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Confluence #4
Valence
Earth’s days are numbered.
Two very different women race to prepare for the battle to come. The future of Earth is in their hands.
One struggles to resurrect her ruined ship so she can navigate the politics at the galactic core in a desperate bid to recruit allies.
The other strives to master alien technology to supply the forces of Earth with the tools needed to defend themselves against the ravenous Swarm.
Between them, Jane and Zara offer humanity its best chance at survival, but the odds are stacked against them and their best may not be good enough.
Two very different women race to prepare for the battle to come. The future of Earth is in their hands.
One struggles to resurrect her ruined ship so she can navigate the politics at the galactic core in a desperate bid to recruit allies.
The other strives to master alien technology to supply the forces of Earth with the tools needed to defend themselves against the ravenous Swarm.
Between them, Jane and Zara offer humanity its best chance at survival, but the odds are stacked against them and their best may not be good enough.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
271 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Foehner Wells
18 books1,321 followersAs a child growing up in rural Illinois, I had the wild outdoors, a budding imagination, and books for company. My interest in science fiction was piqued early on when a family friend loaned me a Ray Bradbury compilation, among loads of other wonderful scifi books.
Learn more about Jen at:
www.jenthulhu.com
Learn more about Jen at:
www.jenthulhu.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 16, 2021
Many of my favourite SF ingredients in the wrong quantities and whilst not half baked, definitely undercooked.
December 1, 2017
What can I say, other than I didn't want this story to end.
This one just came out, and I already can't wait for the next one. Wells has done it again, bringing Jane and her crew back after their epic battle with the psychopathic Kai'Memna, along with some new allies. Jane had transmitted information about the alien technology they had found, as well as the galactic-standard language, Mensententia, in hopes that it would help to prime her home planet for a possible Swarm attack. Now she needs to make her way to the capital of the main governmental body of the galaxy, to try to dispell the rumors that Earth isn't just a myth, and to try to get aid against the Swarm. She needs to learn how to deal with the galactic political games, as well as cultural differences.
Back on Earth, a smart little girl steals a part of her father's research, which was the transmission from Jane, and learns that it is a language learning program for Mensententia. She begins to learn it with surprising ease, and anonymously posts it online to the world. It spreads like wildfire, especially amongst the younger generations that are predisposed to learning the language, and it sets off a chain reaction that starts priming the world for the new, coming age. Her storyline follows her as she grows up, becoming more and more involved in the creation of a unified front against the Swarm as one planet.
Overall, the story was fantastically written, and we can only hope that we have someone like Jane and her crew if we need a representative at the galactic table.
This one just came out, and I already can't wait for the next one. Wells has done it again, bringing Jane and her crew back after their epic battle with the psychopathic Kai'Memna, along with some new allies. Jane had transmitted information about the alien technology they had found, as well as the galactic-standard language, Mensententia, in hopes that it would help to prime her home planet for a possible Swarm attack. Now she needs to make her way to the capital of the main governmental body of the galaxy, to try to dispell the rumors that Earth isn't just a myth, and to try to get aid against the Swarm. She needs to learn how to deal with the galactic political games, as well as cultural differences.
Back on Earth, a smart little girl steals a part of her father's research, which was the transmission from Jane, and learns that it is a language learning program for Mensententia. She begins to learn it with surprising ease, and anonymously posts it online to the world. It spreads like wildfire, especially amongst the younger generations that are predisposed to learning the language, and it sets off a chain reaction that starts priming the world for the new, coming age. Her storyline follows her as she grows up, becoming more and more involved in the creation of a unified front against the Swarm as one planet.
Overall, the story was fantastically written, and we can only hope that we have someone like Jane and her crew if we need a representative at the galactic table.
December 15, 2017
This is not a review per se but rather a comment on the entire series so far. It is awesome. I am too old to waste time on books that are silly, unbelievable, mostly smoke and mirrors and gratuitous violence. I have liked sci-fi since I was a tween, read it all my life, but if a book or series is not character-driven I will quickly put it down. Jennifer Foehner Wells is my kind of sci-fi author: a builder of universe that she populates with real characters, real people, regardless of skin tone, tentacles, size, fur, or body odor. Her people are authentic; very few are merely peripheral or background. Some admittedly seem not as well developed but good grief it's asking too much of any author to flesh out every character in a scene, much less a series. Jennifer makes great effort to avoid that. Sure, her science may occasionally be far fetched and some things may seem a little formulaic, but as a guy who once thought he would like to write [insert hysterical laughter here] I can attest that writing is HARD, world building is harder, and creating believable people with character and meaningful dialogue is hardest. Jennifer has the Right Stuff. I will stick with this series as long as she spins it out. Kudos!
