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Peacekeeper #3
The Privilege of Peace
Former space marine Torin Kerr returns for one final adventure to save the Confederation in the last book in the military science fiction Peacekeeper trilogy.
Warden Torin Kerr has put her past behind her and built a life away from the war and everything that meant. From the good, from the bad. From the heroics, from the betrayal. She's created a place and purpose for others like her, a way to use their training for the good of the Confederation. She has friends, family, purpose.
Unfortunately, her past refuses to grant her the same absolution. Big Yellow, the ship form of the plastic aliens responsible for the war, returns. The Silsviss test the strength of the Confederation. Torin has to be Gunnery Sergeant Kerr once again and find a way to keep the peace.
Warden Torin Kerr has put her past behind her and built a life away from the war and everything that meant. From the good, from the bad. From the heroics, from the betrayal. She's created a place and purpose for others like her, a way to use their training for the good of the Confederation. She has friends, family, purpose.
Unfortunately, her past refuses to grant her the same absolution. Big Yellow, the ship form of the plastic aliens responsible for the war, returns. The Silsviss test the strength of the Confederation. Torin has to be Gunnery Sergeant Kerr once again and find a way to keep the peace.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2018
150 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Huff
150 books2,446 followersTanya Sue Huff is a Canadian fantasy author. Her stories have been published since the late 1980s, including five fantasy series and one science fiction series. One of these, her Blood Books series, featuring detective Vicki Nelson, was adapted for television under the title Blood Ties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 24, 2018
Great wrap-up to the series. I closed the book with a smile on my face even though I'm sad to say farewell to Torin, Craig and all the gang (especially Presit! I love Presit!!)
This is not really a stand-alone--too many references to events in the first two Peacekeeper books and even further back into the Confederation series.
But if you start at the beginning with 'Valor's Choice' you will have the pleasure of reading a very good 8 book series that will delight any fan of military SF. I've been along since the beginning and enjoyed every page.
Now to track down pb copies for my keeper shelf...
This is not really a stand-alone--too many references to events in the first two Peacekeeper books and even further back into the Confederation series.
But if you start at the beginning with 'Valor's Choice' you will have the pleasure of reading a very good 8 book series that will delight any fan of military SF. I've been along since the beginning and enjoyed every page.
Now to track down pb copies for my keeper shelf...
April 26, 2021
Nice ending to the 2nd story arc and i think to the series. Good military SiFi. Enjoyable read. Recommended
October 21, 2019
Am I crazy? How come I am one of the only ones on Goodreads not giving this one 5 stars? An I~m only rounding up to 4 because of my love of the series as a whole. It's more of a 3.5.
While I enjoyed it, it’s nowhere near as great as some of the others in the series.
Of course, I was happy to see Torin doing what she does best (kicking ass), but there was no real arc for her or anyone in this novel. Issues from previous novels are resolved, giving it a sense of finality, but I found the first half of the book really … boring. It’s all-new characters and training a new team, but given this is the last book in the series, I didn’t really want to meet anyone new and try to remember all their damn names. I understand they are needed for the final battle(s), but it bogged down the story. Likewise, other than nothing much happens in the first half. Granted, once it starts to ramp up, it becomes fantastically entertaining and unputdownable, but it takes a bit of a slog to get there.
Anthony is the most mediocre villain I’ve ever met. While his motivations make sense, the only redeeming sections with him were the inclusion of the cantankerous doctor, who often made me laugh. The other antagonists we've met many times before. There was a political aspect to the story that would have been interesting if it didn't feel jammed into the rest of the plot .
I did enjoy the parallels with Human’s First and the rise of white nationalist groups in real life – how they recruit, how they use fake news and fearmongering to accomplish their goals, how they have wealthy “investors” to help them. That part was subtle enough you might miss it, but also a clear allusion to real-life issues of race and xenophobia.
There were little things I did enjoy about the novel, such as a bit more background on Mashona, Werst and Ressk’s eternal cuteness, and minimal scenes with Presit. No primacy though! :(
Regarding the second half, I loved that the Silsviss came back! I was waiting for them to make a reappearance since the first book (as I have a thing for Reptiloid aliens, I guess), and while I could have had more of them, the little bit we got sated me. Of course, we have the return of the damn plastic, but given it was the thread running through the entire series, it made sense they were part of the final climax .
Despite the slow start (which apparently isn’t that slow for most readers on here, so maybe discount my opinion?), it’s definitely worth reading, as all your favourite characters are there, the action scenes are what you expect from Huff, and there is the usual humour. It’s a lot of fun!
Given this is The End, I’ll do a small series overview.
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll see I believe the series peaked at Valor’s Trial (my absolute favourite of the bunch) and while I heartedly enjoyed all the novels, this was a rather lacklustre ending for the entire thing, if based on the novel as a whole.
Despite the number of books in the series, no one changes that much. While Torin is disillusioned with the military, she never recoils from it entirely, and her relationship with Craig doesn’t change her that much. The latter fact I find refreshing, in truth. A lot of times in novels a woman is “fixed” by a relationship, but this doesn’t happen. In fact, I’d argue that Craig and Torin’s love story is one of the most realistic I’ve ever read. They respect one another, they enjoy spending time together, they talk about future plans, they worry about one another but also trust the other to do their jobs. They have external hobbies aside from each other. They are The Best.
Alamber’s journey, while not my favourite arc, was also well done. From a brainwashed and damaged young man to a person who realizes his worth and what he wants to do with life, he really made the most changes in the last few books. It’s hard because while the open-ended ending wasn’t terrible (and we don’t get any devastating losses to contend with), I was also hoping for a little bit more finality. Then again, it’s a military action, so perhaps I should be satisfied that the characters changed at all over the novels and just enjoy the fun action and cool aliens.
Will I read the series again? Perhaps not all the books, but there are a few I will definitely pick up again. And my daughter will have them foisted upon her when she’s a teenager. Torin is an awesome role model and I thank Huff greatly for sharing Torin’s story with us. It was a great ride!
While I enjoyed it, it’s nowhere near as great as some of the others in the series.
Of course, I was happy to see Torin doing what she does best (kicking ass), but there was no real arc for her or anyone in this novel. Issues from previous novels are resolved, giving it a sense of finality, but I found the first half of the book really … boring. It’s all-new characters and training a new team, but given this is the last book in the series, I didn’t really want to meet anyone new and try to remember all their damn names. I understand they are needed for the final battle(s), but it bogged down the story. Likewise, other than nothing much happens in the first half. Granted, once it starts to ramp up, it becomes fantastically entertaining and unputdownable, but it takes a bit of a slog to get there.
Anthony is the most mediocre villain I’ve ever met. While his motivations make sense, the only redeeming sections with him were the inclusion of the cantankerous doctor, who often made me laugh. The other antagonists we've met many times before. There was a political aspect to the story that would have been interesting if it didn't feel jammed into the rest of the plot .
I did enjoy the parallels with Human’s First and the rise of white nationalist groups in real life – how they recruit, how they use fake news and fearmongering to accomplish their goals, how they have wealthy “investors” to help them. That part was subtle enough you might miss it, but also a clear allusion to real-life issues of race and xenophobia.
There were little things I did enjoy about the novel, such as a bit more background on Mashona, Werst and Ressk’s eternal cuteness, and minimal scenes with Presit. No primacy though! :(
Regarding the second half, I loved that the Silsviss came back! I was waiting for them to make a reappearance since the first book (as I have a thing for Reptiloid aliens, I guess), and while I could have had more of them, the little bit we got sated me. Of course, we have the return of the damn plastic, but given it was the thread running through the entire series, it made sense they were part of the final climax .
Despite the slow start (which apparently isn’t that slow for most readers on here, so maybe discount my opinion?), it’s definitely worth reading, as all your favourite characters are there, the action scenes are what you expect from Huff, and there is the usual humour. It’s a lot of fun!
Given this is The End, I’ll do a small series overview.
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll see I believe the series peaked at Valor’s Trial (my absolute favourite of the bunch) and while I heartedly enjoyed all the novels, this was a rather lacklustre ending for the entire thing, if based on the novel as a whole.
Despite the number of books in the series, no one changes that much. While Torin is disillusioned with the military, she never recoils from it entirely, and her relationship with Craig doesn’t change her that much. The latter fact I find refreshing, in truth. A lot of times in novels a woman is “fixed” by a relationship, but this doesn’t happen. In fact, I’d argue that Craig and Torin’s love story is one of the most realistic I’ve ever read. They respect one another, they enjoy spending time together, they talk about future plans, they worry about one another but also trust the other to do their jobs. They have external hobbies aside from each other. They are The Best.
