. Found this volume at a thrift shop, so I've missed #2. I'd describe it as detective noire, set in a universe of multiple species with a struggle for domination. A major feature is the train-like Quadrail, which connects worlds -- kinda like a wormhole system with trains. Our hero is up against an insidious foe; he needs to rescue a 'damsel in distress', and he has a sidekick. He's good at improvising, and he needs to be. I enjoyed the story and the genre mash-up.
May 13, 2019
This is the third book I have from this author. As with the previous ones I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters are very likeable and Frank Compton is smart and savvy. He can get himself out of just about any situation you could think of. The stories are somewhat involved but the author presents it in a way that is completely understandable. I plan to read another by this author soon.
July 14, 2020
Inventive
Once again, Zahn has tweaked his antagonist and overarching series plot to keep the interest of his readers. There is a reveal at the end that I did not see coming...well, I knew something was coming and had already gone back to try to pick up clues to put together. What was revealed was a surprise to me.
My only dislike is the price since I am now reading a book a day, pretty much, and it is a five book series.
Once again, Zahn has tweaked his antagonist and overarching series plot to keep the interest of his readers. There is a reveal at the end that I did not see coming...well, I knew something was coming and had already gone back to try to pick up clues to put together. What was revealed was a surprise to me.
My only dislike is the price since I am now reading a book a day, pretty much, and it is a five book series.
January 4, 2021
Totally enjoyable - the writing is witty but not overly so, and the characters have depth and a certain charm to them. Frank continues to revisit what has happened and let us know what it really means - in a good way, and the overall arch of the story continues to be interesting. The action is almost a little too much non-stop and i find the book tires me out with the breakneck pace it sets. Happy reading this series so far, and ready for volume 4.
October 5, 2025
4 stars. Another fun entry in the Quadrail series of novels.
This time Bayta features more prominently as Frank’s partner, although a familiar face from previous novels (McMicking) has a surprisingly large role. He was not nearly as abrasive as Morse in the previous book, which I think worked better overall.
The main twist in this book wasn’t as satisfying to me as in the other books though, hence the 4 stars instead of 4.5.
This time Bayta features more prominently as Frank’s partner, although a familiar face from previous novels (McMicking) has a surprisingly large role. He was not nearly as abrasive as Morse in the previous book, which I think worked better overall.
The main twist in this book wasn’t as satisfying to me as in the other books though, hence the 4 stars instead of 4.5.
October 24, 2025
I made the mistake of reading a spoiler and the big reveal at the end was spoiled for me. Despite this foreknowledge, I was convinced that the review I read was wrong. A masterpiece in deception, phrasing/word play, and subtle plot and sub-plots, the quadrail series has almost become my favorite of Zahn’s series. I only wish I had read this series when it was published in 2008 and didn’t wait 17 years to discover it.
June 22, 2017
One of an endless parade of science fiction books by men where everything is plot plot plot and none of the characters have any depth or development. I'm willing to tolerate all of that if the world is interesting enough, but the Modhri is such a bog-standard Borg that none of it could hold my interest. Did not finish.
November 3, 2018
I haven't read much Zahn since the first 2 Cobra books. This one is the third in a series and, while okay as a political/espionage thriller, didn't really make sense in some ways. Maybe if I'd read the first two, it would have made more sense. I'd say read the first 2 first, although I'm still deciding whether I want to.
June 3, 2019
Predictable.
Love the author but this isn't his finest work, the exposition is cliche and the climax was predictable. Lacks the character development of the earlier books, both main characters feel stagnant. It reads like a Bond movie.. there's a place for that, but Zahn has much better books.
Love the author but this isn't his finest work, the exposition is cliche and the climax was predictable. Lacks the character development of the earlier books, both main characters feel stagnant. It reads like a Bond movie.. there's a place for that, but Zahn has much better books.
August 17, 2020
Suitable Sequel
Zahn continues the story of the galaxy-wide undercover war against the Modrhi, who are trying to take over through mind control. I love the old-fashioned noir feel of the series. The main character is like a 1950s private eye. It is a pleasure to follow him as he unravels clues and saves the day. Smart writing and a pleasurable read. I highly recommend it!
Zahn continues the story of the galaxy-wide undercover war against the Modrhi, who are trying to take over through mind control. I love the old-fashioned noir feel of the series. The main character is like a 1950s private eye. It is a pleasure to follow him as he unravels clues and saves the day. Smart writing and a pleasurable read. I highly recommend it!
March 14, 2025
I really like Frank and Bayta both as individual characters and together, but their interactions could be written better. Through the whole series he is constantly “taking her arm” and telling her to stay behind. There are even whole scenes where we know she’s there, but no mention is made of what she’s actually doing.
Still really like the plot and the characters, I just wish Bayta was written a bit better.
Still really like the plot and the characters, I just wish Bayta was written a bit better.
September 24, 2017
The only problem with these delightful science fiction novels is that they are too short, and someday I'll run out! Part suspense thriller, part human (and alien) interest story, they are fast-paced and funny. Recommended for a light read.
April 29, 2018
4/28/2018 ~~ The plot seemed to drag in the middle, though there was one intense battle scene near the end. I've read books 1-3, but I'm not feeling the need to read the remaining two books in the series at this point. I really wish there was more of an internal story with strong characterization.
August 14, 2018
This series gets better with each book. The first one introduced such an interesting universe, yet it was slow reading for me. The second hooked me in faster. And this one was hard to put down after the first five pages.
January 13, 2020
Series has gone down with each part. I liked the first part, light reading, like a James Bond in galactic setup. Second was a slight disappointment and this is slightly worse than the previous. I hope that the fight against Modhri turns again better in the next book.
January 31, 2021
The third in this series. I completely love the main characters but oh my, does Timothy Zahn play it close to the chest with what is going to happen!! Shifting alliances and unexpected twists and turns!
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