June 19, 2022
Ahhh... That was so satisfying! Oh gosh... where do I begin? I loved this book so much!
We experience the story from several different POV's; Jane Holloway's of course, as she navigates through a political swamp of galactic proportion, Dr Alan Bergen, who simply doesn't have the patience for diplomacy, but is up to his eyeballs in special projects... We get Brai's story, and we see a lot more of Pio (I just loved that!).
Did you by any chance want to know what happened on Earth after Jane and the Speroancora crew left? Well then, this is the book for you! The Earthside part of the story is told by Zara Hampton (an awesome character, btw), who's father works for NASA.
Darcy is back as well...
Jennifer Foehner Wells weaves all the storylines into a wonderful tapestry as we meet several new species in the ever-expanding Confluence Universe... I can hardly wait to see what happens next!
Addendum: I've just finished my second helping of Valence, only this time, I listened to the audio version... I gotta say, Susanna Burney just simply nailed it! Burney had herself a pretty tough job as scene by scene, the perspective changed from human to alien, and back again. From Jane Holloway, to the young Zara, and then to Dr. Alan Bergen, etc... I loved listening to the book. The imagery evoked from Jennifer Foehner Wells' words as they rolled off Susanna Burney's tongue somehow gave the scenes an extra, richer texture. Now, I too want to swim with a Kuboderan! (less)
We experience the story from several different POV's; Jane Holloway's of course, as she navigates through a political swamp of galactic proportion, Dr Alan Bergen, who simply doesn't have the patience for diplomacy, but is up to his eyeballs in special projects... We get Brai's story, and we see a lot more of Pio (I just loved that!).
Did you by any chance want to know what happened on Earth after Jane and the Speroancora crew left? Well then, this is the book for you! The Earthside part of the story is told by Zara Hampton (an awesome character, btw), who's father works for NASA.
Darcy is back as well...
Jennifer Foehner Wells weaves all the storylines into a wonderful tapestry as we meet several new species in the ever-expanding Confluence Universe... I can hardly wait to see what happens next!
Addendum: I've just finished my second helping of Valence, only this time, I listened to the audio version... I gotta say, Susanna Burney just simply nailed it! Burney had herself a pretty tough job as scene by scene, the perspective changed from human to alien, and back again. From Jane Holloway, to the young Zara, and then to Dr. Alan Bergen, etc... I loved listening to the book. The imagery evoked from Jennifer Foehner Wells' words as they rolled off Susanna Burney's tongue somehow gave the scenes an extra, richer texture. Now, I too want to swim with a Kuboderan! (less)
September 23, 2018
Jane Holloway and the Speroancora are back on track to protect Earth--and the galaxy--from the mindlessly consuming Swarm. Jennifer Foehner Wells dives deeper into her rich world of alien cultures, how they interact, and how humans can possibly fit in throughout this tale of galactic diplomacy, Earth politics, and technological development. It’s nice seeing all our favorite characters from Remanence and Inheritance, but even more charming is seeing the resulting shift on Earth through the eys of a determined and precocious young woman who is easily a new favorite. Recommended to anyone struggling with ow millennials relate to other generations and to anyone feeling out of their depth when talking to people unlike them.
April 7, 2018
The series could end here instead of Wells trying to make it a career. The plot is as slow moving as in the previous installments, but if you don't mind that, it's pretty good.
Another viewpoint is added by a story-line featuring Earth. Although reminiscent of the WWW trilogy by Robert J. Sawyer, I found this Earth story-line more engaging than the rest of the novel.
Another viewpoint is added by a story-line featuring Earth. Although reminiscent of the WWW trilogy by Robert J. Sawyer, I found this Earth story-line more engaging than the rest of the novel.