Alamber’s journey, while not my favourite arc, was also well done. From a brainwashed and damaged young man to a person who realizes his worth and what he wants to do with life, he really made the most changes in the last few books. It’s hard because while the open-ended ending wasn’t terrible (and we don’t get any devastating losses to contend with), I was also hoping for a little bit more finality. Then again, it’s a military action, so perhaps I should be satisfied that the characters changed at all over the novels and just enjoy the fun action and cool aliens.
Will I read the series again? Perhaps not all the books, but there are a few I will definitely pick up again. And my daughter will have them foisted upon her when she’s a teenager. Torin is an awesome role model and I thank Huff greatly for sharing Torin’s story with us. It was a great ride!
June 27, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Science Fiction / Space Opera
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Privilege of Peace is the third and final installment in both the Peacekeeper series, and the Confederation series. Warden Torin Kerr and her team have come a very long way not only since the beginning of this series, but the end of the Confederation series as well. We are to the point in this world where nobody trusts anyone. Elder Races are ready to lock down the Younger Races who helped them fight a war against the Primacy. Younger Races are tired of being disrespected, which has leads to a group of Humans taking dangerous actions that have left Torin and her team on the cusp of facing yet another war.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Science Fiction / Space Opera
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Privilege of Peace is the third and final installment in both the Peacekeeper series, and the Confederation series. Warden Torin Kerr and her team have come a very long way not only since the beginning of this series, but the end of the Confederation series as well. We are to the point in this world where nobody trusts anyone. Elder Races are ready to lock down the Younger Races who helped them fight a war against the Primacy. Younger Races are tired of being disrespected, which has leads to a group of Humans taking dangerous actions that have left Torin and her team on the cusp of facing yet another war.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
May 21, 2019
First, the cover is misleading - a lot misleading. I kept waiting for this scene to happen in the book which it didn't. I really love this series - lots of action and humor - a great combination. Great book, great series
July 15, 2018
As always--Riveting!
Plastic data sheets, rogue Silsviss, the presence of the much disliked and inept commander General Morris, Warden Torin , Craig and the rest of the Strike team have their hands full with new developments that bring up old challenges. Devious plans are being hatched by the Humans First fanatics. The finding of data sheets similar to the plastic from before has everyone including the elder race, the H'san on edge.
After Warden Torin's Strike Team's last mission, where information about the H'san and their ancient, deeply hidden weapons cache, Torin's trust of them has devolved even further.
"The H’san were the Eldest of the Elder Races. They sang to the dawn. They loved cheese. For most of the Confederation, that was enough." But not for Torin!
Presit of course becomes involved and with all theses free wheeling, loose cannons the stakes just became higher.
I love the interplay between Torin and the rest of her crew, the way she reads a situation, and her easy acceptance of those who are different. Her understanding of the different races is shrewd and most often compassionate, except where fools abound.
Another great ex Gunnery Sergeant, now Warden Torin happening!
A NetGalley ARC
Plastic data sheets, rogue Silsviss, the presence of the much disliked and inept commander General Morris, Warden Torin , Craig and the rest of the Strike team have their hands full with new developments that bring up old challenges. Devious plans are being hatched by the Humans First fanatics. The finding of data sheets similar to the plastic from before has everyone including the elder race, the H'san on edge.
After Warden Torin's Strike Team's last mission, where information about the H'san and their ancient, deeply hidden weapons cache, Torin's trust of them has devolved even further.
"The H’san were the Eldest of the Elder Races. They sang to the dawn. They loved cheese. For most of the Confederation, that was enough." But not for Torin!
Presit of course becomes involved and with all theses free wheeling, loose cannons the stakes just became higher.
I love the interplay between Torin and the rest of her crew, the way she reads a situation, and her easy acceptance of those who are different. Her understanding of the different races is shrewd and most often compassionate, except where fools abound.
Another great ex Gunnery Sergeant, now Warden Torin happening!
A NetGalley ARC
October 5, 2020
Tanya Huff says "The Privilege of Peace".will be the last Torin Kerr book, I've followed Torin Kerr through the five Confederation novels, which I think are some of the best and most innovative military SF novels ever written and then on to the three Peacekeeper novels, which show how Torin, having helped end a galactic war hundreds of years long, handles the peace.
"The Privilege of Peace" was the perfect goodbye to the series. It moved the story arc on, engaging most of my favourite characters but didn't make the mistake of tidying everything up.
As I left the book, I could see that Torin had grown and, in the process, had helped me understand how much more difficult the maintenance of peace can be than the fighting of a war.
I'd love there to be another Torin Kerr book, but if there isn't I'll look on this as nine great novels, set in a universe I believe in, with people I care about, which never took the most obvious path and always placed accountability above expedience. I real life was like that, I'd enjoy living there. It isn't, but at least I have Tanya Huff to show me that it could be.
Margurite Gavin's narration has always increased my enjoyment of the Torin Kerr books. Her voices are so well thought through that I could immediately recognise who was speaking, regardless of sex or species.
July 27, 2018
Third and last in the Peacekeeper military science fiction series (eighth in the Confederation universe) and revolving around ex-Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr, now Warden, with her Strike Team.
My Take
It's all about the disgust and fears of the Elder Races, as they intend to shut the Younger Races down. It turns out that all that propaganda about the H'san simply confirms what Torin has been declaring all along. Hoo, boy. I sure hope this means that Huff intends on another trilogy, especially after the reveals in The Privilege of Peace.
The point-of-view is third person global subjective as we experience the events in four plotlines from the perspectives of Torin, Craig, Presit, Alamber, the Silsviss, Marteau, and more.
I love the action in Confederation, and lord knows there's plenty of action! They are a Strike Team for law enforcement and dealing with hostages in mines, on space stations, in space ships, and they bring that military mindset to the job. It really puts a strain on these ex-military characters that they can't go all gangbusters, lol. All part of the fun and the snark.
What can I say? Torin's a realistic Marine who won't take no, Craig hates the politics and rules, and they all are interested in the good of the Confederation. Everyone in Justice seems to feel the same way, in their own ways. And it's a truly "human" group of people with their interests, personalities, and exuberance.
Besides all the grumbling from the Strike Teams about the unrealistic viewpoint of Justice, there is a positive to fighting crime their way, lol.
It's what I've so enjoyed about Huff's Confederation. The manipulative politicians, military, and those oh-so-superior upper races who claim it's an open government, transparent. A transparency Torin makes excellent use of, ROFLMAO. I love it! I love it! And simply confirms — to me — that Huff must intend to go on. How can she leave us hanging with that group in such disgrace?! I have got to know!! Then there are the people and their particular quirks. That Alamber, lol!
A few niggles, 'cause I got sick and tired of hearing about how the H'san love cheese and sing welcome to the dawn. I got it the first 2,000 times. Yeah, I'm exaggerating, but it became so annoying. Then there are all the name "changes". Somebody couldn't keep track of how to spell a few of the names in here. There were a few confusing bits in here as well, but nothing that kept me from enjoying the read.
And remember, "I was just following orders" doesn't work as a defense.
The Story
Now that the war is over, the Elder and Mid races are shoving the Younger ones aside with talk of banishment. The military is missing its importance. And the Strike Teams are hamstrung with Justice's insistence on following those pesky laws.
Torin just wishes the Elder and Mid races would come to Jesus and reality about violence within the Confederation.
And still, Torin Kerrr gets the job done.
The Characters
Berbar Station is…
…located in Sector Seven and is Justice headquarters and home base for the six Strike Teams, Peacekeeper units for the Confederation, of which Commander Lanh Ng, a former Justice lawyer, is in charge and adamant that the Strike Teams never go military. Mimi Paddison is with SR. Ru.
Warden Torin Kerr had been a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines. Now she leads Strike Team Alpha ( A Peace Divided , 2 (7)). Craig Ryder — the former Civilian Salvage Operator-pilot of the Promise — is with Torin — and they're famous for their exploits.
Members of Strike Team Alpha include…
…Binti Mashona is a Human sniper and one of the three who survived the Silsviss ( Valor’s Choice , 1). Ressk, ex-Corps with mad computer skills, and Master Corporal Werst, a former Marine with unarmed combat skills like Tori, are a bonded Krai couple. Di'Cikeys Alamber is a di'Taykan and an absolute genius when it comes to computers. And he has a hankering to work in the labs.
Members of Strike Team U'yun include…
...Navy Lieutenant Elisk, a Krai and the team leader; the Human Marine Lieutenant Marie Bilodeau who took the escape clause; SN di'Numanja Tylen is a di'Taykan female; Master Corporal Harris Zhou is a disaffected Human; Corporal di'Burlut Nicholin is another di'Taykan; Lorkin is Krai; and, Technical Sergeant di'Ahaski Yahsamus, a di'Taykan.
