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The Serrano Legacy #3
Winning Colors
Librarian Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ISBN10: 0671876775 - ISBN13: 9780671876777.
Heris Serrano is offered a chance at vindication and reinstatement in her beloved Navy. To make this happen, all she has to do is save the galaxy from an interstellar mafia gone berserk and defeat an invading fleet. But first comes the hard part....
Heris Serrano is offered a chance at vindication and reinstatement in her beloved Navy. To make this happen, all she has to do is save the galaxy from an interstellar mafia gone berserk and defeat an invading fleet. But first comes the hard part....
409 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1995
20 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
138 books2,632 followersElizabeth Moon was born March 7, 1945, and grew up in McAllen, Texas, graduating from McAllen High School in 1963. She has a B.A. in History from Rice University (1968) and another in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin (1975) with graduate work in Biology at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
She served in the USMC from 1968 to 1971, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. She married Richard Moon, a Rice classmate and Army officer, in 1969; they moved to the small central Texas town where they still live in 1979. They have one son, born in 1983.
She started writing stories and poems as a small child; attempted first book (an illustrated biography of the family dog) at age six. Started writing science fiction in high school, but considered writing merely a sideline. First got serious about writing (as in, submitting things and actually getting money...) in the 1980s. Made first fiction sale at age forty--"Bargains" to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword & Sorceress III and "ABCs in Zero G" to Analog. Her first novel, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, sold in 1987 and came out in 1988; it won the Compton Crook Award in 1989. Remnant Population was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and The Speed of Dark was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and won the Nebula in 2004.
She served in the USMC from 1968 to 1971, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. She married Richard Moon, a Rice classmate and Army officer, in 1969; they moved to the small central Texas town where they still live in 1979. They have one son, born in 1983.
She started writing stories and poems as a small child; attempted first book (an illustrated biography of the family dog) at age six. Started writing science fiction in high school, but considered writing merely a sideline. First got serious about writing (as in, submitting things and actually getting money...) in the 1980s. Made first fiction sale at age forty--"Bargains" to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword & Sorceress III and "ABCs in Zero G" to Analog. Her first novel, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, sold in 1987 and came out in 1988; it won the Compton Crook Award in 1989. Remnant Population was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and The Speed of Dark was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and won the Nebula in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 7, 2025
This one was pretty much the same as previous books in the series, thus very good but about due for a change, and looking ahead it looks like we will get that. It is military science fiction which I’m a bit tired of, this kind of book always remind me of C.S. Foresters Hornblower series. But there is a credibility gap between this one and Horatio Hornblower, he never did anything so outrageously impossible as in this book, I’m happy to leave my logic at the door but some of this was a bit much.
There were a lot of horses as usual in this series, I don’t mind reading about them, and horse riding is up there with motorbikes for excitement. Space warfare is also exciting stuff, and Elizabeth Moon does a good job of keeping it at least a little realistic. Only a four on this one, which seems to be about what most people think.
There were a lot of horses as usual in this series, I don’t mind reading about them, and horse riding is up there with motorbikes for excitement. Space warfare is also exciting stuff, and Elizabeth Moon does a good job of keeping it at least a little realistic. Only a four on this one, which seems to be about what most people think.
November 20, 2017
I read a review where the reviewer complained about all the horse talk. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but there was still a ton. I've never been into horses which I think is because as a teenager I rode a horse once without a saddle. He tried to buck me off, and when he finally stopped, I tried to get off, however, his giant shlonge came out so I had to do a kind of slide/hop back so I wouldn't accidentally touch it with my foot. It's just like a dog (well a lot bigger), it's all wet. Yuck! So, not a big fan. I think they're pretty from afar.
Not enough Heris. I don't know if the author was trying to rope in younger readers but I didn't enjoy it as much as the other books in the series. I'm still going to work my way through, but I'm hoping the future books are more about Heris (or Cecilia as long as there's not too much horse talk).
Not enough Heris. I don't know if the author was trying to rope in younger readers but I didn't enjoy it as much as the other books in the series. I'm still going to work my way through, but I'm hoping the future books are more about Heris (or Cecilia as long as there's not too much horse talk).
September 25, 2015
I loved this book! It was fun and exciting with strong female characters a person can fall in love with:-) A bit nervous about the change of protagonist in the following volumes...
January 3, 2016
Reread,,
December 4, 2018
In Winning Colours, we follow some of our favourite characters from the previous books in this series by the author. Heris Serrano has found that, due to the adventures in book two she now technically owns lady Cecelia's space yacht, they get around this by renting it out to lady Cecelia and setting off on a trip relating to (unsurprisingly) horses.
Despite the innocent intent, they get caught up in a political and military situation which leads to some brilliant space battle writing and, ultimately,something of a resolution to Heris' story arc.
While I enjoyed this one I did not find the plot as linear as in the previous couple of books in this series. Definitely do not read this book unless you have read the others. It was a while since I read the last one and the political details were very hazy for me, since it has been a while and they are not gone into in too much detail (this is no criticism; I don't like books that over rehash plots from previous books in the series).
