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The Unintentional Adventures of Kia and Agatha
The Salarian Desert Game
"What if someone you love gambled on her life... "
Games are serious business on Salaria, and the stakes are high. When Kia's older sister, in a desperate bid to erase their family debt, loses the game and forfeits her freedom, Kia is determined to rescue her.
When Kia arrives on Salaria, she learns it s a world where a few key players control the board, and the pawns are ready to revolt. Kia joins the conflict in order to save her sister. As if she doesn't already have enough to handle, Agatha, the maddeningly calm Select who lives life both by-the-book and off-the-cuff -- and always at the wrong time, according to Kia -- shows up to help, along with handsome Norio, a strong-willed desert girl with her own agenda, and a group of Salarian teens earning their rite of passage in the treacherous desert game.
What can an interpreter and former thief possibly do in the midst of all this to keep the people she loves alive?"
Games are serious business on Salaria, and the stakes are high. When Kia's older sister, in a desperate bid to erase their family debt, loses the game and forfeits her freedom, Kia is determined to rescue her.
When Kia arrives on Salaria, she learns it s a world where a few key players control the board, and the pawns are ready to revolt. Kia joins the conflict in order to save her sister. As if she doesn't already have enough to handle, Agatha, the maddeningly calm Select who lives life both by-the-book and off-the-cuff -- and always at the wrong time, according to Kia -- shows up to help, along with handsome Norio, a strong-willed desert girl with her own agenda, and a group of Salarian teens earning their rite of passage in the treacherous desert game.
What can an interpreter and former thief possibly do in the midst of all this to keep the people she loves alive?"
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
280 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2016
279 people want to read
About the author
J.A. McLachlan
9 books71 followersJ. A. McLachlan (also known as Jane Ann McLachlan) is a multi-genre Canadian author. She has ten published books: Three Historical Fiction novels, The Lode Stone; The Sorrow Stone; and The Girl Who Would Be Queen; IMPACT: A Memoir of PTSD; a short story collection, CONNECTIONS (Pandora Press); two College texts on Professional Ethics (Pearson-Prentice Hall); a science fiction novel, Walls of Wind (self-published); and two young adult fiction novels, The Occasional Diamond Thief and The Salarian Desert Game (EDGE SF&F Publishing).
Visit her website to learn more and read excerpts from her books: http://www.janeannmclachlan.com
Praise for Walls of Wind:
"Look out, C. J. Cherryh! Step aside, Hal Clement! There's a new master of truly alien SF, and her name is J. A. McLachlan. THE WALLS OF WIND is doubtless THE debut novel of the year."
~ Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning science fiction author
Tamora Pierce read Occasional Diamond Thief and The Salarian Desert Game and said:
"Tense, thrilling, edge-of-the-seat reading--I tore through this! Kia and Agatha are a fascinating pair, Kia so practical, down-to-earth, and wilful; Agatha so mystical and driven. More, please!"
~ Tamora Pierce
Visit her website to learn more and read excerpts from her books: http://www.janeannmclachlan.com
Praise for Walls of Wind:
"Look out, C. J. Cherryh! Step aside, Hal Clement! There's a new master of truly alien SF, and her name is J. A. McLachlan. THE WALLS OF WIND is doubtless THE debut novel of the year."
~ Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning science fiction author
Tamora Pierce read Occasional Diamond Thief and The Salarian Desert Game and said:
"Tense, thrilling, edge-of-the-seat reading--I tore through this! Kia and Agatha are a fascinating pair, Kia so practical, down-to-earth, and wilful; Agatha so mystical and driven. More, please!"
~ Tamora Pierce
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2016
*****Originally posted here on my blog. Not a bad follow up to book one. Contains spoilers******
I was soo happy when I found out we were going to see Kia (and Agatha) in action again, since The Occasional Diamond Thief. (Which coincidentally, I review almost around the exact same time last year) And while we do not get to see really Kia utilize her occasionally needed formidable skill set, The Salarian Desert Game actually depicts Kia stealing something that is very tip of the hat worthy. Kia steals an identity, but not the run of the mill paper work identity; she even changes her appearance. Disguised as the daughter of a lost/banished Salarian, Kia rather Idaro, finds herself once again being called to duty to server/assist in an ubber secret O.U.B. mission.