Members of Strike Team Ch'tore/Ch'ore include…
…the Human Captain Ranjit Kaur is the Lead; di'Hajak Sirin is di'Taykan; and, Orrnis and Aszur, a pilot, are Krai.
Members of Strike Team T'Jaam include…
…the Human Doug Collins and di'Tagawa Gamar, a di'Taykan.
Members of Strike Team Beta include…
…Pirrtirr/Porrtir who is a Krai pilot.
Delta is another Strike Team.
C&C is the Clean-up Crew and usually composed of Dornagain, Rakva, and Niln. In forensics, the Katrien Myril is a new hire and Dr di'Nakamot Bishami is having coding problems. Hayate. Doc Collins is a cutie in medical. Dr Tyrub is a Slaink and the station's radiation specialist. Dr Je'lip. Sergeant Urrest, a Krai, retired when the Marines forced her out and is now in charge of the Strike Teams' armory while Nalvon, a di'Taykan, is new and used to serve with Urrest.
R&D
Finds Truth Through Inquiry, a Dornagain, can pull a confession fast. What Part of Budget Do You Not Understand. Answers Before Questions would recommend Alamber. Watches Over is another investigator in internal affairs. A Lie is a Bad Defense and Tell Me Again Until I Believe You aren't used to the Silsviss.
Musselman's is the bar owned by Paul Musselman, which the Strike Teams favor.
The Core is…
…the center of the governing Confederation, an alliance of the Elder, Mid, and Younger Races. The Sector Parliament is based at Nuh Nur. Tev Arack Sant , a.k.a., The Nest Secure. Representative Hurring, a Trun, is a Justice Minister. Dr Lushin is a bi-colored Trun linguist. SciRe Vin'tic is a Mictok astrophysicist. Chief Justice Genesvah is Niln. Lysentias, a political aide, is the biggest gossip. Lakshinz is a cousin and part of the research team working on the data sheet. Harlin Boz is the Admiral of the Fleet.
General Morris hates Torin Kerr. He's the one who sent Torin to Silsviss. Captain di'Rearl Stedrin had been his aide. Lieutenant Jonnez is Morris' current aide, a Krai. The Mu'tuv are especially badass Marines. Do NOT cross them.
Captain Carveg is still in command on the Berganitan which had flown Torin and Craig out when they first visited Big Yellow. Dal, Narilyn, Hasun, and Kamisu are part of the nest of di'Taykan onboard with whom Alamber takes up. Chief Warrant Officer di'Palik is Master of Arms. Commander Kahananui is the ship's security officer.
Har'p is where the H'san embassy is. Clab'insto Arekog of Terabookog was in command of the Hsan ship at Big Yellow.
The Younger Races were…
…quick to use violence, and the Elder Races granted them — the Humans, di'Taykan (the most sexually indiscriminating species in known space), Silsviss (warlike dinosaurs), and Krai (tree-dwelling with all-encompassing appetites, i.e., they’ll eat absolutely anything, although they do consider Humans particularly tasty) — an early membership in exchange for their fighting an intergalactic war for them.
Cyr Tyroliz is a Silsviss Warlord. Ret is another honorific the Silsviss use. Cri Srah is Tyroliz's 21C. Ser Ozborz will learn to pilot the Blue Robinasit , a.k.a., the Blue Bunny, which is the ship Torin takes to Big Yellow.
On the government observation platform, di'Murrin Keezo is the docking master. Tami Dezotto is his second. Blaylet is the ship Marie will pilot to get them there.
Mid Races were…
…not among the original members of the Confederation. Ravka are feathered beings with beaks and a stilted way of speaking — not because of the beaks, mind you — and give birth via eggs; the lizard-like Niln; and, then the Katrien who make me think of beavers.
Presit a Tur durValintrisy, a Katrien, is a famous reporter with Sector Central News and is now an independent investigative journalist and a big PITA, mostly famous because of the stories she covered of Torin Kerr. She's now running for office. Dalan is her camera operator. Girstin, a Krai, is a low-level intern. Treist is Presit's assistant.
The Dornagin with their excessively long names are in charge of all the paperwork as they just adore paperwork.
Harneer Arniz, a Niln, was one of the soil scientists on 33X73, a.k.a., Threxie.
The Elder Races…
…don't fight, don't innovate, and includes the H'san who love cheese, sing to welcome the dawn, and are the Eldest of the Elder Races — they also have a hidden stash of ancient weapons; the spider-like Micktok; and, the Slaink. They also make up the senior staff.
Seven Sta is…
…a training planet for the Strike Teams. Lieutenant Maaren is Planetary Law Enforcement. Ex-Navy Petty Officer Marilissa Kotas is the cook.
Humans First is…
…a hate group against all other species and funded by Per Anthony Marteau, ex-CEO of Marteau Industries and a weapon supplier to the military, who has taken over, outside the chain-of-command, as the innovator. He has a thing for pre-diaspora Human plastics. Commander Luiz Belcerio is the new commander of Humans First with experience in the corporate world of weapons manufacturing as well as a decade in the Corps. Kari Omondi is Belcerio's second-in-command. Boomer McVale, a communications tech, doesn't see a problem with passing messages. Humanity's Freedom is their flagship. Olaf Janssen is on the bridge. The Liberty is another ship.
Tara Kalowski/Kalenski/Kanonski/Karpanski had been a Naval armaments officer — Marteau can never remember her name — and Madeline Laghari, a Marine explosives tech, are creating a weapon to kill the plastic. Dr Robert Banard is a disgusting biophysicist with plans for an Electron Beam welder. He's been through rehab twice, and it still hasn't taken. Dr Anika Shoke is a xeno-anthropologist who didn't understand why Humans weren't allowed to excel. She's also the Lead XA on the Silsviss project. She'll initiate plan Scale and Claw.
The Primacy is/was…
HE is a Hazardous Environment suit. Susumi space is a mathematical construct that causes ships to define their own reality; the plastic call it the inner way. A Susumi engine is one that helps you traverse through said space. Zir, zi, and ze are pronouns used by Truns. Harneer means doctor.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a background of grays: light gray skyscrapers with lighter gray light glinting off those buildings and a dark gray of holes and rebar in the street, a colorful orange and yellow flag flaring with light. In the foreground, Torin Kerr, in white tank and pale gray trousers, is glancing off to our right, as she holds a wounded grayed head in her lap, who is wearing loose toast brown trousers, an orange and yellow print shirt, and a darker brown jacket.
The title is tongue-in-cheek, for The Privilege of Peace doesn't truly exist. Not in a world populated by people, whatever their race.
My Take
It's all about the disgust and fears of the Elder Races, as they intend to shut the Younger Races down. It turns out that all that propaganda about the H'san simply confirms what Torin has been declaring all along. Hoo, boy. I sure hope this means that Huff intends on another trilogy, especially after the reveals in The Privilege of Peace.
The point-of-view is third person global subjective as we experience the events in four plotlines from the perspectives of Torin, Craig, Presit, Alamber, the Silsviss, Marteau, and more.
I love the action in Confederation, and lord knows there's plenty of action! They are a Strike Team for law enforcement and dealing with hostages in mines, on space stations, in space ships, and they bring that military mindset to the job. It really puts a strain on these ex-military characters that they can't go all gangbusters, lol. All part of the fun and the snark.
What can I say? Torin's a realistic Marine who won't take no, Craig hates the politics and rules, and they all are interested in the good of the Confederation. Everyone in Justice seems to feel the same way, in their own ways. And it's a truly "human" group of people with their interests, personalities, and exuberance.
Besides all the grumbling from the Strike Teams about the unrealistic viewpoint of Justice, there is a positive to fighting crime their way, lol.
Ooh, lol, that confrontation on Big Yellow was both scary and funny, especially when that di'Taykan pheromone went to work. Who'd'a thunk? *More laughter*"'As I said, rehabilitation. A lot of therapy and working through the issues that caused you to break the law until trained professionals are convinced you won't do it again.'
'You're not serious. That's — I'd rather be shot.'"
It's what I've so enjoyed about Huff's Confederation. The manipulative politicians, military, and those oh-so-superior upper races who claim it's an open government, transparent. A transparency Torin makes excellent use of, ROFLMAO. I love it! I love it! And simply confirms — to me — that Huff must intend to go on. How can she leave us hanging with that group in such disgrace?! I have got to know!! Then there are the people and their particular quirks. That Alamber, lol!