April 30, 2018
Kindle Unlimited e-book
March 15, 2018
Kuboderans rule
The alien navigator continues to be my favorite character. The new aliens are a strange and entertaining set of beings. Jane is still doing it all and doing it well. Ajaya and Ron are as competent and low key as ever. The engineer is actually useful, though he still manages to sound like the men who were forced to reluctantly accept Civil Rights Law when he talks about aliens.
The plot connecting the books gets twisty and the timelines for actions in the Solar system and other parts of the galaxy were confusing. There are gaps between the end of one book and the beginning of the next. The writing doesn't create a smooth transition and the endings are choppy.
The relationship between Jane and the engineer reads like a 1960's sitcom, "Bewitched" comes to mind and is slightly more plausible. Fortunately, JFW spends most of the time showing what the characters are accomplishing and there's no over the top romance novel prose. In Druid Gene she does a much better job of showing a boyfriend/girlfriend without diminishing the female main character.
The science is quirky, the engineering suspect, the weapons sketchy, travel times are meaningless, The nature of the Swarm is unclear and the space combat is not well written. There's too much missing if the writing, characters and interactions don't ring true. Started skipping pages in the second half of the book but I will read probably try her again (I really like her aliens).
The alien navigator continues to be my favorite character. The new aliens are a strange and entertaining set of beings. Jane is still doing it all and doing it well. Ajaya and Ron are as competent and low key as ever. The engineer is actually useful, though he still manages to sound like the men who were forced to reluctantly accept Civil Rights Law when he talks about aliens.
The plot connecting the books gets twisty and the timelines for actions in the Solar system and other parts of the galaxy were confusing. There are gaps between the end of one book and the beginning of the next. The writing doesn't create a smooth transition and the endings are choppy.
The relationship between Jane and the engineer reads like a 1960's sitcom, "Bewitched" comes to mind and is slightly more plausible. Fortunately, JFW spends most of the time showing what the characters are accomplishing and there's no over the top romance novel prose. In Druid Gene she does a much better job of showing a boyfriend/girlfriend without diminishing the female main character.
The science is quirky, the engineering suspect, the weapons sketchy, travel times are meaningless, The nature of the Swarm is unclear and the space combat is not well written. There's too much missing if the writing, characters and interactions don't ring true. Started skipping pages in the second half of the book but I will read probably try her again (I really like her aliens).
March 9, 2018
I'll admit I had forgotten about the Confluence series for the last year or two. Then I started making a list of contemporary sci-if and fantasy authors that I enjoyed, and upon looking saw that there were now four books in the series. Book three diverged and focused on an entirely new human character, and book four followed our main Spheroancora crew in their continuing attempt to save the galaxy. This book also has a cameo from the protagonist of book three, and also follows a new character on Earth grappling with the developments from the end of book one. The story goes pretty fast, and leaves the ending open to further books in the series while still coming to a satisfying conclusion.
December 25, 2017
A real page turner
Very hard to put down, especially the last third!
Two storylines converge in a very tense, nail biting finish.
I love how she has developed these characters so thoroughly, the Pligans especially. It was a fascinating glimpse inside how very differently species might behave, and how important it would be to overcome our own expectations in order to relate.
Very well done.
Very hard to put down, especially the last third!
Two storylines converge in a very tense, nail biting finish.
I love how she has developed these characters so thoroughly, the Pligans especially. It was a fascinating glimpse inside how very differently species might behave, and how important it would be to overcome our own expectations in order to relate.
Very well done.
December 29, 2019
In Valence (Confluence Book 4), Jennifer Foehner Wells shifts the series back to Jane Holloway. Jane is a NASA linguist who is now commanding an alien ship and trying to enlist aid from other planets before the dreaded alien Swarm attacks Earth.
As I have said before, Wells has two very powerful and different female protagonists - Jane Holloway and Darcy Eberhardt. They are multidimensional, bright, capable, and full of both strengths and self-doubts. Both woman have, unwilling, been drafted into the positions of commanding alien space ships and both are growing and learning on the job. In book four they finally, albeit briefly, meet.
While the Confluence series is short on hard science, for the most part Wells hasn’t gone too far a field with physics defying adventures. Her long suit is creating a number of interesting races, great individual characters, tense situations, and believable interactions.