And she accepts? Kia?? I know, sounds weird, but you know Kia has alternative motives. Her older sister Oghogho has been forced onto the planet to pay off a debt and Kia sets out on a mission to find and rescue her, but we, and Kia, quickly realize that on Salaria, that is easier said than down as the planet is on the brims of a Civil War between the two societies inhabiting it.
What I liked about this book was that the author takes the mechanics from book one and places them in this entirely new environment, which really made this book feel freshly independent from the previous story to an extent. (Sometimes, you just need a sequel to not feel like a full-fledged sequel, you know? Makes it more enjoyable.)
If I'm honest, it was a bit of an adjustment in the beginning to fully accept and comprehend that Kia's next heist/mission would force her to drastically alter her appearance. It was also an adjustment (and bummer) to see that Kia and Agatha were not going to be around each other as much, but Agatha's character—as unpredictably loveable as she is—really surprised me in this book and I loved the fact that we're able to learn more about her past.
I also really enjoyed how Kia's character was able to gain her own amount of closure regarding the loss of her parents, friends and a sense of self, even if she were impersonating Idaro. And of course, I loved the implications in the back of the book that hint at the possibility to see Kia again in another adventure in the future.
The one thing that is really starting to get on my nerves thought and Kia's, is the O.U.B. and it's constant manipulation and interference in her life. They've requested her help (with not much choice behind it) in both books and not only was her life put into danger, but in the end a family member has ended up dead or hurt! I liked that Kia herself was steadily growing impatient and fed up with the O.U.B. using her for these assignments when ever there was a 'vision' and I'm just hoping she stays true to that resolve next time around.
The Salarian Desert Game and The Occasional Diamond Thief are great adventure and sci-fi YA fiction books with a smart, sassy and independent POC female lead protagonist and I'd recommend them both to every one.
I was soo happy when I found out we were going to see Kia (and Agatha) in action again, since The Occasional Diamond Thief. (Which coincidentally, I review almost around the exact same time last year) And while we do not get to see really Kia utilize her occasionally needed formidable skill set, The Salarian Desert Game actually depicts Kia stealing something that is very tip of the hat worthy. Kia steals an identity, but not the run of the mill paper work identity; she even changes her appearance. Disguised as the daughter of a lost/banished Salarian, Kia rather Idaro, finds herself once again being called to duty to server/assist in an ubber secret O.U.B. mission.
And she accepts? Kia?? I know, sounds weird, but you know Kia has alternative motives. Her older sister Oghogho has been forced onto the planet to pay off a debt and Kia sets out on a mission to find and rescue her, but we, and Kia, quickly realize that on Salaria, that is easier said than down as the planet is on the brims of a Civil War between the two societies inhabiting it.
What I liked about this book was that the author takes the mechanics from book one and places them in this entirely new environment, which really made this book feel freshly independent from the previous story to an extent. (Sometimes, you just need a sequel to not feel like a full-fledged sequel, you know? Makes it more enjoyable.)
If I'm honest, it was a bit of an adjustment in the beginning to fully accept and comprehend that Kia's next heist/mission would force her to drastically alter her appearance. It was also an adjustment (and bummer) to see that Kia and Agatha were not going to be around each other as much, but Agatha's character—as unpredictably loveable as she is—really surprised me in this book and I loved the fact that we're able to learn more about her past.
I also really enjoyed how Kia's character was able to gain her own amount of closure regarding the loss of her parents, friends and a sense of self, even if she were impersonating Idaro. And of course, I loved the implications in the back of the book that hint at the possibility to see Kia again in another adventure in the future.
