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Duchy of Terra #2
Duchess of Terra
When Terra knelt to an alien ImperiumThey guaranteed our safety and our futureBut now their enemies are coming for usTo preserve humanity's survival and freedom in a hostile galaxy, Annette Bond tied her world to the A!Tol Imperium, taking on the mantle of Duchess of Terra to rule humanity in the Imperium's name.The A!Tol have provided technology, ships, and money to uplift the new Duchy of Terra, but those gifts come with strings attached. The Imperium has their own plan for Terra—but Bond has tricks of her own.With enough time, she can build Earth a place in the galaxy. But as Bond's many enemies gather their forces, the clouds of war threaten not only the recovering Terra but the entire Imperium.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2017
1102 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,747 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 19, 2019
After pounding through book 2 of the Duchy trilogy, I can admit to myself that the level of entertainment is somewhat akin to watching COPS, or singing along to some horrible pop song, or shame eating McDonalds in my car when I’m sure no one can see me. It’s fun, it’s enjoyable, but also simple and unfulfilling. I can almost read these books the way I watch some TV shows as though it’s just on in the background while my mind picks over other tasks.
This book introduced what could’ve been a well fleshed out story arc about treason, underground factions, and revolution, but instead, just guillotined the whole concept off half way through the book. Much like the first book, the characters are hard to like or relate to, not because they’re nefarious, but simply because they’re generic.
But, alas, I’m already diving into the third book, because conceptually, it takes almost no conscious effort, and for all other faults, the stories progress quickly.
This book introduced what could’ve been a well fleshed out story arc about treason, underground factions, and revolution, but instead, just guillotined the whole concept off half way through the book. Much like the first book, the characters are hard to like or relate to, not because they’re nefarious, but simply because they’re generic.
But, alas, I’m already diving into the third book, because conceptually, it takes almost no conscious effort, and for all other faults, the stories progress quickly.
May 3, 2021
Even better than the first one!
March 9, 2017
Bisexual Dominatrix Space Captain Becomes Alien Overlords' Quisling Ruler of Earth
"The Duchess of Terra (Duchy of Terra Book 2)," continues the centuries in the future story, of Earth's defeat by a more advanced alien Imperium, the subsequent surrender of Earth, acceptance of a "Vichy"-style collaborative government, the puppet rule of the MC-"The Duchess"-a bisexual/dominatrix/former privateer space captain, the threat of an alien Theocratic Empire invasion, which if successful, means the enslavement of humanity, and sexual innuendo abounds.
Somewhere beneath the heavy layers of DS&BD, which the author, Mr. Glynn Stewart, is apparently a proponent of, there exists a somewhat entertaining SciFi story of alien invasion, humanity's subjugation, delusional acceptance of benevolent despotic rule, and the conflict between collaboration and resisters.
The story that might exist, is suffocated by not just the author's adolescent level of gratuitous sexualization, but a slew of other issues.
Mr. Stewart's writing style is needlessly repetitive and banal. Characters are described throughout as "...lover...," or as "...his(sic) husband." An inordinate number of male characters, are routinely either submissive and/or homosexual. It is a heavy handed LGBTQ driven agenda by the author, not dictated by the story. The few characters that hold potential as interesting and/or intriguing, are mainly fleeting secondary/tertiary ones, regardless of their sexual orientation or species. It is as if written by a youth, who found a stack of harlequin romances and Penthouse Forums in an attic. Nearly funny, but too creepy to laugh at. The science is absent, admitted by Mr. Stewart, through one of his characters: "...physics-defying...," and "...strange...." Finally, Mr. Stewart espouses a socialist political philosophy, of one-world global government, moral rationalization of subjugation for the greater good. He compares the conquered, formed into Duchies across the Imperium, to States of the United States of America, limited in freedom, but free. It is a false equivalency. The Canadian author apparently is unaware of his own country's parliamentary democracy, as he is unaware of the U.S. democratic republic. Vichy or Potemkin institutions, under a despot, give only a delusion or illusion of freedom, liberty, democracy, no matter how benevolent.