Unfortunately, in this book Wells has started to go a little too far. Not only does she introduce dozens of new races but the science and “garage inventions” start to tax reality. The story and adventure continue to remain interesting but I think Wells would have been better off not trying to stretch “reality” quite so far. That said, she continues to come up with very interesting social and personal conflicts when the different races meet. Humans come across as quite parochial compared with the more advanced races. Fortunately, we have aggression, egotism, and Buck Rodgers daring-so on our side.
I probably liked this book the least of the four that I have read so far, thus only a four star review. That said, the storyline continues to develop and the book is quite entertaining. If you have read this far in the series, you need to read Valence. If you are just discovering the Confluence Series, please go back and start with Fluency (Confluence Book 1).
As I have said before, Wells has two very powerful and different female protagonists - Jane Holloway and Darcy Eberhardt. They are multidimensional, bright, capable, and full of both strengths and self-doubts. Both woman have, unwilling, been drafted into the positions of commanding alien space ships and both are growing and learning on the job. In book four they finally, albeit briefly, meet.
While the Confluence series is short on hard science, for the most part Wells hasn’t gone too far a field with physics defying adventures. Her long suit is creating a number of interesting races, great individual characters, tense situations, and believable interactions.
Unfortunately, in this book Wells has started to go a little too far. Not only does she introduce dozens of new races but the science and “garage inventions” start to tax reality. The story and adventure continue to remain interesting but I think Wells would have been better off not trying to stretch “reality” quite so far. That said, she continues to come up with very interesting social and personal conflicts when the different races meet. Humans come across as quite parochial compared with the more advanced races. Fortunately, we have aggression, egotism, and Buck Rodgers daring-so on our side.
I probably liked this book the least of the four that I have read so far, thus only a four star review. That said, the storyline continues to develop and the book is quite entertaining. If you have read this far in the series, you need to read Valence. If you are just discovering the Confluence Series, please go back and start with Fluency (Confluence Book 1).
June 13, 2018
I thought it was pretty good. Very light sci-fi and a pretty simple story. Doesn't compare to some of the other sci-fi I have read, but it serves its purpose for some light reading. The story line has gotten more interesting and complex as three separate narratives have come into place.
**************Spoilers Below*****************
Kuboderans - Braii (sp?) gets to experience some freedom from the ship with Pio (while they fix his ship). They get attacked by a shark - not that exciting but a life lesson for them. Pio and Alan easily defeat Kai-Menna (Sp?) using his blink drive and in the process bring more Kuboderans to thier side. Their ships are mostly empty, so they will likely be filled with Terran/Human crews in the next book.
Time Dilation: After using their disappearing seeds to make a planet vanish before the swarm can get there and a brief battle with the swarm that doesn't go great, the kuboderan fleet enters a wormwhole near a gravity well that is held open by one of the swarm. This causes the fleet to jump forward 11 years and to miss the attack the swarm launches on earth (earth wins but with heavy casualties).
Zara (I think thats her name): Just a child at the start of the book. She steals her dad's Mensentia data and uses it to learn the language. She joins the space fleet and will be an important character going forward. She is smart and thinks of the method to change the laser frequency to hurt the Swarm.
Darcy - minor role in this book. She make contact with Jane and Alan and will likely play a bigger role in the next books.
Jane - spends most of this book dealing with different alien species and trying to be allowed to present her case to the unified species or whatever they are called.
**************Spoilers Below*****************
Kuboderans - Braii (sp?) gets to experience some freedom from the ship with Pio (while they fix his ship). They get attacked by a shark - not that exciting but a life lesson for them. Pio and Alan easily defeat Kai-Menna (Sp?) using his blink drive and in the process bring more Kuboderans to thier side. Their ships are mostly empty, so they will likely be filled with Terran/Human crews in the next book.
Time Dilation: After using their disappearing seeds to make a planet vanish before the swarm can get there and a brief battle with the swarm that doesn't go great, the kuboderan fleet enters a wormwhole near a gravity well that is held open by one of the swarm. This causes the fleet to jump forward 11 years and to miss the attack the swarm launches on earth (earth wins but with heavy casualties).