The number of characters and plot lines was also quite diverse. It seems that the author is setting up the reader for subsequent books, where Heris and Cecilia may not be the primary characters. George, Raffa, Ronnie and others get their own plot lines which are elaborate, ever curlesque at times.
The diverse plot lines, obscure politics and discontinuous adventures meant that I did not enjoy this one as much as the last two. Also, I feel this book would benefit from being read in large portions, continuously. I had to read it a bit at a time, slowly and I don't think that improved it. Still, it was a fine novel with good writing, especially of the space battles, I will read more.
Despite the innocent intent, they get caught up in a political and military situation which leads to some brilliant space battle writing and, ultimately,something of a resolution to Heris' story arc.
While I enjoyed this one I did not find the plot as linear as in the previous couple of books in this series. Definitely do not read this book unless you have read the others. It was a while since I read the last one and the political details were very hazy for me, since it has been a while and they are not gone into in too much detail (this is no criticism; I don't like books that over rehash plots from previous books in the series).
The number of characters and plot lines was also quite diverse. It seems that the author is setting up the reader for subsequent books, where Heris and Cecilia may not be the primary characters. George, Raffa, Ronnie and others get their own plot lines which are elaborate, ever curlesque at times.
The diverse plot lines, obscure politics and discontinuous adventures meant that I did not enjoy this one as much as the last two. Also, I feel this book would benefit from being read in large portions, continuously. I had to read it a bit at a time, slowly and I don't think that improved it. Still, it was a fine novel with good writing, especially of the space battles, I will read more.
September 28, 2025
Oh no. This was really not that great. I like Moon as a writer, I just think that this story and all the horsey stuff ran its course in the first book. There is some intrigue and some fun along the way, but had I not purchased the Omnibus of the first three books, I probably wouldn't have read this one and I probably wouldn't be worse off for my money. It isn't a bad book, but clearly Moon became a better writer after this with the prize-winning The Speed of Dark, Remnant Population, and the first Vatta series.
April 3, 2018
In Winning Colours, we follow some of our favourite characters from the previous books in this series by the author. Heris Serrano has found that, due to the adventures in book two she now technically owns lady Cecelia's space yacht, they get around this by renting it out to lady Cecelia and setting off on a trip relating to (unsurprisingly) horses.
Despite the innocent intent, they get caught up in a political and military situation which leads to some brilliant space battle writing and, ultimately,something of a resolution to Heris' story arc.
While I enjoyed this one I did not find the plot as linear as in the previous couple of books in this series. Definitely do not read this book unless you have read the others. It was a while since I read the last one and the political details were very hazy for me, since it has been a while and they are not gone into in too much detail (this is no criticism; I don't like books that over rehash plots from previous books in the series).
The number of characters and plot lines was also quite diverse. It seems that the author is setting up the reader for subsequent books, where Heris and Cecilia may not be the primary characters. George, Raffa, Ronnie and others get their own plot lines which are elaborate, ever curlesque at times.
The diverse plot lines, obscure politics and discontinuous adventures meant that I did not enjoy this one as much as the last two. Also, I feel this book would benefit from being read in large portions, continuously. I had to read it a bit at a time, slowly and I don't think that improved it. Still, it was a fine novel with good writing, especially of the space battles, I will read more.
Despite the innocent intent, they get caught up in a political and military situation which leads to some brilliant space battle writing and, ultimately,something of a resolution to Heris' story arc.
While I enjoyed this one I did not find the plot as linear as in the previous couple of books in this series. Definitely do not read this book unless you have read the others. It was a while since I read the last one and the political details were very hazy for me, since it has been a while and they are not gone into in too much detail (this is no criticism; I don't like books that over rehash plots from previous books in the series).
The number of characters and plot lines was also quite diverse. It seems that the author is setting up the reader for subsequent books, where Heris and Cecilia may not be the primary characters. George, Raffa, Ronnie and others get their own plot lines which are elaborate, ever curlesque at times.
The diverse plot lines, obscure politics and discontinuous adventures meant that I did not enjoy this one as much as the last two. Also, I feel this book would benefit from being read in large portions, continuously. I had to read it a bit at a time, slowly and I don't think that improved it. Still, it was a fine novel with good writing, especially of the space battles, I will read more.
March 5, 2024
Could have been a heavy book discussing societal implications of rejuvenation practically making rich people immortal, but the author chose to focus on the adventure of rich spoiled brats and their aunts. Not going to continue with this series.
August 22, 2015
Following on in the footsteps of the first two books in the series, this is another satisfying installment. Cecelia and Heris continue to grow and to chart a path through the increasingly complicated military and political situation that confronts them. There is more outright battle in this book, and that is done very well.
Character work continues to be strong. Heris and Cecelia are fantastic, and so is Brun. George and Ronnie are annoying, but play their roles well. Admiral Serrano is wonderful.
Heris's Big Move before the battle is compelling reading and a lot of fun.