The eBook is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"The Duchess of Terra (Duchy of Terra Book 2)," continues the centuries in the future story, of Earth's defeat by a more advanced alien Imperium, the subsequent surrender of Earth, acceptance of a "Vichy"-style collaborative government, the puppet rule of the MC-"The Duchess"-a bisexual/dominatrix/former privateer space captain, the threat of an alien Theocratic Empire invasion, which if successful, means the enslavement of humanity, and sexual innuendo abounds.
Somewhere beneath the heavy layers of DS&BD, which the author, Mr. Glynn Stewart, is apparently a proponent of, there exists a somewhat entertaining SciFi story of alien invasion, humanity's subjugation, delusional acceptance of benevolent despotic rule, and the conflict between collaboration and resisters.
The story that might exist, is suffocated by not just the author's adolescent level of gratuitous sexualization, but a slew of other issues.
Mr. Stewart's writing style is needlessly repetitive and banal. Characters are described throughout as "...lover...," or as "...his(sic) husband." An inordinate number of male characters, are routinely either submissive and/or homosexual. It is a heavy handed LGBTQ driven agenda by the author, not dictated by the story. The few characters that hold potential as interesting and/or intriguing, are mainly fleeting secondary/tertiary ones, regardless of their sexual orientation or species. It is as if written by a youth, who found a stack of harlequin romances and Penthouse Forums in an attic. Nearly funny, but too creepy to laugh at. The science is absent, admitted by Mr. Stewart, through one of his characters: "...physics-defying...," and "...strange...." Finally, Mr. Stewart espouses a socialist political philosophy, of one-world global government, moral rationalization of subjugation for the greater good. He compares the conquered, formed into Duchies across the Imperium, to States of the United States of America, limited in freedom, but free. It is a false equivalency. The Canadian author apparently is unaware of his own country's parliamentary democracy, as he is unaware of the U.S. democratic republic. Vichy or Potemkin institutions, under a despot, give only a delusion or illusion of freedom, liberty, democracy, no matter how benevolent.
The eBook is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
February 12, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit, that at the end of the first book in this series, I was curious as to how the author was going to make the taking over / running of a world interesting when compared with the action packed book I’d just read. He delivered.
Firstly, our heroine is smart and finds smart, connected, savvy people to help her and delegates to them. Secondly, she’s not starry eyed over the A!Tol and knows they’re looking after themselves before Terra. Annette figures a way to work the A!Tol plan, to make Earth hand over a strategic advantage, against them. Lastly, she’s not above recruiting on the fly when she recognises talent.
But that’s not to say we don’t have action in space or on the ground. Or that it’s smooth sailing. The Weber Network and Protocols are still in place and being upheld. There are rogue elements on and off the planet hampering efforts. And we also have the Kanzi not recognising a treaty, just for added interest.
We get to meet Harriet Tanaka. (It’s possible we met her in the last book but I honestly don’t remember and didn’t re-read the first book prior to starting this one). Harriet joined the A!Tol navy prior to Earth becoming the Duchy of Terra and has faces fall-out on Earth and attitude in the A!Tol navy. Whilst she’s a captain, others can and do discount her opinion just because she’s human. We get Harriet’s adventure in this book as it links to Earth’s.
I read this book in one sitting and barely noticed the passage of time. It was fast paced. It was interesting. I’m already looking forward to where the story will go.
(Nb: My copy of this book – an ARC – did have some minor typo’s. There weren’t many. I did notice them, but they didn’t in any way pull me out of the story.)
I have to admit, that at the end of the first book in this series, I was curious as to how the author was going to make the taking over / running of a world interesting when compared with the action packed book I’d just read. He delivered.
Firstly, our heroine is smart and finds smart, connected, savvy people to help her and delegates to them. Secondly, she’s not starry eyed over the A!Tol and knows they’re looking after themselves before Terra. Annette figures a way to work the A!Tol plan, to make Earth hand over a strategic advantage, against them. Lastly, she’s not above recruiting on the fly when she recognises talent.