Zara (I think thats her name): Just a child at the start of the book. She steals her dad's Mensentia data and uses it to learn the language. She joins the space fleet and will be an important character going forward. She is smart and thinks of the method to change the laser frequency to hurt the Swarm.
Darcy - minor role in this book. She make contact with Jane and Alan and will likely play a bigger role in the next books.
Jane - spends most of this book dealing with different alien species and trying to be allowed to present her case to the unified species or whatever they are called.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2018
A little confused as the book cover clearly shows this as book 3 but the title against the book states that it is book 4 and there is also another title which is given as Book 3 in the series...
Apart from that, the story continues nicely from book 2 to 3 without incident.
Jane and her team have come across several additional races and have also done battle with the alien that caused the plague. They've also found the United Sentient Races on Terac but before they are able to proceed, they are held in quarrantine because they are in a Sectilian ship.
With their increased presence in the system, they have made much headway in developing new systems and defences to try to help protect Earth from the Swarm invasion but whether they will be able to convince the various races of the USR to be involved is quite another matter.
In addition to this, much has changed on Earth after one brave young girl decides to spread a learning program about the Sectilian language after discovering how much easier it is for young people to learn and after some stops and starts, Earth's governments start to develop programs for many people to learn the language and then the race is on for them to become unified in a way that nobody ever expected possible.
Another good read in the saga.
Apart from that, the story continues nicely from book 2 to 3 without incident.
Jane and her team have come across several additional races and have also done battle with the alien that caused the plague. They've also found the United Sentient Races on Terac but before they are able to proceed, they are held in quarrantine because they are in a Sectilian ship.
With their increased presence in the system, they have made much headway in developing new systems and defences to try to help protect Earth from the Swarm invasion but whether they will be able to convince the various races of the USR to be involved is quite another matter.
In addition to this, much has changed on Earth after one brave young girl decides to spread a learning program about the Sectilian language after discovering how much easier it is for young people to learn and after some stops and starts, Earth's governments start to develop programs for many people to learn the language and then the race is on for them to become unified in a way that nobody ever expected possible.
Another good read in the saga.
December 2, 2017
This book was amazing! I read a lot of sci-fi and this storyline has been unique and refreshing. I was physically distraught when the book ended! I want more!! The characters are charismatic and realistic. Thank you for bringing Darcy into the fold. I look forward to following her continued adventures. The aliens and intergalactic politics are interesting and I like the role humanity plays in this universe.
As the book progressed I was fascinated with the divergence of Zara’s and Jane’s timelines. I knew that the timelines would have to converge at some point. I hoped that Zara was in some fugue state, but using the wormhole accident to propel Jane into the future was an excellent touch.
I look forward to the next installment. My only suggestion to the author would be to add a brief summary at the start of the book. It took me a little while to recall where the last story ended.
As the book progressed I was fascinated with the divergence of Zara’s and Jane’s timelines. I knew that the timelines would have to converge at some point. I hoped that Zara was in some fugue state, but using the wormhole accident to propel Jane into the future was an excellent touch.
I look forward to the next installment. My only suggestion to the author would be to add a brief summary at the start of the book. It took me a little while to recall where the last story ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2018
It started slowly but returned to the main story in books 1 & 2. Only a slight mention of the characters introduced in book 3, which just proved what I had said about the 3rd book. It was a separate story that was simply wedged into this popular series to increase sales. The characters from book 3 were so insignificant in this book they could easily be replaced by communications relays since that was the function they served. But this book got back to all the things that made books 1 & 2 so much fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will probably skip book 5 since it is a continuation of the story in book 3, and I'll look forward to book 6. Why the author didn't make these two different series in the same universe baffles me, I mean, other than to increase sales of an inferior story.
July 20, 2018
Well, I read it, so I'm sure something happened. I don't really remember what. Let's see, I guess new aliens were encountered (as cardboard as the previous ones), ships get added to the fleet, a new strong female bypasses the stupid things men do which allows her to actually get stuff done (the most believable part of the book), and despite being a laughable caricature of a person, the engineer 3D prints miraculous new inventions that save the day.
That sounds worse than it actually is - it's a light, stop-thinking, just go with it, and enjoy the ride read. The author is an independent who seems to be having fun doing this. I wish her the best and look forward to future works, but I don't expect hard sci-fi or complex characters.