Weak points:
* The regeneration subplot is confusing and rather uninteresting.
* The Patchcock detours are weak, poorly paced, and have a glaringly annoying Gary Stu. They let down the climax of the book rather badly.
* Koutsoudas is another impossibly brilliant Gary Stu/deus ex machina.
* The world of Xavier has some wince-worthy stereotypes/cliches.
By the end of this book, both Heris and Cecelia are facing new roles and responsibilities. I fear they will be almost certainly split up in the next book, which is a pity (as I enjoy them together so much), but I see why it has to be that way. Hopefully the author continues to create new and wonderful characters for them to interact with in the rest of the series.
Character work continues to be strong. Heris and Cecelia are fantastic, and so is Brun. George and Ronnie are annoying, but play their roles well. Admiral Serrano is wonderful.
Heris's Big Move before the battle is compelling reading and a lot of fun.
Weak points:
* The regeneration subplot is confusing and rather uninteresting.
* The Patchcock detours are weak, poorly paced, and have a glaringly annoying Gary Stu. They let down the climax of the book rather badly.
* Koutsoudas is another impossibly brilliant Gary Stu/deus ex machina.
* The world of Xavier has some wince-worthy stereotypes/cliches.
By the end of this book, both Heris and Cecelia are facing new roles and responsibilities. I fear they will be almost certainly split up in the next book, which is a pity (as I enjoy them together so much), but I see why it has to be that way. Hopefully the author continues to create new and wonderful characters for them to interact with in the rest of the series.
February 11, 2024
This is a book series about how some people are just straight up better than other people. Characters win arguments and even naval battles because they Better People, and I was left feeling like I missed a key plot point explaining what they actually _did_ to earn the victory, beyond just being a Better Person. For Lesser People, the best happy ending is literally "[being] glad she was no longer trying to live up to that standard".
Honestly, this book series is kind of gross, and feels like stealth conservative propaganda. There is a strong chauvinism in favour of the military, where Fleet people are considered inherently superior to almost anyone else. I ended up resenting the main characters and rooting against them, because it felt like victory came to them too easily and too undeserved.
It also has really sudden jarring changes in plot, dropping plotlines, throwing in a random inconsequential side-story for half a chapter, and then suddenly resolving everything without really answering any questions. For instance, the book _almost_ gets interesting as it starts to talk about the societal consequences of a rich upper class becoming immortal, but it never really does anything much with the premise
Honestly, this book series is kind of gross, and feels like stealth conservative propaganda. There is a strong chauvinism in favour of the military, where Fleet people are considered inherently superior to almost anyone else. I ended up resenting the main characters and rooting against them, because it felt like victory came to them too easily and too undeserved.
It also has really sudden jarring changes in plot, dropping plotlines, throwing in a random inconsequential side-story for half a chapter, and then suddenly resolving everything without really answering any questions. For instance, the book _almost_ gets interesting as it starts to talk about the societal consequences of a rich upper class becoming immortal, but it never really does anything much with the premise
December 7, 2014
Finally a space battle! This is the first volume of the series that could be called space opera. And its not as hideously ponderous as David Weber's fleets.
That said, the book is a confusing melange. It feels like several different books squashed together. First we are in a traditional space battle, then we are in an upper class farce with strong aglophile overtones, then we are in a feminist manifesto promoting the superior qualities of old aunts as compared to pretty much anyone aside from young women who might be old aunts someday, and at last we are in a touching military family reunited scene. There are also two romances, carried over from previous books in the series, but aside from loyalty and in one case a chest covered with curly dark hair, we never get a sense as to why the men are attractive. In fact, they are so bland that really becoming an old aunt sans lover seems more interesting.
That said, the book is a confusing melange. It feels like several different books squashed together. First we are in a traditional space battle, then we are in an upper class farce with strong aglophile overtones, then we are in a feminist manifesto promoting the superior qualities of old aunts as compared to pretty much anyone aside from young women who might be old aunts someday, and at last we are in a touching military family reunited scene. There are also two romances, carried over from previous books in the series, but aside from loyalty and in one case a chest covered with curly dark hair, we never get a sense as to why the men are attractive. In fact, they are so bland that really becoming an old aunt sans lover seems more interesting.
February 22, 2016
If you liked the first two books, you'll like this one. The major changes between this book and the second in the series were mostly just writing-related. There was better pacing. There was a bit more plot and action for the side characters. There were some really fun character interactions.
There was also a very neat and tidy wrap-up to the books, at least for now. Everyone gets a resolution and a new path to head out on. For some, it may be too tidy, but for me, it gave me a nice sense of closure on the series, even though I know that there's another three-book sequence, featuring a new main character.
Speaking of which, this book did introduce the new main character, and I'm kind of looking forward to her. She seem like whatever ride she takes me on, it will be a fun one. Of course, I'm not sure when I'll be taking that ride, given the million other books I have on my list. But I know it'll happen eventually.