But that’s not to say we don’t have action in space or on the ground. Or that it’s smooth sailing. The Weber Network and Protocols are still in place and being upheld. There are rogue elements on and off the planet hampering efforts. And we also have the Kanzi not recognising a treaty, just for added interest.
We get to meet Harriet Tanaka. (It’s possible we met her in the last book but I honestly don’t remember and didn’t re-read the first book prior to starting this one). Harriet joined the A!Tol navy prior to Earth becoming the Duchy of Terra and has faces fall-out on Earth and attitude in the A!Tol navy. Whilst she’s a captain, others can and do discount her opinion just because she’s human. We get Harriet’s adventure in this book as it links to Earth’s.
I read this book in one sitting and barely noticed the passage of time. It was fast paced. It was interesting. I’m already looking forward to where the story will go.
(Nb: My copy of this book – an ARC – did have some minor typo’s. There weren’t many. I did notice them, but they didn’t in any way pull me out of the story.)
October 4, 2017
This is not very good book. It has pacing problems in the middle, most of the characters are cookie-cutter generics, and the language often appears to be slightly off, both in dialog and in narration. The interpersonal relationships may be a good idea in principle, but the execution is decidedly schmalzy. I think this would have benefited a lot from competent lector/editor.
On the other hand, I finished it in 1.5 days, and I will probably get the next volume. Whatever its failures are, that is good for (barely) 3 stars...
On the other hand, I finished it in 1.5 days, and I will probably get the next volume. Whatever its failures are, that is good for (barely) 3 stars...
February 18, 2017
This is my favorite of Glynn's books. Better than Weber's best.
If you have ever enjoyed David Weber and his honor Harrington books, you will absolutely love this. Space opera and politics, but vastly better done and still uniquely aspected.
Fast paced, without relying on missile math or paragraphs of exposition, the writing style is fresh, fun, and above all, exciting.
If you have ever enjoyed David Weber and his honor Harrington books, you will absolutely love this. Space opera and politics, but vastly better done and still uniquely aspected.
Fast paced, without relying on missile math or paragraphs of exposition, the writing style is fresh, fun, and above all, exciting.
June 29, 2022
THE DUCHY OF TERRA is the second volume in the DUCHY OF TERRA series, which is a kind of strange thing since the first book in the series is called TERRAN PRIVATEER. Which makes sense because the story is no longer about a Terran privateer but a Duchess of Earth. The premise is by itself pretty spoileriffic so if you want to start the series then you had best avoid reviews and just check out the series.
Still here?
Well, the premise is that Earth was conquered in the previous book but after acquiring some space nukes, Annette Bond made a better deal for humanity. We're still part of the A'Tol Empire but we have our own ruler as well as a chance to make our own government underneath her as long as we pay proper tribute. It's not great and Annette feels like a traitor, especially when she's forced to deal with the Resistance but it's an interesting moral dilemma because the A'Tol Empire occupying our planet prevents even worse empires from doing so.
Fantastic book with lots of action, politics, and surprisingly deep characterization. A great afternoon's read.
Still here?
Well, the premise is that Earth was conquered in the previous book but after acquiring some space nukes, Annette Bond made a better deal for humanity. We're still part of the A'Tol Empire but we have our own ruler as well as a chance to make our own government underneath her as long as we pay proper tribute. It's not great and Annette feels like a traitor, especially when she's forced to deal with the Resistance but it's an interesting moral dilemma because the A'Tol Empire occupying our planet prevents even worse empires from doing so.
Fantastic book with lots of action, politics, and surprisingly deep characterization. A great afternoon's read.
August 1, 2018
This is a fun series to read. It has great characters, both human and alien, interesting science and a plot that started in book one and continues in book two. The backstory continues to develop and the world building supports the story and is presented as part of the plot. There is danger developing as the book starts and it is taken care of before the book ends. That does not mean there is nothing left for another book. This is a developing story just as the world building continues to develop. There is more to come.
December 29, 2022
Ok, this got kinda boring, so oh well.