The one thing that is really starting to get on my nerves thought and Kia's, is the O.U.B. and it's constant manipulation and interference in her life. They've requested her help (with not much choice behind it) in both books and not only was her life put into danger, but in the end a family member has ended up dead or hurt! I liked that Kia herself was steadily growing impatient and fed up with the O.U.B. using her for these assignments when ever there was a 'vision' and I'm just hoping she stays true to that resolve next time around.
The Salarian Desert Game and The Occasional Diamond Thief are great adventure and sci-fi YA fiction books with a smart, sassy and independent POC female lead protagonist and I'd recommend them both to every one.
August 21, 2016
This is the second book in a series, and I think it would help to have read the first in order to have the world building context, especially related to the OUB. There are also a number of references to that book, but they aren't spoilers.
This book takes place a little while after the first ends. Kia is still 16, and is now in school studying translation and interpretation. She's in a desperate spot as her sister has lost a bet and been committed to a period of indentured servitude that she may not survive. Suddenly she is contacted by the OUB and brought into a scheme that could help her in her efforts to save her sister, but would require a lot of controls on her behavior that would hinder her. She is also rather anti-authority, but is only one girl and doesn't have the resources of an official, intergalactic organization. All she has are her smarts to try to get the most benefit from the situation as possible.
The preparation for the trip is emotionally and physically demanding for Kia. It causes her to revisit her childhood and memories she had wanted to leave behind. So, even before leaving her home world she is forced to grow as a person. Once she arrives, she is faced with immersing herself in a different culture, one where she doesn't know who to trust, and with the knowledge that she will die if she messes up even a small amount. She struggles with the different climate, with having to spend time with a lot of other girls her age, and with the mission, which isn't going as she expected.
The game of the title is a coming-of-age ceremony that is unique to the culture and which Kia hopes she doesn't have to experience. She is trained, a bit, and along the way tries to figure out what is going on, how to find her sister, and how to survive a world in turmoil. She makes and loses friends despite herself, and finds herself troubled by her ready ability to connect with the head of a large family that uses a legal fiction for slavery that kills many people to support its riches.
While Agatha, who she met in the first book, is also on this trip, she doesn't spend much time with her. However, her relationship with Agatha does help at the end as they understand each other and trust each other. While she expects to translate, she does less of this than expected, though it is very important when she does.
In the end, Kia is changed by the experience in fundamental ways. She has learned the value of a circle of friends and sees some positives in her difficult childhood that she hadn't recognized before. The book moves more consistently through the plot than the first book, which took me a bit to get into. This one I stayed up late to finish. I just wish there had been a bit more on the aftermath of the trip . Make sure you check out the Easter egg in the acknowledgements. That was very well done as I think many don't bother to read that section, but it fits with Kia's personality perfectly.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
This book takes place a little while after the first ends. Kia is still 16, and is now in school studying translation and interpretation. She's in a desperate spot as her sister has lost a bet and been committed to a period of indentured servitude that she may not survive. Suddenly she is contacted by the OUB and brought into a scheme that could help her in her efforts to save her sister, but would require a lot of controls on her behavior that would hinder her. She is also rather anti-authority, but is only one girl and doesn't have the resources of an official, intergalactic organization. All she has are her smarts to try to get the most benefit from the situation as possible.
The preparation for the trip is emotionally and physically demanding for Kia. It causes her to revisit her childhood and memories she had wanted to leave behind. So, even before leaving her home world she is forced to grow as a person. Once she arrives, she is faced with immersing herself in a different culture, one where she doesn't know who to trust, and with the knowledge that she will die if she messes up even a small amount. She struggles with the different climate, with having to spend time with a lot of other girls her age, and with the mission, which isn't going as she expected.
The game of the title is a coming-of-age ceremony that is unique to the culture and which Kia hopes she doesn't have to experience. She is trained, a bit, and along the way tries to figure out what is going on, how to find her sister, and how to survive a world in turmoil. She makes and loses friends despite herself, and finds herself troubled by her ready ability to connect with the head of a large family that uses a legal fiction for slavery that kills many people to support its riches.