There was also a very neat and tidy wrap-up to the books, at least for now. Everyone gets a resolution and a new path to head out on. For some, it may be too tidy, but for me, it gave me a nice sense of closure on the series, even though I know that there's another three-book sequence, featuring a new main character.
Speaking of which, this book did introduce the new main character, and I'm kind of looking forward to her. She seem like whatever ride she takes me on, it will be a fun one. Of course, I'm not sure when I'll be taking that ride, given the million other books I have on my list. But I know it'll happen eventually.
July 16, 2009
This is the third book in the Serrano trilogy. And...while it's better than the last one, it still wasn't great. Honestly, the plot was kind of silly and there were parts where I wanted to punch Cecilia in this book (possibly related to some multi-book arc that will be developed in the second series set in this universe?? I haven't read them yet), but... I was still riveted, and once again stayed up Too Late, turning pages. More than once.
This one gets a little more into the military SF vein - there is a fight in space, Fleet shows up, and Heris's aunt-the-admiral even appears. Lots of good female characters, which is always nice. So, nothing amazing, but very readable.
This one gets a little more into the military SF vein - there is a fight in space, Fleet shows up, and Heris's aunt-the-admiral even appears. Lots of good female characters, which is always nice. So, nothing amazing, but very readable.
July 4, 2019
This is the third book in the Serrano Legacy by Elizabeth Moon. In this one Heris Serrano, late of the space navy has been forced to resign her commission. She comes from a long line of naval officers and a naval career is what she desired for her life. It went well for a while but then tragedy struck. Because of the actions of a venal admiral, she found herself disobeying orders. As a result, she faces a choice. She can resign for the good of the service and say nothing or she can stand trial with her entire crew. She chooses to protect her crew and winds up the captain of a rich lady's yacht. It is not a happy decision. In this one the charming rural planet of Xavier where Lady Cecelia wants to do some horse trading lies undefended, and the so-called Benignity of the Compassionate Hand, an enemy of the Familias Regnant, has it slated for scorching and annexation. They plan on building a forward base on Xavier in their bid to invade the Familias Regnant. All that stands between the enemy forces and Xavier's frightened population is Heris and her crew. With only an armed yacht, aided by a few armed shuttles, a snail-like unarmed ore carrier, and one barely armed and barely spaceworthy museum vintage starship. This book draws more upon Heris' military roots as she finds herself in command of this minuscule task force. Many of the different subplots will eventually link up in this book. The Familias are struggling to regroup with Bunny at the helm after the abdication of the King. Ronnie and Raffa have a relationship going against the wishes of their parents and are also on a secret mission for Bunny to Patchcock, where a wealthy Morreline heir has been killed by miners, which might get them killed. This book does a good job of tying up this part of the series and I am looking forward to the next book which will apparently have a mostly new cast of characters but will continue the storyline.
October 2, 2023
Best book of the series so far, this one brought together threads from the first two books—plus a few more—and for the most part wove them together in an exciting, interesting tapestry. The ending feels a little messy, like a final rush to weave together one too many threads. But then, it also involves the aunts cohering into a unit of terrifying and hilarious efficacy, so I really can’t complain.
The aunts steal the show, but it’s also gratifying to see members of the younger generation coming into their own …even as they begin to voice concerns over functionally immortal parents. That concern ties in to a welcome (if light) exploration of broader class and governance issues.
The aunts steal the show, but it’s also gratifying to see members of the younger generation coming into their own …even as they begin to voice concerns over functionally immortal parents. That concern ties in to a welcome (if light) exploration of broader class and governance issues.
February 9, 2021
Another re-read, and still good. I really enjoy the characters in the series - they're human, they have moments of brilliance and they make mistakes. They do unexpected things when necessity demands it of them. Just a good overall series.
December 19, 2020
Pas le bon moment pour le lire, je retenterais plus tard.
August 3, 2022
I read the Baen mass market paperback; the one with the hideous cover. This in the end of the initial Heris Serrano trilogy. Overall, they work well together; easy quick and enjoyable reads (although maybe a bit too much horsey stuff for some people). Multiple POV's featuring all the main characters you met in the previous two books, plus a couple of other new interesting ones. There are four more related books, but the next two feature a different MP, Esmay Suiza, who was introduced in this one, and she looks like she's going to be a fascinating character.
(r/Fantasy 2022 Bingo squares: Set in Space; No Ifs, Ands, or Buts; Family Matters)
(r/Fantasy 2022 Bingo squares: Set in Space; No Ifs, Ands, or Buts; Family Matters)
November 15, 2021
This is more a 2.5 review than a full three stars one.
Although the author has managed to create a believable fictional universe that feels lived in she is completely uninterested in doing anything with it that is not entirely surface level.
Here you have an aristocracy were the heirs to all the wealth of the nation are grown in vats and educated from birth just to inherit all of it, not that it matters because the present elites will now live forever anyways thanks to technologic innovation. This should be a great premise for exploring the tension that would come to be between the ruling classes and the 99,99999% that are left out of any political power, of any control on how their taxes and the fruits of their labors are used. But that is simply completely absent here. Sure, in this books there are maybe a couple hundred words or so dedicated to hinting to the fact that workers on one specific planet are violently upset over this situation but that really doesn't count because we don't even get to know any of them personally or what they actually actually think, all we know of their motivations comes either from the elites themselves giving a brief technical explanation of the specific features of this stock of human equipment at the end of the book or from an enemy infiltrator at the beginning of it.