November 18, 2020
This series keeps having the same issues for me. The world-building is both strong and weak at the same time. It has moments where you think you will learn about more than core worlds and other races besides the "higher" ones in their alliances. You never really do though. You never get the joy of space opera and the exploration of new worlds. You never really get good space battle until later books when morgan grows up. It's almost a space opera but not really. It's like a bunch of relationships on a space ship or in space. Then transportation scenes and a couple of weak battles. I don't mind weak battles but it doesn't feel like military tactics it feels like lucky button-pushing. The series is rather frustrating for a lack of a better way to put it because I like Bond a lot, I like the kid, I like tons of people in the series but the world-building is anemic when it comes to anything that doesn't push the plot directly. It's so thin without the wonder of space, the grand universe and really building stakes enough for us to care about what is at stake. A world is at stack one like earth... but this earth this world and barely these people the author didn't build. Other then? Bonds wonderful domme stuff we don't ever learn much about what she enjoys doing what she is fighting so hard and who is she fighting for. Her battles to save the earth are by honor instead of by need to save things she cares about. It's sad because there's stuff she can care about.
another weak 3 stars. I'm not saying the series is bad it's not. If you are learning to an audio book the reader pulls more emotion than what is on the page in her performance. It's just what a waste.
another weak 3 stars. I'm not saying the series is bad it's not. If you are learning to an audio book the reader pulls more emotion than what is on the page in her performance. It's just what a waste.
February 16, 2017
Duchess of Terra: a Huge Hit
Disclaimer: I bought this book - even though I received a free ARC or could have read it through KU. It's that good. Why? Great characters, skillful writing, perfect pacing, exciting plot and the joy of a Glynn Stewart story. Honestly, there isn't a dragging moment in the entire book.
Duchess Annette Bond is a masterful hero who has to fight a war on two fronts - one with the Kanzi, who mean to enslave the people of Earth, and the other a cabal of former officers who believe her to be a traitor to humanity for collaborating with the A!Tol Imperium. How she and her people manage this is suspense filled story-telling of the best space opera genre I've read. It is also very much a story of honor, loyalty, and relationships. Great job, Glynn
Disclaimer: I bought this book - even though I received a free ARC or could have read it through KU. It's that good. Why? Great characters, skillful writing, perfect pacing, exciting plot and the joy of a Glynn Stewart story. Honestly, there isn't a dragging moment in the entire book.
Duchess Annette Bond is a masterful hero who has to fight a war on two fronts - one with the Kanzi, who mean to enslave the people of Earth, and the other a cabal of former officers who believe her to be a traitor to humanity for collaborating with the A!Tol Imperium. How she and her people manage this is suspense filled story-telling of the best space opera genre I've read. It is also very much a story of honor, loyalty, and relationships. Great job, Glynn
March 6, 2017
Read this book!
The only negative thing I have to say about this book is you might find a few grammar errors. Other than that, you should go read this book now. It has everything you want. Aliens, space, spacecraft, cool dudes in power armor, space battles and aliens. If you are still reading this review then stop and go read the damn book. You should read the first book first and that should be the only reason you are not reading this book. Also, WTF are you still reading this review. I told you go read the damn book. JMF OUT!!
The only negative thing I have to say about this book is you might find a few grammar errors. Other than that, you should go read this book now. It has everything you want. Aliens, space, spacecraft, cool dudes in power armor, space battles and aliens. If you are still reading this review then stop and go read the damn book. You should read the first book first and that should be the only reason you are not reading this book. Also, WTF are you still reading this review. I told you go read the damn book. JMF OUT!!
February 20, 2017
great follow up
Book 2 of this series of books, shows us the readers, that even though Captain Bond is now the first Duchess of Terra. She finds that she still has to build a new government, but some of the old earth forces are not going to help. With the enemy from space are looking at attacking earth. The battle will not be easy, and losses will not be nice for her or her crew. Looking forward to the next book.
Book 2 of this series of books, shows us the readers, that even though Captain Bond is now the first Duchess of Terra. She finds that she still has to build a new government, but some of the old earth forces are not going to help. With the enemy from space are looking at attacking earth. The battle will not be easy, and losses will not be nice for her or her crew. Looking forward to the next book.