While Agatha, who she met in the first book, is also on this trip, she doesn't spend much time with her. However, her relationship with Agatha does help at the end as they understand each other and trust each other. While she expects to translate, she does less of this than expected, though it is very important when she does.
In the end, Kia is changed by the experience in fundamental ways. She has learned the value of a circle of friends and sees some positives in her difficult childhood that she hadn't recognized before. The book moves more consistently through the plot than the first book, which took me a bit to get into. This one I stayed up late to finish. I just wish there had been a bit more on the aftermath of the trip . Make sure you check out the Easter egg in the acknowledgements. That was very well done as I think many don't bother to read that section, but it fits with Kia's personality perfectly.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
April 11, 2016
The Salarian Desert Game is the second installment of the story of young interpreter Kia and her language-challenged client, Agatha, a diplomat. The first book, The Occasional Diamond Thief, introduced us to a multi-planetary society where differences in geography and history produced a variety of cultures.
This time, Kia and Agatha are off to a desert planet with important mineral resources. Their official business is rather murky, but Kia’s secret reason to take on this mission is very concrete — to rescue her sister from deadly work in the mines. Kia’s cover puts her squarely on the board of a dangerous coming-of-age ritual, a game waged by 15-year-old girls.
More thoughts on my blog, including reflections on the past and present of my teen-age friendships: The Salarian Desert Game
This time, Kia and Agatha are off to a desert planet with important mineral resources. Their official business is rather murky, but Kia’s secret reason to take on this mission is very concrete — to rescue her sister from deadly work in the mines. Kia’s cover puts her squarely on the board of a dangerous coming-of-age ritual, a game waged by 15-year-old girls.
More thoughts on my blog, including reflections on the past and present of my teen-age friendships: The Salarian Desert Game
July 21, 2016
The Salarian desert game by McLachlan is a fast-paced story, mainly in the searing heat of the desert. Kia agrees to go to Salaria as Idaro with her end goal to release her sister from slavery. Before this can happen, she meets her supposedly grandmother who is estranged from her daughter, Idaro's mother. Various people along the way help her though she loses one in an explosion. Kia's Select friend, Agatha, needs the interpreter skills of Kia and together they help bring about peace on Salaria.
April 30, 2018
On the desert planet of Salaria, games are taken very seriously. Losers in the Salarian Desert Game are required to spend several years as an indentured servant/slave in the crystal mines to pay off their debt. Kia is a translator for the Order of Universal Brotherhood (sort of like the religious police). She is determined to go to Salaria to rescue her sister. Just before she is ready to leave, she is ordered to accompany Agatha, as her translator, to Salaria. There has been a vision, so the mission is more important than anything. Kia has surgery to become Idaro, daughter of Philana, who left Salaria many years previously, in opposition to the way things were. Philana helps Kia to become Idaro.
Salaria is a matriarchal planet. The men are a little better than slaves. As a rite of passage, all fifteen-year-old girls are sent into the desert on a survival mission. Kia/Idaro is included. The idea is that the girls will bond with others, and choose their triad. It's stronger than marriage, and it's for life. Women are not identified by family names, but by the triad of which they are a part.
As soon as they arrive on Salaria, Kia and Agatha are separated. Kia realizes that Salaria is on the verge of civil war. Kia first has to convince Ryo, the matriarch of her triad, that she really is Idaro. Kia also knows that if she makes one wrong move, joining her sister in the mines will be the least of her problems. She joins the other "fifteens" in the desert, and almost does not return. The others run the gamut, from decent, reasonable people to those with their own agendas. Do Kia/Idaro and Agatha ever find each other? Does the planet erupt in civil war? Does Kia rescue her sister? Can Idaro do anything about the slavery on Salaria?