We only ever get the perspective of the 0,000001% in these books which is a problem mainly because it would add so much to the universe and would be much more interesting to actually explore the few philosophical issues raised from many different perspectives and instead we only have one, at least throughout the first three books. In fact unfortunately it is confirmed here that Heris herself is where she is because of birthright as throughout the previous adventures she had been watched over by her aunt wo made sure she would get all the equipment and personnel she needed to succeed which cheapens so much the past achievements of our protagonist. As I said, only one perspective.
In fact at one point in this book a planet still full of people is nuked by an invading force and we hear nothing about it afterwards, but of course it was full of civilians (who are obviously utterly irrelevant if not part of the ruling class) and no very important persons who any of our protagonists are connected to via bloodline lived there so who cares, certainly not this book.
Now for the positives since I have complained enough already. The space combat is the best in the series so far and thoroughly enjoyable; the writer's real world military experience shines through. Heris is exposed as a flawed character much more than she was before and has to come to terms with it (though it is once again through the aunt-ex-machina plot device that makes much of this book read like parody). I also liked how we went back to the clones for a while to see how they are doing and to see they weren't feeling too patriotic towards their home nation that used them as non human security devices.
This review is long enough by now, in conclusion if you liked the first two books you'll probably like this one too, though if you, like me, were hoping the series was ever gonna go somewhere when it comes to exploring the political and philosophical ideas it just keeps hinting to, you'll be somewhat disappointed.
Although the author has managed to create a believable fictional universe that feels lived in she is completely uninterested in doing anything with it that is not entirely surface level.
Here you have an aristocracy were the heirs to all the wealth of the nation are grown in vats and educated from birth just to inherit all of it, not that it matters because the present elites will now live forever anyways thanks to technologic innovation. This should be a great premise for exploring the tension that would come to be between the ruling classes and the 99,99999% that are left out of any political power, of any control on how their taxes and the fruits of their labors are used. But that is simply completely absent here. Sure, in this books there are maybe a couple hundred words or so dedicated to hinting to the fact that workers on one specific planet are violently upset over this situation but that really doesn't count because we don't even get to know any of them personally or what they actually actually think, all we know of their motivations comes either from the elites themselves giving a brief technical explanation of the specific features of this stock of human equipment at the end of the book or from an enemy infiltrator at the beginning of it.
We only ever get the perspective of the 0,000001% in these books which is a problem mainly because it would add so much to the universe and would be much more interesting to actually explore the few philosophical issues raised from many different perspectives and instead we only have one, at least throughout the first three books. In fact unfortunately it is confirmed here that Heris herself is where she is because of birthright as throughout the previous adventures she had been watched over by her aunt wo made sure she would get all the equipment and personnel she needed to succeed which cheapens so much the past achievements of our protagonist. As I said, only one perspective.
In fact at one point in this book a planet still full of people is nuked by an invading force and we hear nothing about it afterwards, but of course it was full of civilians (who are obviously utterly irrelevant if not part of the ruling class) and no very important persons who any of our protagonists are connected to via bloodline lived there so who cares, certainly not this book.
Now for the positives since I have complained enough already. The space combat is the best in the series so far and thoroughly enjoyable; the writer's real world military experience shines through. Heris is exposed as a flawed character much more than she was before and has to come to terms with it (though it is once again through the aunt-ex-machina plot device that makes much of this book read like parody). I also liked how we went back to the clones for a while to see how they are doing and to see they weren't feeling too patriotic towards their home nation that used them as non human security devices.
This review is long enough by now, in conclusion if you liked the first two books you'll probably like this one too, though if you, like me, were hoping the series was ever gonna go somewhere when it comes to exploring the political and philosophical ideas it just keeps hinting to, you'll be somewhat disappointed.
May 25, 2022
The only good thing about this book was the brief discussion of the societal implications of having a wealthy ruling class that might become functionally immortal.
Everything else was pretty terrible; indeed, exaggerated to the point almost of farce.
Literally everyone is related. Visit any spaceship in the Fleet and apparently they will all be cousins of the crew on every other ship.
Every character has a Cool Aunt. Not a cool parent, but specifically a Cool Aunt.
Entire multi-system space empires are apparently smaller than American college campuses. Send six separate people into the next space empire over and they will all PHYSICALLY BUMP INTO EACH OTHER by accident within two days.
The plot leading to the space battle didn't make sense why anyone would do what they were doing or how. The space battle itself was confusing and boring at the same time.
There's a subplot about horse breeding in which I didn't mind all the horse stuff except that it _didn't go anywhere_! It was just some filler to provide a wacky coincidence to put Lady Cecilia on exactly the wrong planet.