October 15, 2018
3 stars. OK, but not as good as the first book. What is not OK is the gratuitous in-your-face presentation of homosexual relationships. They were more common than the heterosexual relationships in the book and their presence and detailed descriptions of the couples' interactions seemed to be nothing more than the author's desire to make a statement about today's society. I have no issue with the occasional homosexual relationship appearing in a book; but I wanted a Sci-Fi book, not this.
November 23, 2024
Good story, but flawed by Woke tidbits
I enjoy the premise of these books and the interesting battles. But, the Author chose to insert homosexual relations into the mix. It is nothing but a gratuitous nod to progressive values and lends nothing to the books’ storyline.
I would have continued purchasing the rest of the series, but I will spend my money with Authors who enjoy telling a great story without inserting their progressive viewpoints.
I enjoy the premise of these books and the interesting battles. But, the Author chose to insert homosexual relations into the mix. It is nothing but a gratuitous nod to progressive values and lends nothing to the books’ storyline.
I would have continued purchasing the rest of the series, but I will spend my money with Authors who enjoy telling a great story without inserting their progressive viewpoints.
May 1, 2020
A great follow-up to book one of the Dutchy of Terra Series. The book did suffer from a few... unbelievable conveniences however. But, if you watched Star Trek or any Science Fiction TV show, surprising albeit, convenient developments are usually required to help aid the heroes.
February 23, 2017
Another Winner From Stewart!
This book takes the story started in The Terran Privateer and ramps it up to 11! I cannot wait to see what happens next. Get writing, sir!
This book takes the story started in The Terran Privateer and ramps it up to 11! I cannot wait to see what happens next. Get writing, sir!
September 21, 2018
The first book in the series was a pleasant surprise. This one takes off right after the last one ended. The author gave us quite a interesting plot twist at the end of the last book and our hero is now the Duchess of Terra.
Now her new title of course just means that her problems have taken on a new order of magnitude. Nothing to complicated though. Just build a fleet capable of defending Earth…with no money, thwart the A!Tol’s attempt to screw her over because they want to get their hands on the one thing Earth has to offer, repel an invasion, convince the people of Earth that becoming part of the Empire was the only way etc… You know, everyday hero stuff.
Earth is now a member of the Empire which means that we also get quite a bit of interaction with members of Earth’s quite benevolent conquerors as well as other interesting space faring races. I do like the bonds that are building between, not only Bond herself, but several members of her entourage and the A!Tol’s as well as characters of other spieces. On the whole the world building, characters etc. is definitely on the good side of the spectrum.
Naturally there are a few unlikable asshats as well. In particular Bond’s old nemesis Commander Anderson who now not only has a personal gripe with Anderson but also considers here (and the majority of the people of Earth) a traitor since she let Earth be absorbed into the Empire. He was a douche in the first book and continues to be a douche in this book.
There are plenty bit of action in the book as well of course and, as far as I am concerned, it is well done. Fairly believable, decent tactics and generally just good. The pacing and balance between action and in between action parts felt just right for me.
I really have just one thing to really complain about and some might find that this is a bit petty but this sentence “…Geneva, but she had no time to play tourist in the former Swiss capital.” What the fuck? Come one, Geneva has never been the capital of Switzerland! If an author feels like throwing “flashy” names around then he should do his bloody homework! I know I am nitpicking now but it is so tiresome when people on the other side of the pond simply cannot bother the get basic facts straight.
Okay, done with the whining, Bottom line, I enjoyed the book very much.
Now her new title of course just means that her problems have taken on a new order of magnitude. Nothing to complicated though. Just build a fleet capable of defending Earth…with no money, thwart the A!Tol’s attempt to screw her over because they want to get their hands on the one thing Earth has to offer, repel an invasion, convince the people of Earth that becoming part of the Empire was the only way etc… You know, everyday hero stuff.
Earth is now a member of the Empire which means that we also get quite a bit of interaction with members of Earth’s quite benevolent conquerors as well as other interesting space faring races. I do like the bonds that are building between, not only Bond herself, but several members of her entourage and the A!Tol’s as well as characters of other spieces. On the whole the world building, characters etc. is definitely on the good side of the spectrum.