A few niggles, 'cause I got sick and tired of hearing about how the H'san love cheese and sing welcome to the dawn. I got it the first 2,000 times. Yeah, I'm exaggerating, but it became so annoying. Then there are all the name "changes". Somebody couldn't keep track of how to spell a few of the names in here. There were a few confusing bits in here as well, but nothing that kept me from enjoying the read.
And remember, "I was just following orders" doesn't work as a defense.
The Story
Now that the war is over, the Elder and Mid races are shoving the Younger ones aside with talk of banishment. The military is missing its importance. And the Strike Teams are hamstrung with Justice's insistence on following those pesky laws.
Torin just wishes the Elder and Mid races would come to Jesus and reality about violence within the Confederation.
And still, Torin Kerrr gets the job done.
The Characters
Berbar Station is…
…located in Sector Seven and is Justice headquarters and home base for the six Strike Teams, Peacekeeper units for the Confederation, of which Commander Lanh Ng, a former Justice lawyer, is in charge and adamant that the Strike Teams never go military. Mimi Paddison is with SR. Ru.
Warden Torin Kerr had been a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines. Now she leads Strike Team Alpha ( A Peace Divided , 2 (7)). Craig Ryder — the former Civilian Salvage Operator-pilot of the Promise — is with Torin — and they're famous for their exploits.
Members of Strike Team Alpha include…
…Binti Mashona is a Human sniper and one of the three who survived the Silsviss ( Valor’s Choice , 1). Ressk, ex-Corps with mad computer skills, and Master Corporal Werst, a former Marine with unarmed combat skills like Tori, are a bonded Krai couple. Di'Cikeys Alamber is a di'Taykan and an absolute genius when it comes to computers. And he has a hankering to work in the labs.
Members of Strike Team U'yun include…
...Navy Lieutenant Elisk, a Krai and the team leader; the Human Marine Lieutenant Marie Bilodeau who took the escape clause; SN di'Numanja Tylen is a di'Taykan female; Master Corporal Harris Zhou is a disaffected Human; Corporal di'Burlut Nicholin is another di'Taykan; Lorkin is Krai; and, Technical Sergeant di'Ahaski Yahsamus, a di'Taykan.
Members of Strike Team Ch'tore/Ch'ore include…
…the Human Captain Ranjit Kaur is the Lead; di'Hajak Sirin is di'Taykan; and, Orrnis and Aszur, a pilot, are Krai.
Members of Strike Team T'Jaam include…
…the Human Doug Collins and di'Tagawa Gamar, a di'Taykan.
Members of Strike Team Beta include…
…Pirrtirr/Porrtir who is a Krai pilot.
Delta is another Strike Team.
C&C is the Clean-up Crew and usually composed of Dornagain, Rakva, and Niln. In forensics, the Katrien Myril is a new hire and Dr di'Nakamot Bishami is having coding problems. Hayate. Doc Collins is a cutie in medical. Dr Tyrub is a Slaink and the station's radiation specialist. Dr Je'lip. Sergeant Urrest, a Krai, retired when the Marines forced her out and is now in charge of the Strike Teams' armory while Nalvon, a di'Taykan, is new and used to serve with Urrest.
R&D
Finds Truth Through Inquiry, a Dornagain, can pull a confession fast. What Part of Budget Do You Not Understand. Answers Before Questions would recommend Alamber. Watches Over is another investigator in internal affairs. A Lie is a Bad Defense and Tell Me Again Until I Believe You aren't used to the Silsviss.
Musselman's is the bar owned by Paul Musselman, which the Strike Teams favor.
The Core is…
…the center of the governing Confederation, an alliance of the Elder, Mid, and Younger Races. The Sector Parliament is based at Nuh Nur. Tev Arack Sant , a.k.a., The Nest Secure. Representative Hurring, a Trun, is a Justice Minister. Dr Lushin is a bi-colored Trun linguist. SciRe Vin'tic is a Mictok astrophysicist. Chief Justice Genesvah is Niln. Lysentias, a political aide, is the biggest gossip. Lakshinz is a cousin and part of the research team working on the data sheet. Harlin Boz is the Admiral of the Fleet.
General Morris hates Torin Kerr. He's the one who sent Torin to Silsviss. Captain di'Rearl Stedrin had been his aide. Lieutenant Jonnez is Morris' current aide, a Krai. The Mu'tuv are especially badass Marines. Do NOT cross them.
Captain Carveg is still in command on the Berganitan which had flown Torin and Craig out when they first visited Big Yellow. Dal, Narilyn, Hasun, and Kamisu are part of the nest of di'Taykan onboard with whom Alamber takes up. Chief Warrant Officer di'Palik is Master of Arms. Commander Kahananui is the ship's security officer.
Har'p is where the H'san embassy is. Clab'insto Arekog of Terabookog was in command of the Hsan ship at Big Yellow.
The Younger Races were…
…quick to use violence, and the Elder Races granted them — the Humans, di'Taykan (the most sexually indiscriminating species in known space), Silsviss (warlike dinosaurs), and Krai (tree-dwelling with all-encompassing appetites, i.e., they’ll eat absolutely anything, although they do consider Humans particularly tasty) — an early membership in exchange for their fighting an intergalactic war for them.
Cyr Tyroliz is a Silsviss Warlord. Ret is another honorific the Silsviss use. Cri Srah is Tyroliz's 21C. Ser Ozborz will learn to pilot the Blue Robinasit , a.k.a., the Blue Bunny, which is the ship Torin takes to Big Yellow.
On the government observation platform, di'Murrin Keezo is the docking master. Tami Dezotto is his second. Blaylet is the ship Marie will pilot to get them there.
Mid Races were…
…not among the original members of the Confederation. Ravka are feathered beings with beaks and a stilted way of speaking — not because of the beaks, mind you — and give birth via eggs; the lizard-like Niln; and, then the Katrien who make me think of beavers.
Presit a Tur durValintrisy, a Katrien, is a famous reporter with Sector Central News and is now an independent investigative journalist and a big PITA, mostly famous because of the stories she covered of Torin Kerr. She's now running for office. Dalan is her camera operator. Girstin, a Krai, is a low-level intern. Treist is Presit's assistant.
The Dornagin with their excessively long names are in charge of all the paperwork as they just adore paperwork.
Harneer Arniz, a Niln, was one of the soil scientists on 33X73, a.k.a., Threxie.
The Elder Races…
…don't fight, don't innovate, and includes the H'san who love cheese, sing to welcome the dawn, and are the Eldest of the Elder Races — they also have a hidden stash of ancient weapons; the spider-like Micktok; and, the Slaink. They also make up the senior staff.
Seven Sta is…
…a training planet for the Strike Teams. Lieutenant Maaren is Planetary Law Enforcement. Ex-Navy Petty Officer Marilissa Kotas is the cook.
Humans First is…
…a hate group against all other species and funded by Per Anthony Marteau, ex-CEO of Marteau Industries and a weapon supplier to the military, who has taken over, outside the chain-of-command, as the innovator. He has a thing for pre-diaspora Human plastics. Commander Luiz Belcerio is the new commander of Humans First with experience in the corporate world of weapons manufacturing as well as a decade in the Corps. Kari Omondi is Belcerio's second-in-command. Boomer McVale, a communications tech, doesn't see a problem with passing messages. Humanity's Freedom is their flagship. Olaf Janssen is on the bridge. The Liberty is another ship.
Tara Kalowski/Kalenski/Kanonski/Karpanski had been a Naval armaments officer — Marteau can never remember her name — and Madeline Laghari, a Marine explosives tech, are creating a weapon to kill the plastic. Dr Robert Banard is a disgusting biophysicist with plans for an Electron Beam welder. He's been through rehab twice, and it still hasn't taken. Dr Anika Shoke is a xeno-anthropologist who didn't understand why Humans weren't allowed to excel. She's also the Lead XA on the Silsviss project. She'll initiate plan Scale and Claw.
The Primacy is/was…
…the enemy and included the plastic aliens (Big Yellow) and the Druin and Polint military species. Qurn had been a Primacy agent. Big Yellow was defeated once, shutting down their disgusting social science experiment. Now the plastic aliens are back. Orange is the plastic data sheet.
"Analysis requires context. You provided context."Big Bill had been a pirate and Alamber's criminal, cruel boss. Captain di'Inconicho Tal had been a recruiting officer on Paradise. Cothi Hurexical is a mine supervisor. Her people are being held hostage by PFC di'Valing Noshikin, a Marine. Staff Sergeant Beyhan. Sergeant Hollice had command of oldEarth idioms.