The entirety of starfleet has no plan for dealing with an invasion other than hoping that Lady Cecilia will coincidentally happen to stop at the right planet and stay there until an invasion occurs so that our heroine will somehow magically save the day with her unique skill of being a main character?
Murdering a bunch of people out of hand to show how tough and no-nonsense the heroine is doesn't win points.
No one ever has any emotional reaction to people dying. Old friends? People you went to school with? Trusted companion for decades? Busload of innocent civilians? All met with a shrug. (No, wait, one person's Cool Aunt reacts to her death with a momentary quiver of chin and is at least somewhat angry that it happened. Otherwise, no one cares.)
I could go on, but basically, this book rapidly nosedives from readable to "just make it stop". Would one-star except for the mild interest of the rejuvenation discussion.
Everything else was pretty terrible; indeed, exaggerated to the point almost of farce.
Literally everyone is related. Visit any spaceship in the Fleet and apparently they will all be cousins of the crew on every other ship.
Every character has a Cool Aunt. Not a cool parent, but specifically a Cool Aunt.
Entire multi-system space empires are apparently smaller than American college campuses. Send six separate people into the next space empire over and they will all PHYSICALLY BUMP INTO EACH OTHER by accident within two days.
The plot leading to the space battle didn't make sense why anyone would do what they were doing or how. The space battle itself was confusing and boring at the same time.
There's a subplot about horse breeding in which I didn't mind all the horse stuff except that it _didn't go anywhere_! It was just some filler to provide a wacky coincidence to put Lady Cecilia on exactly the wrong planet.
The entirety of starfleet has no plan for dealing with an invasion other than hoping that Lady Cecilia will coincidentally happen to stop at the right planet and stay there until an invasion occurs so that our heroine will somehow magically save the day with her unique skill of being a main character?
Murdering a bunch of people out of hand to show how tough and no-nonsense the heroine is doesn't win points.
No one ever has any emotional reaction to people dying. Old friends? People you went to school with? Trusted companion for decades? Busload of innocent civilians? All met with a shrug. (No, wait, one person's Cool Aunt reacts to her death with a momentary quiver of chin and is at least somewhat angry that it happened. Otherwise, no one cares.)
I could go on, but basically, this book rapidly nosedives from readable to "just make it stop". Would one-star except for the mild interest of the rejuvenation discussion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
A good conclusion of one story arc and just a hint of a new one.
Heris Serrano still in tow of the eccentric Lady "aunt" Cecelia. Having recovered just a bit from the events in the previous book are yet again in the pursuit of horses. And by what should be a familiar theme by now. Things go easily and at a sedate pace, handling the mundanities of running a ship in space... until they do not.
Thing go just a bit wobbly when the planetary government of Xavier asks Haris to offer "advice" on a "little problem" regarding some "raiders". Seeing the writing on the wall all the way from orbit, she asks for help. Except the help that arrives, isn't the help she wanted, or helps she can trust.
Well Heris good luck fighting a space battle in a souped up pleasure yacht...
In short a good book where the characters are still great and the story fun.
If you liked the second novel, you'll love the third one.
Heris Serrano still in tow of the eccentric Lady "aunt" Cecelia. Having recovered just a bit from the events in the previous book are yet again in the pursuit of horses. And by what should be a familiar theme by now. Things go easily and at a sedate pace, handling the mundanities of running a ship in space... until they do not.
Thing go just a bit wobbly when the planetary government of Xavier asks Haris to offer "advice" on a "little problem" regarding some "raiders". Seeing the writing on the wall all the way from orbit, she asks for help. Except the help that arrives, isn't the help she wanted, or helps she can trust.
Well Heris good luck fighting a space battle in a souped up pleasure yacht...
In short a good book where the characters are still great and the story fun.
If you liked the second novel, you'll love the third one.
June 10, 2017
My biggest problem with this series is that I in know way feel like I know the main character Heris, she remains a shallow cardboard cut out. There was a lot happening in this book - but I felt like the delivery should have been smarter - that Heris and the gang should have used more stealth and tricks to win against the larger foe. Instead we had a very dry battle that was kind of boring. Ronnie and George continue to stumble about in the background. Brun and even Raffa, step up once more. I get the feeling the author either doesn't like or respect her male characters or just doesn't care about them.
May 22, 2012
I was really itching to read this, after the second book. It had some interesting and clever moments, but I was disappointed that it didn't go into any real detail about Esmay Suiza's adventures. (She's the heroine of the next four books in this series/setting.)
November 27, 2015
Entirely too many plots.
March 8, 2015
Weakest of the three (that I've read so far). Too much horsey stuff again and things a little too convenient in the end. Still, enjoyed it and will read the other Seranno books soon.
December 31, 2019
Rejuvenation causes political stress and neighboring empires try to expand. A bit of philosophy about what could happen in a world were people don't die. Not very much though.
January 15, 2024
Краят на трилогията за Херис Серано, но не и на света на Фамилиите.