This is an excellent novel. The author does a fine job at making the reader care about the characters, especially Kia. The story explores a number of subjects. Even though it is marketed as a Young Adult novel, adults will also enjoy it.
Salaria is a matriarchal planet. The men are a little better than slaves. As a rite of passage, all fifteen-year-old girls are sent into the desert on a survival mission. Kia/Idaro is included. The idea is that the girls will bond with others, and choose their triad. It's stronger than marriage, and it's for life. Women are not identified by family names, but by the triad of which they are a part.
As soon as they arrive on Salaria, Kia and Agatha are separated. Kia realizes that Salaria is on the verge of civil war. Kia first has to convince Ryo, the matriarch of her triad, that she really is Idaro. Kia also knows that if she makes one wrong move, joining her sister in the mines will be the least of her problems. She joins the other "fifteens" in the desert, and almost does not return. The others run the gamut, from decent, reasonable people to those with their own agendas. Do Kia/Idaro and Agatha ever find each other? Does the planet erupt in civil war? Does Kia rescue her sister? Can Idaro do anything about the slavery on Salaria?
This is an excellent novel. The author does a fine job at making the reader care about the characters, especially Kia. The story explores a number of subjects. Even though it is marketed as a Young Adult novel, adults will also enjoy it.
August 27, 2017
You can find my review of The Salarian Desert Game on my scifi & fantasy book blog.
In summary: I'd recommend The Salarian Desert Game to any reader who has no prejudice against science fiction or YA novels. It's a great read. However, even though it stands well on its own feet, I would also recommend starting with its predecessor, The Occasional Diamond Thief.
In summary: I'd recommend The Salarian Desert Game to any reader who has no prejudice against science fiction or YA novels. It's a great read. However, even though it stands well on its own feet, I would also recommend starting with its predecessor, The Occasional Diamond Thief.
June 11, 2017
A solid follow up to The Occassional Diamond Thief. Strong characters become stronger as they face all that is thrown at them.
July 25, 2020
I want more!
Kia is smart, brave, and charismatic. She is put into impossible situations and somehow manages to hang on. I want her in my triad!
Kia is smart, brave, and charismatic. She is put into impossible situations and somehow manages to hang on. I want her in my triad!
April 11, 2016
In my review of Jane Ann’s first Kia and Agatha novel, The Occasional Diamond Thief, I said that Kia learns the truth about herself by learning the truth about others.
This trend continues in The Salarian Desert Game.
Kia, not long returned from her adventures on Malem, is translating at The Salarian Night Games, a form of high stakes gambling, in which losers agree to indentured servitude in the Salarian crystal mines until their debt is paid.
Her sister plays, and loses, and Kia, though prevented by doing anything in the moment but protesting because of her role as translator, determines to travel to Salaria and free her sister.
As she is preparing to depart, she is summoned by the OUB, the interplanetary religious authority. Yes, she must go to Salaria, but as translator for the Select Agatha, and she is forbidden from attempting to save her sister. The mission is all. It was foreseen in a vision and cannot be denied or abandoned.
Worse, Kia will not only have to travel in disguise, but the OUB asks her to surgically erase her identity and assume that of Idaro, a half-Salarian girl who died years earlier.
When Agatha and Kia, sorry Idaro, arrive on Salaria, they are separated and everything falls apart. Alone, Idaro visits her estranged grandmother, Matriarch Ryo, and tries to figure out what she can do to find and help Agatha and get back on her mission to save her sister.
To maintain her cover, though, Idaro must join the Salarian Desert Games, a coming of age ceremony which pits fifteen year old girls against the desert of Salaria and its poisonous denizens. It’s survival of the fittest, and Idaro must survive more than the desert’s snakes and scorpions and the distrust and schemes of her fellow candidates.
The scope of this novel is on a grand societal scale, addressing racism, slavery, misandrogy (Salaria is a Matriarchy), terrorism, and the other consequences these institutionalized practices.