HE is a Hazardous Environment suit. Susumi space is a mathematical construct that causes ships to define their own reality; the plastic call it the inner way. A Susumi engine is one that helps you traverse through said space. Zir, zi, and ze are pronouns used by Truns. Harneer means doctor.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a background of grays: light gray skyscrapers with lighter gray light glinting off those buildings and a dark gray of holes and rebar in the street, a colorful orange and yellow flag flaring with light. In the foreground, Torin Kerr, in white tank and pale gray trousers, is glancing off to our right, as she holds a wounded grayed head in her lap, who is wearing loose toast brown trousers, an orange and yellow print shirt, and a darker brown jacket.
The title is tongue-in-cheek, for The Privilege of Peace doesn't truly exist. Not in a world populated by people, whatever their race.
July 8, 2018
I started reading Tanya Huff back in the 1980's and the stories just keep getting better. Great, well rounded characters, a setting you can easily visualize and an adventure you want to follow to the end. Although this was book 3 in the series I was able to follow the action within a couple of chapters without having read the first two. I intend to rectify that situation shortly.
Elder aliens keeping a tight leash on their adopted, aggressive younger worlds after needing them to fight a war and keep them safe. Elders claiming to be unable to react with violence themselves. Total transparency is the byword of the day- but it seems many things are hidden. A very readable book,will keep your interest!
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
Elder aliens keeping a tight leash on their adopted, aggressive younger worlds after needing them to fight a war and keep them safe. Elders claiming to be unable to react with violence themselves. Total transparency is the byword of the day- but it seems many things are hidden. A very readable book,will keep your interest!
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
July 14, 2018
As sometimes happens, the constraints of the final book in a series weigh down the story. I love Torin Kerr, and I've really enjoyed the entire series. This final entry brings together several characters from past stories - including Big Yellow - and works hard to preserve the drama while resolving every open issue presented over the years. There are too many characters and a few too many forced situations. But we do get to learn more about those sexy di'Taykan, and of course, Presit is present.
You should definitely read this series - it is great! Better than Longknife, on par with E Moon's series. Of course, you should read those as well.
You should definitely read this series - it is great! Better than Longknife, on par with E Moon's series. Of course, you should read those as well.
August 9, 2018
Absolutely non-stop action.
Also, not hitting your former superior officer shows character growth, yeah?
Sometimes Torin surprises herself.
I want the next book RIGHT NOW.
Also, not hitting your former superior officer shows character growth, yeah?
Sometimes Torin surprises herself.
I want the next book RIGHT NOW.
July 24, 2018
This is the last Confederation book. I think this is Huff's longest series yet, with 5 books plus 3 more in the Peacekeepers spinoff. She always ends her series long before I'm tired of reading them.
This book is better than the previous one. It has fewer moral lesson and it’s funnier - but then it’s almost too funny. The plot is pure farce, which disappointed me.
This series has always had a lot of humor, but it also takes violence very seriously: the characters mourn their dead and are traumatized by their experiences in the war. With that kind of seriousness maintained in this last book, it’s disconcerting for the story to be so silly. As much as I dislike the plastic aliens, even that plot deserved a better ending than this.
But Kerr is a great character and I will miss her and the rest of the ensemble, and their banter.
This book is better than the previous one. It has fewer moral lesson and it’s funnier - but then it’s almost too funny. The plot is pure farce, which disappointed me.
This series has always had a lot of humor, but it also takes violence very seriously: the characters mourn their dead and are traumatized by their experiences in the war. With that kind of seriousness maintained in this last book, it’s disconcerting for the story to be so silly. As much as I dislike the plastic aliens, even that plot deserved a better ending than this.
But Kerr is a great character and I will miss her and the rest of the ensemble, and their banter.
April 10, 2018
This book pretty much continues right after the previous one so may not be the best place to start. The Peacekeepers at the Dept of Justice seem to be fighting Humans First on all fronts including in their own ranks. The piece of Big Yellow that was found in the previous book is going to be shown publicly before it is locked away. Torin, Craig and Presit are there to touch it to see if they can get a reaction that the scientists couldn’t get. They do get a response by the way of the data sheet sending a signal to the rest of the Big Yellow and of course Torin and crew are needed to be there when Big Yellow arrives. The ending is good, but I certainly want more stories in this setting.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley
April 8, 2018
The Justice Department's new Strike Teams are very busy combatting piracy and hostage situations. The terrorist group Humans First has turned started hijacking raw materials to build a fleet. Meanwhile, Parliament is considering locking all of the Younger Races planet-side to keep their violent tendencies from upsetting the rest of the Confederation. And ex-Gunnery Sergeant Warden Torin Kerr has become very suspicious of the mysterious H'san, whom everyone else trusts implicitly. When the plastic aliens' spaceship Big Yellow reappears, the situation gets even more complicated.
Well-rounded characters, tense situations, and gripping small-unit military science fiction without the common jingoism make for a worthy entry in a highly recommended series.
Well-rounded characters, tense situations, and gripping small-unit military science fiction without the common jingoism make for a worthy entry in a highly recommended series.
September 20, 2018
So, wtf happened to Kyster?
July 12, 2022
This was a satisfying wrap-up to an excellent series. I’ll miss reading about Torin, Craig, Presit, Alamber, and the rest of the crew and hope that Huff one day will want to revisit their world.
June 30, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
If this is truly the end of ex-Gunnery Sergeant now Warden Torin Kerr’s story, I’m going to be very, very sad to see it end. Torin’s story, from its beginning all the way back in Valor’s Choice (nearly 20 years ago, OMG) has been absolutely marvelous.
I began the Valor/Confederation series and the Vatta’s War series at about the same time, so they are both inextricably linked in my memory. They also both finished at the same time, and then revived at about the same time. Wonderful synchronicity.
And they both feature kick-ass, strong, idiosyncratic heroines in vast interstellar space operas. The biggest difference is that Vatta’s War and its sequel series Vatta’s Peace are mercantile space opera, while Confederation/Peacekeeper is strictly military SF.
Torin Kerr begins the series as a Sergeant in the Confederation Marines, and even though at the end of the Confederation series she does manage to retire the sergeant from the Marine Corps, as we, she and her crew discover in An Ancient Peace, the first book in the Peacekeeper sequel series, it is impossible to take the Marine out of the sergeant.
Even in what passes for peacetime, she’s still the Gunny. Mostly. When it counts.
The Privilege of Peace picks up almost immediately after A Peace Divided leaves off. Which means that this is not the place to start. And as much as I loved An Ancient Peace, the first book in the Peacekeeper series, I don’t think that’s the place to start, either. Because this peace, and the characters’ reactions to it, all depend on who and what they were during the late war, and what their relationships to Torin Kerr were during that war. If you enjoy military SF with great characters, terrific world-building and absolutely fantastic heroines, start at the beginning with Valor’s Choice.
And I envy anyone who does a binge-read to “earn” The Privilege of Peace. I’ve read the entire series, but as it was published. Which means that the details of Torin’s history happened even longer ago for me than they do for her. It took awhile for me to get back up to speed on all the names, faces, races, and reasons behind each character’s inclusion in this conclusion.
Because of that “ramp-up” time, the story seemed a bit choppy at points. Lots of characters have similar names, the reader is expected to remember all of their backstory, and the action jumps around a bit. It takes a while to set up the big showdown with “Big Yellow” and the Humans First pukes.
And that’s a hint that there are effectively two different enemies in this book, at least for certain definitions of enemy. Possibly also for certain definitions of factions.
“Big Yellow” turned out to be the enemy of the entire Confederation series. And while the threat of them returning has hung over all of the Peacekeeper series, in Privilege they really are back, and no one is happy about it. But at least now everyone knows that Big Yellow is the big enemy, even if they can’t always recognize its “minions” when they appear. Or disappear. Or hide in plain sight.
That second enemy is the home-grown variety. Humans First will sound familiar in entirely too many contemporary 21st Century ways. They believe that Humans are better than every other race in the galaxy and that the Confederation is holding them back from their greatness. They also believe that violence – along with infiltration and blackmail and other nastinesses – are the way to take their rightful place in the galaxy.
The idea that humans will carry their xenophobia into the stars is more than a bit depressing, but feels all too possible.
Torin and her friends are, as usual, stuck in the middle, caught between the manipulations of Big Yellow, the violence of Humans First, the mind-numbing insanity of Confederation bureaucracy and the secret dreams of the Confederation military.
Peace is a privilege that has to be earned. And as usual, Torin Kerr and her companions are paying for that privilege with their own blood, sweat and hopefully not too many tears.
Escape Rating B: I loved traveling with Torin and Company one more time. Not having just finished a binge of the entire series, it did take a while for me to catch back up, and the longer it has been since the beginning and the more that has happened since that beginning, the longer it seems to take with each book.