Конете се завърнаха с пълна сила, за да наваксат пропуснатото във втората книга. И ако в първата ловът на лисици ми беше интересен като възстановка, то тук, онзи конен спорт в който добре облечени хора водят коне из стадион и прескачат разни препятствия, си остана абсолютно непонятен. Поне следващия път, когато засека по евроспорт три, примерно, такова предаване, ще знам горе-долу какво да гледам. За капак лейди Сисилия се отбива да си пазари семе за разплод и се наложи да изчета брутална лекция по конска генетика... Все пак нещата са написани с не малко любов, което оправдава цялото нещо.
Това настрана, в тази част авторката не е успяла да балансира сюжетните си линии до еднородна сплав. До толкова, че микропика на втората третина ми се стори по-логично да размени мястото си с финалния конфликт, но няма как точно да се получи, без да се пренапише цялата книга.
Докато Херис и Сисилия са на забутана планета, издържаща се основно с отглеждане на породисти коне, се натъкват на сериозен проблем. Колонията е периодично тормозена от мародери на „Състрадателната ръка“, които този път са решили да я превземат, защото, макар и невзрачна, чисто стратегически е удобна за база за бъдеща експанзия. Планетата има ограничен защитен ресурс, а командващият пристигналата изневиделица военна помощ очевидно е на хранилка при „Ръката“. На Херис ще ѝ се наложи да вземе решение остро балансиращо между дълг и измяна.
През това време новият Председател на Фамилиите е в безизходица и решава да изпрати Рони и Джордж на мисия да разучат дали в лекарството за дълголетие няма някакви проблеми. Те са олигофрени и естествено трябва да изпрати и Рафаела да ги спасява след няма и две седмици. Проучването на младежите ще ги отведе на планета извън границите на Фамилиите, където „Ръката“ подтиква местното население към бунт.
Като изключим конете, които са мой проблем, все пак знаех с какво се захващам още преди първата книга, поредицата придобива вид на доста прилична фантастика. Засегнати са проблеми като сегрегация, политически усложнения породени от дълголетие, колонизация, клониране както и няколко доста щекотливи за времето, когато е писана книгата теми. Хареса ми как авторката изгражда субкултура при „обновените“. Космическата битка беше доста колоритна и добре разиграна, както и политическата ситуация на миньорската планета.
Появява се за кратко и Есме, която ще изиграе главна роля в следващите книги. Надявам се Мун да не изостави добре развиващите се герои в забвение, а да продължи да работи по леко объркващия си мултисюжетен прийом.
Конете се завърнаха с пълна сила, за да наваксат пропуснатото във втората книга. И ако в първата ловът на лисици ми беше интересен като възстановка, то тук, онзи конен спорт в който добре облечени хора водят коне из стадион и прескачат разни препятствия, си остана абсолютно непонятен. Поне следващия път, когато засека по евроспорт три, примерно, такова предаване, ще знам горе-долу какво да гледам. За капак лейди Сисилия се отбива да си пазари семе за разплод и се наложи да изчета брутална лекция по конска генетика... Все пак нещата са написани с не малко любов, което оправдава цялото нещо.
Това настрана, в тази част авторката не е успяла да балансира сюжетните си линии до еднородна сплав. До толкова, че микропика на втората третина ми се стори по-логично да размени мястото си с финалния конфликт, но няма как точно да се получи, без да се пренапише цялата книга.
Докато Херис и Сисилия са на забутана планета, издържаща се основно с отглеждане на породисти коне, се натъкват на сериозен проблем. Колонията е периодично тормозена от мародери на „Състрадателната ръка“, които този път са решили да я превземат, защото, макар и невзрачна, чисто стратегически е удобна за база за бъдеща експанзия. Планетата има ограничен защитен ресурс, а командващият пристигналата изневиделица военна помощ очевидно е на хранилка при „Ръката“. На Херис ще ѝ се наложи да вземе решение остро балансиращо между дълг и измяна.
През това време новият Председател на Фамилиите е в безизходица и решава да изпрати Рони и Джордж на мисия да разучат дали в лекарството за дълголетие няма някакви проблеми. Те са олигофрени и естествено трябва да изпрати и Рафаела да ги спасява след няма и две седмици. Проучването на младежите ще ги отведе на планета извън границите на Фамилиите, където „Ръката“ подтиква местното население към бунт.
Като изключим конете, които са мой проблем, все пак знаех с какво се захващам още преди първата книга, поредицата придобива вид на доста прилична фантастика. Засегнати са проблеми като сегрегация, политически усложнения породени от дълголетие, колонизация, клониране както и няколко доста щекотливи за времето, когато е писана книгата теми. Хареса ми как авторката изгражда субкултура при „обновените“. Космическата битка беше доста колоритна и добре разиграна, както и политическата ситуация на миньорската планета.
Появява се за кратко и Есме, която ще изиграе главна роля в следващите книги. Надявам се Мун да не изостави добре развиващите се герои в забвение, а да продължи да работи по леко объркващия си мултисюжетен прийом.