In discovering this alien world, Kia, and the reader, must reflect on the evils of our societies, reflected in the mirror of the novel.
When she first emerges from the surgery that will change her into Idaro, Kia hardly recognizes herself. By the end of the novel, she’s not only learned who Idaro is, but who Kia is, and how far she’s willing to go to save those she loves.
Once again, Jane Ann has written an amazing novel.
My highest recommendation.
This trend continues in The Salarian Desert Game.
Kia, not long returned from her adventures on Malem, is translating at The Salarian Night Games, a form of high stakes gambling, in which losers agree to indentured servitude in the Salarian crystal mines until their debt is paid.
Her sister plays, and loses, and Kia, though prevented by doing anything in the moment but protesting because of her role as translator, determines to travel to Salaria and free her sister.
As she is preparing to depart, she is summoned by the OUB, the interplanetary religious authority. Yes, she must go to Salaria, but as translator for the Select Agatha, and she is forbidden from attempting to save her sister. The mission is all. It was foreseen in a vision and cannot be denied or abandoned.
Worse, Kia will not only have to travel in disguise, but the OUB asks her to surgically erase her identity and assume that of Idaro, a half-Salarian girl who died years earlier.
When Agatha and Kia, sorry Idaro, arrive on Salaria, they are separated and everything falls apart. Alone, Idaro visits her estranged grandmother, Matriarch Ryo, and tries to figure out what she can do to find and help Agatha and get back on her mission to save her sister.
To maintain her cover, though, Idaro must join the Salarian Desert Games, a coming of age ceremony which pits fifteen year old girls against the desert of Salaria and its poisonous denizens. It’s survival of the fittest, and Idaro must survive more than the desert’s snakes and scorpions and the distrust and schemes of her fellow candidates.
The scope of this novel is on a grand societal scale, addressing racism, slavery, misandrogy (Salaria is a Matriarchy), terrorism, and the other consequences these institutionalized practices.
In discovering this alien world, Kia, and the reader, must reflect on the evils of our societies, reflected in the mirror of the novel.
When she first emerges from the surgery that will change her into Idaro, Kia hardly recognizes herself. By the end of the novel, she’s not only learned who Idaro is, but who Kia is, and how far she’s willing to go to save those she loves.
Once again, Jane Ann has written an amazing novel.
My highest recommendation.
September 22, 2016
Kia is a young girl, a talented interpreter asked to go undercover for a mysterious and powerful agency, but the timing means she has an undercover agenda of her own that may get her killed. To complicate matters, there is also the deadly desert game, the outcast civilization that she did not even know existed, much less that they were after her, and the reality of a planet that may kill her before she can succeed at any of the tasks she has taken on. How can she rescue anybody, when she is in need of rescue herself most of the time?
This is a well written science fiction adventure played out across several interesting worlds and vastly different civilizations. Kia is flawed but likable, has hidden depths, and is clever but short-sighted so that she pays the price over and over. Her good friends and better enemies are irreplaceable, and the hard-won successes are tempered with harsh realities and heartbreak moments that the reader can feel. All in all, another good book to pass the weekend.
I received a review copy from the publisher through Librarything in exchange for an honest review. This review and more at annevolmering.com.
This is a well written science fiction adventure played out across several interesting worlds and vastly different civilizations. Kia is flawed but likable, has hidden depths, and is clever but short-sighted so that she pays the price over and over. Her good friends and better enemies are irreplaceable, and the hard-won successes are tempered with harsh realities and heartbreak moments that the reader can feel. All in all, another good book to pass the weekend.
I received a review copy from the publisher through Librarything in exchange for an honest review. This review and more at annevolmering.com.
October 28, 2019
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
I have really enjoyed this series so far. This is science fiction that is more focused on social issues and politics than about technology, although an interesting bit of technology will crop up every now and then. I like that so far each book in the series in on a different planet with a different culture, each troubled in its own way. This book tackles slavery, class separation, terrorism, religion, identity and gender bias while Kia navigates it all in a life-threatening adventure.