The multiple perspectives in The Privilege of Peace made the story seem a bit disjointed at times, but I still liked the journey and felt that the ending was earned. Which means I can only recommend this book to fans of the series. And I still think it is well worth reading the entire series.
The blurbs claim that this is the conclusion of Torin’s journey. If so, I’m sorry to see her go and I’ll miss traveling with her, but she has certainly earned her happy ending. And it is a happy ending – or at least as happy as Torin can manage.
At the same time, there are enough loose, or at least loose-ish, ends that it would be possible for the adventures to continue. And if that occurs, I’ll be glad to watch the Gunny kick more ass and take more names. Anytime. Anyplace. Any galaxy.
If this is truly the end of ex-Gunnery Sergeant now Warden Torin Kerr’s story, I’m going to be very, very sad to see it end. Torin’s story, from its beginning all the way back in Valor’s Choice (nearly 20 years ago, OMG) has been absolutely marvelous.
I began the Valor/Confederation series and the Vatta’s War series at about the same time, so they are both inextricably linked in my memory. They also both finished at the same time, and then revived at about the same time. Wonderful synchronicity.
And they both feature kick-ass, strong, idiosyncratic heroines in vast interstellar space operas. The biggest difference is that Vatta’s War and its sequel series Vatta’s Peace are mercantile space opera, while Confederation/Peacekeeper is strictly military SF.
Torin Kerr begins the series as a Sergeant in the Confederation Marines, and even though at the end of the Confederation series she does manage to retire the sergeant from the Marine Corps, as we, she and her crew discover in An Ancient Peace, the first book in the Peacekeeper sequel series, it is impossible to take the Marine out of the sergeant.
Even in what passes for peacetime, she’s still the Gunny. Mostly. When it counts.
The Privilege of Peace picks up almost immediately after A Peace Divided leaves off. Which means that this is not the place to start. And as much as I loved An Ancient Peace, the first book in the Peacekeeper series, I don’t think that’s the place to start, either. Because this peace, and the characters’ reactions to it, all depend on who and what they were during the late war, and what their relationships to Torin Kerr were during that war. If you enjoy military SF with great characters, terrific world-building and absolutely fantastic heroines, start at the beginning with Valor’s Choice.
And I envy anyone who does a binge-read to “earn” The Privilege of Peace. I’ve read the entire series, but as it was published. Which means that the details of Torin’s history happened even longer ago for me than they do for her. It took awhile for me to get back up to speed on all the names, faces, races, and reasons behind each character’s inclusion in this conclusion.
Because of that “ramp-up” time, the story seemed a bit choppy at points. Lots of characters have similar names, the reader is expected to remember all of their backstory, and the action jumps around a bit. It takes a while to set up the big showdown with “Big Yellow” and the Humans First pukes.
And that’s a hint that there are effectively two different enemies in this book, at least for certain definitions of enemy. Possibly also for certain definitions of factions.
“Big Yellow” turned out to be the enemy of the entire Confederation series. And while the threat of them returning has hung over all of the Peacekeeper series, in Privilege they really are back, and no one is happy about it. But at least now everyone knows that Big Yellow is the big enemy, even if they can’t always recognize its “minions” when they appear. Or disappear. Or hide in plain sight.
That second enemy is the home-grown variety. Humans First will sound familiar in entirely too many contemporary 21st Century ways. They believe that Humans are better than every other race in the galaxy and that the Confederation is holding them back from their greatness. They also believe that violence – along with infiltration and blackmail and other nastinesses – are the way to take their rightful place in the galaxy.
The idea that humans will carry their xenophobia into the stars is more than a bit depressing, but feels all too possible.
Torin and her friends are, as usual, stuck in the middle, caught between the manipulations of Big Yellow, the violence of Humans First, the mind-numbing insanity of Confederation bureaucracy and the secret dreams of the Confederation military.
Peace is a privilege that has to be earned. And as usual, Torin Kerr and her companions are paying for that privilege with their own blood, sweat and hopefully not too many tears.
Escape Rating B: I loved traveling with Torin and Company one more time. Not having just finished a binge of the entire series, it did take a while for me to catch back up, and the longer it has been since the beginning and the more that has happened since that beginning, the longer it seems to take with each book.
The multiple perspectives in The Privilege of Peace made the story seem a bit disjointed at times, but I still liked the journey and felt that the ending was earned. Which means I can only recommend this book to fans of the series. And I still think it is well worth reading the entire series.
The blurbs claim that this is the conclusion of Torin’s journey. If so, I’m sorry to see her go and I’ll miss traveling with her, but she has certainly earned her happy ending. And it is a happy ending – or at least as happy as Torin can manage.
At the same time, there are enough loose, or at least loose-ish, ends that it would be possible for the adventures to continue. And if that occurs, I’ll be glad to watch the Gunny kick more ass and take more names. Anytime. Anyplace. Any galaxy.
June 30, 2018
For those of you who have read the previous two books, terms like Big Yellow, the Silsviss and Big Yellow will be happy reminders of a strongly depicted world crammed with memorable characters and a twisting plot. However if you are scratching your head because you haven’t yet had the pleasure of this series, then don’t pick up this one – track down An Ancient Peace instead. There is simply too much going on in the longer story arc you’ll miss if you don’t.
Gunny Torin Kerr isn’t actually a gunny any longer – but that is something she tends to remember more clearly than some of those around her. She now heads up a team of Wardens, who are essentially intergalactic policemen, now the war has ended and the Elder Races are keen the job doesn’t get seconded to the military. Indeed, now that the war has ended and the Younger Races, including Humanity, are starting to wonder if they are welcome within the Confederation, now they are no longer fighting on behalf of the Elder Races. It is providing major opportunities for the terrorist organisation Humans First, who very much resent the fact that Humanity is taking orders from other species.
I love this series. Torin’s team are always there to provide plenty of snark and banter, even in the trickier moments – but that feels entirely realistic. Despite the fact we stay focused on the main characters, the wider political situation is always well covered so we know what the stakes are. Which steadily ratchets up during this action-packed book. You need to pay attention, because things are always happening, or about to happen and this book particularly offers plenty of pace and excitement.
The denouement was gripping and held me long after I should have put the book down – and Huff then continued to bring the series to an entirely satisfactory ending – no mean feat, given this is a spinoff from the previously successful Valor series… This series is highly recommended for fans of well told military science fiction – and a must-read for those of you who have read the previous two books.
10/10
Gunny Torin Kerr isn’t actually a gunny any longer – but that is something she tends to remember more clearly than some of those around her. She now heads up a team of Wardens, who are essentially intergalactic policemen, now the war has ended and the Elder Races are keen the job doesn’t get seconded to the military. Indeed, now that the war has ended and the Younger Races, including Humanity, are starting to wonder if they are welcome within the Confederation, now they are no longer fighting on behalf of the Elder Races. It is providing major opportunities for the terrorist organisation Humans First, who very much resent the fact that Humanity is taking orders from other species.
I love this series. Torin’s team are always there to provide plenty of snark and banter, even in the trickier moments – but that feels entirely realistic. Despite the fact we stay focused on the main characters, the wider political situation is always well covered so we know what the stakes are. Which steadily ratchets up during this action-packed book. You need to pay attention, because things are always happening, or about to happen and this book particularly offers plenty of pace and excitement.
The denouement was gripping and held me long after I should have put the book down – and Huff then continued to bring the series to an entirely satisfactory ending – no mean feat, given this is a spinoff from the previously successful Valor series… This series is highly recommended for fans of well told military science fiction – and a must-read for those of you who have read the previous two books.
10/10
August 15, 2018
Without getting specific, this review will have spoilers for previous books. It's inevitable.
A lot of problems have cropped up in the previous books that hadn't been wrapped up yet. In this, which appears to be the final book, they are. Plastic-like aliens manipulated a war for data. And the fall out is wide spread. Soldiers without purpose, uneasy truce, and the noncombatant Elder Races unsure whether they can trust the species they no longer need to defend them. Fear and mistrust everywhere.
And then the organic plastic aliens show up again. Torin Kerr would no doubt appreciate it if her problems stopped compounding, but she handles them with her usual determination and sharp wit. As always, she has a crew of varied skill, and entertainment factor. The nonhuman races have developed cultures different from our own, but similar enough that you can relate.
A great series, with plenty of well developed characters in a fleshed out world. Well worth a read or a reread.
A lot of problems have cropped up in the previous books that hadn't been wrapped up yet. In this, which appears to be the final book, they are. Plastic-like aliens manipulated a war for data. And the fall out is wide spread. Soldiers without purpose, uneasy truce, and the noncombatant Elder Races unsure whether they can trust the species they no longer need to defend them. Fear and mistrust everywhere.