April 26, 2024
I rather enjoyed Winning Colors; not quite as much as I did Hunting Party, but more than I did Sporting Chance. I still give it 5 stars - just a lesser 5 stars than I gave Hunting Party.
I really enjoyed how much Elizabeth Moon developed the galaxy, giving a sense that people exist in the galaxy outside of the aristocracy (and those in their employ) and the military. The Familias Regnant is struggling to hold together, showing real consequences from the previous book. Another thing I enjoyed was the fact that the lead characters are older people, especially older women; books with such lead characters do not frequently cross my path in sci-fi.
There was less talk about horses in this book as well, but it was still there. I imagine that this will be a constant throughout The Serrano Legacy, or at least in the books with Heris Serrano and Cecelia de Marktos as leading characters. I don’t find the horse stuff overly interesting, but I do appreciate the consistency and how it is a point of difference between Heris & Cecelia.
The weakest part of the book was in its scene transitions. There were times where I would have to reread paragraphs to try to figure out if I just missed the change or if it really just shifted without notice. Each time, it just shifted without notice.
Though it wasn’t the point of the book, it would have been interesting to discuss the ethics and consequences of rejuvenation; especially in a society where only the rich can afford it while the rest of us have to face mortality. Cecelia was initially against becoming a Rejuvenant, and now that she is one, she doesn’t plan on undergoing the life-extension procedure again; however, Heris is not a Rejuvenant, and though she is younger than Cecelia, she is physically older. Not only would exploring the class divide with rejuvenation, but also exploring the divide between those who would and would not seek immortality would be interesting.
I don’t think I would become a Rejuvenant (if I could ever afford it). But that’s for a different post.
I really enjoyed how much Elizabeth Moon developed the galaxy, giving a sense that people exist in the galaxy outside of the aristocracy (and those in their employ) and the military. The Familias Regnant is struggling to hold together, showing real consequences from the previous book. Another thing I enjoyed was the fact that the lead characters are older people, especially older women; books with such lead characters do not frequently cross my path in sci-fi.
There was less talk about horses in this book as well, but it was still there. I imagine that this will be a constant throughout The Serrano Legacy, or at least in the books with Heris Serrano and Cecelia de Marktos as leading characters. I don’t find the horse stuff overly interesting, but I do appreciate the consistency and how it is a point of difference between Heris & Cecelia.
The weakest part of the book was in its scene transitions. There were times where I would have to reread paragraphs to try to figure out if I just missed the change or if it really just shifted without notice. Each time, it just shifted without notice.
Though it wasn’t the point of the book, it would have been interesting to discuss the ethics and consequences of rejuvenation; especially in a society where only the rich can afford it while the rest of us have to face mortality. Cecelia was initially against becoming a Rejuvenant, and now that she is one, she doesn’t plan on undergoing the life-extension procedure again; however, Heris is not a Rejuvenant, and though she is younger than Cecelia, she is physically older. Not only would exploring the class divide with rejuvenation, but also exploring the divide between those who would and would not seek immortality would be interesting.
I don’t think I would become a Rejuvenant (if I could ever afford it). But that’s for a different post.
October 21, 2023
I’d give this a 3.5, I believe. Some scenes are a trifle predictable. There are several events referred to ( Cecelia being in a rest home?) that had me checking to see if I’d missed a novel after Hunting Party. Evidently I didn’t, but some other plot lines also left odd gaps in character histories.
In the mystic, unexplained recent past, Cecelia has been involved in a major battle with her family that leaves Heris an owner of the yacht. There has been some political rebellion going on, based on planets that specialize in breeding race horses. Naturally, Cecelia wants to visit these worlds to inspect horses, while a grand niece has disappeared investigating issues on these planets. Ceceliachas had another Rejuvenation treatment, and is considering returning to racing. This leads to THREE very powerful “ little old ladies” checking things out.
In the mystic, unexplained recent past, Cecelia has been involved in a major battle with her family that leaves Heris an owner of the yacht. There has been some political rebellion going on, based on planets that specialize in breeding race horses. Naturally, Cecelia wants to visit these worlds to inspect horses, while a grand niece has disappeared investigating issues on these planets. Ceceliachas had another Rejuvenation treatment, and is considering returning to racing. This leads to THREE very powerful “ little old ladies” checking things out.
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January 23, 2024Finally got to read this one, without which the following books are a bit confusing! it's got a slow start (almost up to the midsection), and two separate plotlines which get you wondering if they will converge. There's more Heris Serrano derring-do and space battles, and we are introduced to Esmay Suiza for the first time. But the best part of this is a certain Wodehouse-like effusion of aunts.... There is a repeated theme of "On the occasions when Aunt is calling Aunt like mastodons bellowing across premieval swamps and Uncle James's letter about Cousin Mabel's peculiar behaviour is being shot round the family circle ('Please read this carefully and send it on Jane')..." which I cannot elaborate on without giving spoilers. Also there's a stunning hotel. Most of it, of course, cannot be elaborated on without spoilers... "Do shut up, George."
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