Naturally there are a few unlikable asshats as well. In particular Bond’s old nemesis Commander Anderson who now not only has a personal gripe with Anderson but also considers here (and the majority of the people of Earth) a traitor since she let Earth be absorbed into the Empire. He was a douche in the first book and continues to be a douche in this book.
There are plenty bit of action in the book as well of course and, as far as I am concerned, it is well done. Fairly believable, decent tactics and generally just good. The pacing and balance between action and in between action parts felt just right for me.
I really have just one thing to really complain about and some might find that this is a bit petty but this sentence “…Geneva, but she had no time to play tourist in the former Swiss capital.” What the fuck? Come one, Geneva has never been the capital of Switzerland! If an author feels like throwing “flashy” names around then he should do his bloody homework! I know I am nitpicking now but it is so tiresome when people on the other side of the pond simply cannot bother the get basic facts straight.
Okay, done with the whining, Bottom line, I enjoyed the book very much.
June 22, 2019
I really like Glynn Stewart's Starship's Mage series and also the Vigilante series he co-wrote, so I was hoping for another page-turner. I got through the first one and found it mediocre but serviceable. I couldn't get past the 30% mark for this.
Neither book one nor book two had a particularly likeable protagonist to focus on, and neither book had a strong central plot to focus on. They just sort of meandered around until the author ran out of words.
I saw a lot of other reviews mention the homosexuality. I think this is actually worth discussing. Stewart has written other books with characters of all sexual orientations, but those characters were nuanced enough that they weren't "the gay character." These characters are so flat that if their sexuality is mentioned at all, it's pretty much the only defining characteristic. Gay people exist, so a story with good characters is likely going to have some unless an author is deliberately ignoring a population demographic. When your characters are flat, any trait you actually mention is going to be a beacon, and in these books I can't recall any characteristic that gets mentioned other than sexual orientation, nationality, and in one case hair color.
I've given Stewart several 4-star ratings and will continue to read other works by him. While I was reading the first book, "Sword of Mars" came out and I stopped to read that. It was so much better than Terran Privateer, and Duchess of Terra isn't even worth mentioning in comparison. Duchy of Terra and I are done.
Neither book one nor book two had a particularly likeable protagonist to focus on, and neither book had a strong central plot to focus on. They just sort of meandered around until the author ran out of words.
I saw a lot of other reviews mention the homosexuality. I think this is actually worth discussing. Stewart has written other books with characters of all sexual orientations, but those characters were nuanced enough that they weren't "the gay character." These characters are so flat that if their sexuality is mentioned at all, it's pretty much the only defining characteristic. Gay people exist, so a story with good characters is likely going to have some unless an author is deliberately ignoring a population demographic. When your characters are flat, any trait you actually mention is going to be a beacon, and in these books I can't recall any characteristic that gets mentioned other than sexual orientation, nationality, and in one case hair color.
I've given Stewart several 4-star ratings and will continue to read other works by him. While I was reading the first book, "Sword of Mars" came out and I stopped to read that. It was so much better than Terran Privateer, and Duchess of Terra isn't even worth mentioning in comparison. Duchy of Terra and I are done.
November 12, 2017
I was looking for some escapist reading and this Space Opera genre, the second in the Duchy of Terra series, certainly fit the bill. Captain Annette Bond is now a Duchess of earth(!). In the first book, she was ‘given’ earth – for her prior ‘service’ to the alien conquerors. (It’s a long story.) After learning that sentient life comes in many forms/species, the earth now also has overlords. It’s conquerors deal in their self-interest but Bond realizes “… we were on the border between two giants and one of them was going to grab us. We got grabbed by the one who wanted a pet instead of the one that wanted a meal.” Is Bond a traitor/collaborator or the earth’s savior? She was part of the resistance. Now, she must fight against it – and attempt to change their loyalties while, at the same time, running all the details of a planet as well as paying tribute to the Imperium.
It’s a predictable plot with rogues and heroes popping up as the story requires. And of course, there’s a big space battle to save earth from different invaders. This time slavers!