I like Kia’s character a lot. She’s smart, wary, brave and loyal. Seeing her become enmeshed in her fake identity and forming attachments to the girl’s family and culture was one of the most interesting aspects of the book.
I did wish that we saw Agatha’s side of the story more in this book. I’m curious as to how this experience has changed her and her relationships with the O.U.B, but that could be coming up in book 3, which I will definitely read.
I have really enjoyed this series so far. This is science fiction that is more focused on social issues and politics than about technology, although an interesting bit of technology will crop up every now and then. I like that so far each book in the series in on a different planet with a different culture, each troubled in its own way. This book tackles slavery, class separation, terrorism, religion, identity and gender bias while Kia navigates it all in a life-threatening adventure.
I like Kia’s character a lot. She’s smart, wary, brave and loyal. Seeing her become enmeshed in her fake identity and forming attachments to the girl’s family and culture was one of the most interesting aspects of the book.
I did wish that we saw Agatha’s side of the story more in this book. I’m curious as to how this experience has changed her and her relationships with the O.U.B, but that could be coming up in book 3, which I will definitely read.
April 11, 2016
An amazing sequel to THE OCCASIONAL DIAMOND THIEF. McLachlan once again puts you into the heart and mind of Kia, the reluctant heroine. I'm still amazed at how the author's able to create a character that's knowingly flawed but that you still root for. Kia's latest adventure takes place in Salaria, a desert planet. The intricacy of the world-building astonishes me. All the physical details and political plight seem genuine and well thought out.
THE SALARIAN DESERT GAME has a big twist to it since Kia has disguised herself under a new cover as Idaro. Beyond the usual personal and interplanetary stakes, there's an inner crisis of having two identities.
A complex tale in its interplay of themes that takes you along for a unique adventure that you won't soon forget.
THE SALARIAN DESERT GAME has a big twist to it since Kia has disguised herself under a new cover as Idaro. Beyond the usual personal and interplanetary stakes, there's an inner crisis of having two identities.
A complex tale in its interplay of themes that takes you along for a unique adventure that you won't soon forget.
August 25, 2016
Interpreter and former thief, Kia sets off to Salaria, takes on a Salarian identity, and trains to join the high stakes game on the planet, all to save her sister, who was paying the price for a bad decision.
I'd forgotten just how much I adore Kia. She's a tough, stubborn character, who always seems to end up doing as those around her wish despite her best efforts not to. Agatha, too, was delightful, though not as involved directly as the previous novel. With many secondary characters, each one memorable, the entire cast is absolute fun.
I would highly recommend this to any fans of sci-fi adventure.
I'd forgotten just how much I adore Kia. She's a tough, stubborn character, who always seems to end up doing as those around her wish despite her best efforts not to. Agatha, too, was delightful, though not as involved directly as the previous novel. With many secondary characters, each one memorable, the entire cast is absolute fun.
I would highly recommend this to any fans of sci-fi adventure.
April 11, 2016
Well I got a sneak peak of this book because I bought The Occasional Diamond Thief when it first came out as a promotional that was offered. I loved the fact that Kia had to grow more in this book. What would you do for family or someone you loved very much. Kia journey to another planet; one of the harshest planets in the solar system, Kia has to take on another hard task to save someone she loves. This book is very fast past and I cant wait for the next journey that Kia will take us on. Thanks Jane Ann for another great book!!
September 28, 2016
Received book from a LibraryThing giveaway
At first, I was somewhat confused about who was who by all the character names, then it all came together. I never completely understood why Idaro's mother and grandmother weren't on speaking terms. I enjoyed the chapters where the fifteens began working together. My favortite fifteen was Kayo.
At first, I was somewhat confused about who was who by all the character names, then it all came together. I never completely understood why Idaro's mother and grandmother weren't on speaking terms. I enjoyed the chapters where the fifteens began working together. My favortite fifteen was Kayo.
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