And then the organic plastic aliens show up again. Torin Kerr would no doubt appreciate it if her problems stopped compounding, but she handles them with her usual determination and sharp wit. As always, she has a crew of varied skill, and entertainment factor. The nonhuman races have developed cultures different from our own, but similar enough that you can relate.
A great series, with plenty of well developed characters in a fleshed out world. Well worth a read or a reread.
September 30, 2020
(4.5 stars but just because I can't give a full 5 to something so poorly edited - get it together Daw!!)
The last book in this series and I read it TOO DAMN FAST!!! That's what happens when I get sucked in to this world... I just can't stop. This book really should have been at least 5 times longer. Huff does a really great job of wrapping up many of the over-arching storylines throughout this series, but I just want mooooore. The pacing is excellent, the new characters are just as great as the recurring folks, the humor is spot-on - and the societal parallels to our own world are a just a little bit too real sometimes! Guess it's time to start this series over again from the beginning... this will be a future re-read for sure.
The last book in this series and I read it TOO DAMN FAST!!! That's what happens when I get sucked in to this world... I just can't stop. This book really should have been at least 5 times longer. Huff does a really great job of wrapping up many of the over-arching storylines throughout this series, but I just want mooooore. The pacing is excellent, the new characters are just as great as the recurring folks, the humor is spot-on - and the societal parallels to our own world are a just a little bit too real sometimes! Guess it's time to start this series over again from the beginning... this will be a future re-read for sure.
July 1, 2019
A satisfying end to the Peacekeeper trilogy and (I believe) also the end of the Torin Kerr/Confederation books. There were a lot of threads to get wrapped up (Humans First, the plastic aliens, the H'San, the Silsviss) but it all tied together quite well. I really like the camaraderie between coworkers (who are often alien species) in this series. And the action, of course!
July 17, 2020
I really love Torin. The rest of the cast, also great. This whole trilogy has been an interesting look at what happens with a badass space marine once the war is over and doesn't shy away from that being a complicated question. This last book managed to tie up an impressive number of threads across both arcs.
June 30, 2018
Another rockemsockem episode in which the two main characters rescue each other and also the Confederation. Plenty of juice in the series, hope the next outing isn’t long in coming. Huff seems to be letting up a little on the sexual banter, which is a good thing.
Choice lines:
The six of them, in pre-Strike Team Alpha days, had taken down an entire pirate fleet. A single ship draining the tanks at a Mictok-run mining station should be a walk in the cake.
“A press conference,” she repeated. It didn’t sound any more believable. “I’d rather be shot. And I’ve been to press conferences and I’ve been shot, so that’s not a hypothetical observation.”
We agreed to test the tranquilizer guns for R& D.” “All of you.” “All of us.” “H’san shit.” “Hopefully, or their heads would explode.” The sergeant and the gathered Strike Teams turned to stare at Nicholin. Umber hair fluttered. “What? If you don’t shit, your head explodes. Everyone knows that.” “Sometimes it terrifies me you’re the team medic.”
If asked, Craig would have denied being able to identify Torin by her nose, but that was definitely her nose, uncovered, while the rest of her had been sunk into the yellow wall.
Choice lines:
The six of them, in pre-Strike Team Alpha days, had taken down an entire pirate fleet. A single ship draining the tanks at a Mictok-run mining station should be a walk in the cake.
“A press conference,” she repeated. It didn’t sound any more believable. “I’d rather be shot. And I’ve been to press conferences and I’ve been shot, so that’s not a hypothetical observation.”
We agreed to test the tranquilizer guns for R& D.” “All of you.” “All of us.” “H’san shit.” “Hopefully, or their heads would explode.” The sergeant and the gathered Strike Teams turned to stare at Nicholin. Umber hair fluttered. “What? If you don’t shit, your head explodes. Everyone knows that.” “Sometimes it terrifies me you’re the team medic.”
If asked, Craig would have denied being able to identify Torin by her nose, but that was definitely her nose, uncovered, while the rest of her had been sunk into the yellow wall.
June 25, 2018
Loved it, as usual. These are very smart books, complicated/interesting characters and story lines, and though Torin doesn't kick the same kind of butt as in the earlier books, she seems to be adjusting well to her new "don't kill unless absolutely necessary" paradigm and I think she really appreciates that she has fewer losses, too. Obviously, if you're reading the series or a fan of Tanya Huff, you've gotta read this.
As to the "last one in the series" promise on the Goodreads listing:
1) Gawd, I really hope not. There are more stories to tell here, not the least of which is the whole H'san question. I didn't know about this description until after I read the book, and it didn't read like a last-in-the-series to me. What about Presit's candidacy? What about the stragglers? Does Orange come back? What did they learn from the new context?
2) Unfortunately, it is true that the Humans First and Big Yellow story arcs are more or less. Alamber has his plans, Torin is adjusting...I can see this being pitched/accepted by SOME people as the last in the series.
3) NO, NO, NO, Universe NO!!! I really want at least two more Torin stories! Ms. Huff, pleeeeease! Don't you think five and five is nice and symmetrical for Valor/Peacekeeper?
As to the "last one in the series" promise on the Goodreads listing:
1) Gawd, I really hope not. There are more stories to tell here, not the least of which is the whole H'san question. I didn't know about this description until after I read the book, and it didn't read like a last-in-the-series to me. What about Presit's candidacy? What about the stragglers? Does Orange come back? What did they learn from the new context?
2) Unfortunately, it is true that the Humans First and Big Yellow story arcs are more or less. Alamber has his plans, Torin is adjusting...I can see this being pitched/accepted by SOME people as the last in the series.
3) NO, NO, NO, Universe NO!!! I really want at least two more Torin stories! Ms. Huff, pleeeeease! Don't you think five and five is nice and symmetrical for Valor/Peacekeeper?
September 6, 2018
4.5 stars.
Really enjoyed this outing. Big Yellow is back due to the discovery made by the scientists in the previous book.
Again, action galore and with Torin and Ryder being split on separate missions...At least for a while.
There's a resolution of sorts with Humans First that I believe will see further changes to the Confederation. Let's see what the next book will bring.
Really enjoyed this outing. Big Yellow is back due to the discovery made by the scientists in the previous book.
Again, action galore and with Torin and Ryder being split on separate missions...At least for a while.
There's a resolution of sorts with Humans First that I believe will see further changes to the Confederation. Let's see what the next book will bring.
June 22, 2018
Full disclosure, I've had a soft spot for Torin Kerr and her band of marines since not long after I first signed on with Audible. Hundreds of audiobooks later and I was still getting my occasional fix of ex-Gunnery Sergeant Kerr's latest adventures. Now it appears to be over and I'm conflicted. I've read a number of series that were significantly longer than the eight books that made up this one, but few have made a deeper impression on me than these characters despite my not seeing them as often as I would've liked.
As for this book, it's as good as any of them, a nice mix of action and problem-solving and the appealing toughness of Torin Kerr and the gang. It's definitely among the smarter, more thoughtful examples of military science fiction I've encountered, though I have to admit that I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of that particular sub-genre. It was a good sendoff for this series, though, with Torin having a chance to exercise some of her inner demons, answer some nagging questions, and make the world (universe) a better place and that makes me happy.
As for this book, it's as good as any of them, a nice mix of action and problem-solving and the appealing toughness of Torin Kerr and the gang. It's definitely among the smarter, more thoughtful examples of military science fiction I've encountered, though I have to admit that I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of that particular sub-genre. It was a good sendoff for this series, though, with Torin having a chance to exercise some of her inner demons, answer some nagging questions, and make the world (universe) a better place and that makes me happy.
June 12, 2024
I love this series. Have loved it from the beginning. And this is a very satisfying ending, wrapping up lots of the threads through the whole series.
Fuck the Elder Races, and their pompous claim to being enlightened, while using the Younger Races - people they describe condescendingly as "children" when it suits them, to be paternalistic - as cannon fodder in battles they can't be bothered to fight themselves.
I'm not going to go into a detailed review, because ... well, it's the wrap-up of an 8-book series. You either know you like it by now, or you haven't started. And if you haven't started, let me tell you, if sci-fi is your thing, this is a great one. Generally, I'm not super into the military-flavored sci-fi stories, because they feel a bit cold and impersonal to me... but that is not at all the case for this series. Also, while it has a grounding in tech, it doesn't bog down the narrative with pages and pages talking about how the tech works. So again, if sci-fi is your thing, do check it out.
Re-read June 2024
I don't have a lot to add to my original review, which I'm still in total agreement with. I love this series, and expect I'll re-read it again and again. Torin Kerr is a fabulous character - not just a hard-ass NCO leader, but bubbling with compassion, courage, and a passion for justice. As a soldier, she had to walk a tricky line - follow orders, but shaping them into something she found acceptable. She hates the politics of it all, but man is she good at it when she decides to engage.