I’ll probably read the next book in the series … I’ve got to find out how the new species which is welcomed to earth – big bugs! – works out.
It’s a predictable plot with rogues and heroes popping up as the story requires. And of course, there’s a big space battle to save earth from different invaders. This time slavers!
I’ll probably read the next book in the series … I’ve got to find out how the new species which is welcomed to earth – big bugs! – works out.
February 21, 2022
Captain Annette Bond is now *Duchess* Annette Bond, having won the right to maintain Terra as a duchy in the A'Tol Imperium in the first book. Now she will have to grapple with everything that means: supplying military forces to the empire, fighting an imperial enemy who thinks Sol is an excellent place to strike at the A'Tol, dealing with human enemies on-planet, carving an economic place for Terra in the empire, creating a logistical/governmental structure for her new Duchy, and staying alive along the way. Easier said than done!
Another fun, fast, pleasant novel. Like I said in my review of the first book, this is very much an Age of Sail style book lightly updated for spacefaring. There's a LOT of luck and coincidence on Bond's side, and the characterizations are shallower than I like. But for a rollicking space tale it works well enough, and the concept is fun.
I continue to not like Elon Casimir and wince every time he turns up. He's too much of a muchness and his name makes him hit gratingly on the nose. Also, describing women as ex-cheerleaders happens too often and is weird every time.
Another fun, fast, pleasant novel. Like I said in my review of the first book, this is very much an Age of Sail style book lightly updated for spacefaring. There's a LOT of luck and coincidence on Bond's side, and the characterizations are shallower than I like. But for a rollicking space tale it works well enough, and the concept is fun.
I continue to not like Elon Casimir and wince every time he turns up. He's too much of a muchness and his name makes him hit gratingly on the nose. Also, describing women as ex-cheerleaders happens too often and is weird every time.
February 27, 2017
I really like this story so far. The author has created an interesting universe with interesting characters. This second book was a great continuation from where the first one left off. I especially enjoyed the character building of some of the main characters from the first book. This book did however, feel just a bit long and drawn out. I was a little disappointed that the main character from the first book was not featured as much in this story. While I liked the development of the other characters, it felt like the heroine of the story took a back seat and had little involvement other than with the politics. I was expecting a bit more from the rebel faction - some kind of direct confrontation with the protagonist. On the whole, it was a really good read but the lack of action for the main character was a bit of a let down. I'll definitely read any future books in this series. The overall story is quite interesting.
November 14, 2025
I’m mixed on whether I want to keep reading this series after this book. Book 1 was nice, serviceable Space Opera stuff. Book 2 suffers from the same unnecessary woke ideology preaching, which is a shame because it could have done without it and would change nothing about the premise or story itself.
What is off putting to me in this second book is every single chapter with the new asian chick character. I won’t even look up her name because of how forgettable and boring she is. I have no idea why the focus shifts from the far more interesting Anette Bond to her.
It’s as if each of this chapters is written by an author with 40 IQ points less than the other chapters. The new captain never says anything interesting, just stating the obvious. Information already known to the reader, is repeated in glacial dialogues that really add nothing to the story. But everyone is acting as if she is the main character.
As I said, not sure if I want to continue this.
What is off putting to me in this second book is every single chapter with the new asian chick character. I won’t even look up her name because of how forgettable and boring she is. I have no idea why the focus shifts from the far more interesting Anette Bond to her.
It’s as if each of this chapters is written by an author with 40 IQ points less than the other chapters. The new captain never says anything interesting, just stating the obvious. Information already known to the reader, is repeated in glacial dialogues that really add nothing to the story. But everyone is acting as if she is the main character.
As I said, not sure if I want to continue this.
August 18, 2020
This is an excellent story! A gradual escalation of progress and setbacks culminate in a climax that includes surprise along with fulfillment for the protagonists. The story, even though part of a series, also works as a standalone book, with sufficient (and non-redundant for the series) background elucidating every aspect of the plot. Still, there is plenty of technology descriptions as one might expect in this genre, but none of that is overwhelming, nor does it attempt to provide a lengthy explanation of that technology. This pseudo-scientific background marks the story as fiction yet is sufficient for suspending disbelief without boring the reader with detail. Although I have not read beyond this chapter in the series, I am hopeful that any remaining books will live up to my expectation of the excellence achieved here and in the first book.