I'd love it if the author revisited this series with another short arc, just to see where they all landed years down the road. One can only hope. :)
Fuck the Elder Races, and their pompous claim to being enlightened, while using the Younger Races - people they describe condescendingly as "children" when it suits them, to be paternalistic - as cannon fodder in battles they can't be bothered to fight themselves.
I'm not going to go into a detailed review, because ... well, it's the wrap-up of an 8-book series. You either know you like it by now, or you haven't started. And if you haven't started, let me tell you, if sci-fi is your thing, this is a great one. Generally, I'm not super into the military-flavored sci-fi stories, because they feel a bit cold and impersonal to me... but that is not at all the case for this series. Also, while it has a grounding in tech, it doesn't bog down the narrative with pages and pages talking about how the tech works. So again, if sci-fi is your thing, do check it out.
Re-read June 2024
I don't have a lot to add to my original review, which I'm still in total agreement with. I love this series, and expect I'll re-read it again and again. Torin Kerr is a fabulous character - not just a hard-ass NCO leader, but bubbling with compassion, courage, and a passion for justice. As a soldier, she had to walk a tricky line - follow orders, but shaping them into something she found acceptable. She hates the politics of it all, but man is she good at it when she decides to engage.
I'd love it if the author revisited this series with another short arc, just to see where they all landed years down the road. One can only hope. :)
April 12, 2022
First, and to get it out of the way, the cover (the one with Torin leaning over what appears to be a dying Alamber, and another di'Taykan slumped in the background) isn't a reflection of any scene in the book. I don't know where illustrator Paul Youll pulled that from, but we don't have to suffer Torin having to watch Alamber die.
So what do they actually get up to, if not being shot? The first half of the book is spent mostly on setup, showcasing the widening of the Strike Team programme within the Justice Department and how the teams are integrating and working together, as well as the wider politics of the Confederation - now that the war is over, many people are clamouring for the Younger Races to be grounded (literally - at the bottom of gravity wells on planets) until they lose some of their violent tendencies. Alongside that, we get the continuing adventures of Humans First, as they pirate and pillage through a xenophobic strop that just points out the validity of locking them in their rooms until they grow up.
It's only about half way through that the two big set pieces of the book kick in - an incident with the Silsviss, who Torin helped bring into the Confederation; and the return of Big Yellow. This is handled deftly, as they split the party and head to both situations at once. Huff is very good at interweaving the two stories, not spending too long with any one, and constantly shifting points of view to keep the action moving.
While I think that the final resolution to both the plot in this book and that of the wider series has a whiff of deus ex machina about it, and I've never been fond of the plastic aliens, I still enjoyed this a lot. It's a satisfying conclusion to a series carefully built up over the previous seven books. We get to see different sides of Torin over that span and get to know the team around her in the last three. I've always had a soft spot for Alamber (hence my leading with him not dying) and I'm glad to see him getting a chance to develop and take a big step here as well.
It's been a pleasure following Staff/Gunnery Sergeant/Warden Kerr over the course of her adventures and I'm pleased with how her story, her whole team's story, has ended.
So what do they actually get up to, if not being shot? The first half of the book is spent mostly on setup, showcasing the widening of the Strike Team programme within the Justice Department and how the teams are integrating and working together, as well as the wider politics of the Confederation - now that the war is over, many people are clamouring for the Younger Races to be grounded (literally - at the bottom of gravity wells on planets) until they lose some of their violent tendencies. Alongside that, we get the continuing adventures of Humans First, as they pirate and pillage through a xenophobic strop that just points out the validity of locking them in their rooms until they grow up.
It's only about half way through that the two big set pieces of the book kick in - an incident with the Silsviss, who Torin helped bring into the Confederation; and the return of Big Yellow. This is handled deftly, as they split the party and head to both situations at once. Huff is very good at interweaving the two stories, not spending too long with any one, and constantly shifting points of view to keep the action moving.
While I think that the final resolution to both the plot in this book and that of the wider series has a whiff of deus ex machina about it, and I've never been fond of the plastic aliens, I still enjoyed this a lot. It's a satisfying conclusion to a series carefully built up over the previous seven books. We get to see different sides of Torin over that span and get to know the team around her in the last three. I've always had a soft spot for Alamber (hence my leading with him not dying) and I'm glad to see him getting a chance to develop and take a big step here as well.
It's been a pleasure following Staff/Gunnery Sergeant/Warden Kerr over the course of her adventures and I'm pleased with how her story, her whole team's story, has ended.
February 23, 2019
I was disappointed in this latest Torin Kerr novel. Since the series moved from the Confederation to the Peacekeeper the books have been harder to get into than the early ones, but by the end I'm usually invested. Instead I actually wound up not finishing this one! I got 78% in and realized that I didn't really care enough to keep going. Not great when I shouldn't be able to put it down at this point.
The villain POV chapters I think we part of the problem. This isn't a series where I'm looking for nuanced bad guys, and honestly I'm not sure what the villain POV chapters really added. Yes, I guess they were supposed to be so we knew that he was building some novel weapon which will impact the part of the book I didn't read, but his sections just really annoyed me and put me off.
Next, the action kept getting broken up into small pieces, which made this novel episodic and made it harder to stay immersed in the action. If it could have been a bit more continuous that probably would have helped.
There was also one spot that annoyed me where something bad happens and everyone stands around going "Huh, I wonder who could have done this", when it was blindingly obvious to me. 6 chapters later the person who did it was mentioned as a side note and *gasp*, what a shock, it was exactly who I thought it would be.
I think the biggest problem overall is that these book started out as fairly straightforward action/comedy and are now trying to become complex and nuanced politics books. It just doesn't fit what I am expecting from these characters.
The villain POV chapters I think we part of the problem. This isn't a series where I'm looking for nuanced bad guys, and honestly I'm not sure what the villain POV chapters really added. Yes, I guess they were supposed to be so we knew that he was building some novel weapon which will impact the part of the book I didn't read, but his sections just really annoyed me and put me off.
Next, the action kept getting broken up into small pieces, which made this novel episodic and made it harder to stay immersed in the action. If it could have been a bit more continuous that probably would have helped.
There was also one spot that annoyed me where something bad happens and everyone stands around going "Huh, I wonder who could have done this", when it was blindingly obvious to me. 6 chapters later the person who did it was mentioned as a side note and *gasp*, what a shock, it was exactly who I thought it would be.
I think the biggest problem overall is that these book started out as fairly straightforward action/comedy and are now trying to become complex and nuanced politics books. It just doesn't fit what I am expecting from these characters.
September 21, 2018
One word: plastics. (Thanks to the reference to The Graduate in the Mike Nichols episode of the American Masters series on PBS and its weekend marathon.)
After a signature action sequence, The Privilege of Peace resets in pace to a gradual build up to a series of escalating skirmishes to a (somewhat?) conclusive showdown that leads to more questions to answer in the next Peacekeeper entry. Torin and company shine with their usual mix of exceptional warrior's skills, tenacity, loyalty, heart, and gallows humor. T.H.'s easy blend of binary and non-binary pronoun usage continues. So delish.
[Very tame ellipsis usage for the first two-thirds of the story, then the frequency increases but nowhere near as heavily as in previous titles in this series.]
Long before inclusivity in mainstream fiction was a widely discussed issue (meaning people who are always included started paying attention to people who are never, rarely or weirdly included), all of T.H.'s works from the Quarters series forward have seamlessly integrated all kinds of people and sentient beings as named and respected individuals. Add that to freakishly talented storytelling artistry, character development, and writing mechanics, and those are just among a few of the many reasons T.H. is a go-to author for me.
After a signature action sequence, The Privilege of Peace resets in pace to a gradual build up to a series of escalating skirmishes to a (somewhat?) conclusive showdown that leads to more questions to answer in the next Peacekeeper entry. Torin and company shine with their usual mix of exceptional warrior's skills, tenacity, loyalty, heart, and gallows humor. T.H.'s easy blend of binary and non-binary pronoun usage continues. So delish.
[Very tame ellipsis usage for the first two-thirds of the story, then the frequency increases but nowhere near as heavily as in previous titles in this series.]
Long before inclusivity in mainstream fiction was a widely discussed issue (meaning people who are always included started paying attention to people who are never, rarely or weirdly included), all of T.H.'s works from the Quarters series forward have seamlessly integrated all kinds of people and sentient beings as named and respected individuals. Add that to freakishly talented storytelling artistry, character development, and writing mechanics, and those are just among a few of the many reasons T.H. is a go-to author for me.
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