January 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Annette is a very likeable character for me, and her new role in book two works great. We get to see other characters, but Annette is still the main over of the plot. The strife they have to deal with on Earth is a nice hurdle along with the rest of the issues in the book.
This is probably my favorite series by Stewart so far. A lot of that has to do with the new technology, and the quick progression we get to see as the story moves forward. The characters are all likeable, even most of the aliens. Overall just a good read, the best of Glynn Stewart's science fiction in my opinion.
This is probably my favorite series by Stewart so far. A lot of that has to do with the new technology, and the quick progression we get to see as the story moves forward. The characters are all likeable, even most of the aliens. Overall just a good read, the best of Glynn Stewart's science fiction in my opinion.
June 20, 2024
As we move past the typically clunky first book - which rushed too quickly into the action, leaving too many implausibilities, unbelievable plot devices and happy coincidences - we get to a much more solid tale. I’ve never been super happy with the right wing Sci-fi trope of a ‘benevolent dictator’, which is too dangerously dominant - but it does just manage to feel more like escapist fantasy than overtly political. Stewart has earned some benefit of the doubt in other series where the protagonist resists the allure to political power. Notwithstanding, it adds to the incredulity and feels unnecessary.
July 21, 2021
A disappointing sequel. After surrendering so easily it was hard to see where the story could go but to see bond become earth's dictator and every opposition crumble when asked nicely to surrender was a disappointment. The only real opposition to invasion was bad mouthed and destroyed.
The space elements of the story eventually picked up some action which lifted the book from being a total wash out.
I was not impressed with bond becoming a collaborator. I got hold of book 2&3 before reading this so I may try 3 but only as I have it already.
The space elements of the story eventually picked up some action which lifted the book from being a total wash out.
I was not impressed with bond becoming a collaborator. I got hold of book 2&3 before reading this so I may try 3 but only as I have it already.
October 17, 2022
Stewart, Glynn. Duchess of Terra. Duchy of Terra No. 2. Faolan’s Pen, 2017.
Glynn Stewart is a pro. His work is not always to my taste, but it is always competent and readable. Duchess of Terra is a case in point. It does a workmanlike job of developing the themes begun in Terran Privateer. The premise of the series, that humanity is unified enough to willingly become a province of an alien empire, is hardly credible. But if you grant Stewart that first big step, the plot and character development move along nicely. 3.5 stars,
Glynn Stewart is a pro. His work is not always to my taste, but it is always competent and readable. Duchess of Terra is a case in point. It does a workmanlike job of developing the themes begun in Terran Privateer. The premise of the series, that humanity is unified enough to willingly become a province of an alien empire, is hardly credible. But if you grant Stewart that first big step, the plot and character development move along nicely. 3.5 stars,
November 22, 2023
Pace of the story is not bad. It got me downloaded next book. One thing I find irritating is constant reference to Elon Casimir as Duchess lover. Yes, we know that, but this character is much more than that. He is seemingly reduced to role of a consort than anything else. Wouldn't a head of the most powerful commercial entity had other things to do than be of thick of things in such a busy time, barely having time to sleep, but this dude seems to have nothing to do other than make a comment as a lover be concerned as a lover etc.. I hope to see less of that stuff in the incoming series.
January 27, 2021
Guard Your Heart
Not all who fight survive and so it is in this second book in the series. Some of those the reader has learned to care for will not be with us at the end of this book.
Continued development for existing characters and new characters alike, supplemented with an interesting mix of supporting cast. The plot is expected but has a few surprising turns along the way. This book resolves nicely and the lead into book 3 feels natural.
Not all who fight survive and so it is in this second book in the series. Some of those the reader has learned to care for will not be with us at the end of this book.
Continued development for existing characters and new characters alike, supplemented with an interesting mix of supporting cast. The plot is expected but has a few surprising turns along the way. This book resolves nicely and the lead into book 3 feels natural.
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