That sounds worse than it actually is - it's a light, stop-thinking, just go with it, and enjoy the ride read. The author is an independent who seems to be having fun doing this. I wish her the best and look forward to future works, but I don't expect hard sci-fi or complex characters.
November 30, 2019
Interesting concepts...but just barely hits 3 stars
This series strong point is the interesting concepts brought into the story. However, there are several drawbacks. One is the assumption that the entire galaxy is filled with beings that are, well, lethargic and slow. Another is the author’s lack of understanding of how space and gravity works when fighting in zero G. I know this is science “fiction” but it wouldn’t hurt to have a little more “science” along with the fiction. Finally, the concept reveals are slow...and the story evolves slowly...and some of the fighting sequences are slow to develop and then suddenly over. It makes for a slow read with a lack of dramatic punch.
This series strong point is the interesting concepts brought into the story. However, there are several drawbacks. One is the assumption that the entire galaxy is filled with beings that are, well, lethargic and slow. Another is the author’s lack of understanding of how space and gravity works when fighting in zero G. I know this is science “fiction” but it wouldn’t hurt to have a little more “science” along with the fiction. Finally, the concept reveals are slow...and the story evolves slowly...and some of the fighting sequences are slow to develop and then suddenly over. It makes for a slow read with a lack of dramatic punch.
January 31, 2021
I've become addicted to this series...
I gave this one five stars because another character is introduced and the combination between Jane & her crew, the character from book three and the new character, Darcy, works together well. I was a bit disappointed at how the storyline at the end played out, but can't explain without giving too much away. Maybe the next book will make up that part.
I am not normally into "space stuff", but I'd recommend the book to others who say this because it's interesting in so many other details that I DO like in a book, such as, a down to earth female lead character (by this book there are THREE), relatable culture issues and the enjoyment in discovering new people and worlds.
I gave this one five stars because another character is introduced and the combination between Jane & her crew, the character from book three and the new character, Darcy, works together well. I was a bit disappointed at how the storyline at the end played out, but can't explain without giving too much away. Maybe the next book will make up that part.
I am not normally into "space stuff", but I'd recommend the book to others who say this because it's interesting in so many other details that I DO like in a book, such as, a down to earth female lead character (by this book there are THREE), relatable culture issues and the enjoyment in discovering new people and worlds.
April 7, 2018
I have to admit, I ran into some issues with this series, the book before this was something It took me forever to find due to title changes, so it actually sat on my "to read" shelf. More accurately I found it, but didn't realize that book I'd already found and was waiting to read, was actually book three in this series. So my memory of what happened in the first couple of books was...spotty, going into this.
So it took me a minute to catch up. I had to think about, and in some cases look up, characters that were less than memorable. That's just about the only thing holding this book back from five stars. It's easily in my top five for the year so far.
So it took me a minute to catch up. I had to think about, and in some cases look up, characters that were less than memorable. That's just about the only thing holding this book back from five stars. It's easily in my top five for the year so far.
October 11, 2024
"Valence" by Jennifer Foehner Wells is a stellar addition to the sci-fi genre. Wells masterfully blends thrilling action with deep, introspective moments, creating a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The characters are richly developed, each with their own unique arcs that draw the reader in. The world-building is exquisite, painting a vivid picture of the futuristic universe. The plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to put the book down. Truly, "Valence" is a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast. If you loved it, you’ve got a discerning taste in literature!
February 9, 2018
The "Confluence" series continues to provide fascinating non-Terran worlds and cultures, and plenty of excitement, danger and suspense to keep me turning the pages. This book brings together our old friends in new configurations and introduces some very cool new characters, all doing their part to support each others' quests and keep the Swarm away from Earth. Wells continues this riveting space opera series with a worthy new addition. This is science fiction the way it OUGHT to be written! I already can't wait for the next book.
July 21, 2022
This one started very slow. Perhaps it was intentional, to give that Pliga feeling. It did enjoy the read, but felt like the storyline was a bit hodgepodge at places. For example the Kai Memna part was dealt with a hit quick and dirty.
Towards the end, it got much better and I still appreciate her approach to sci-fi. You can find a lot of collaboration and openness, where other series just feel like battle after battle.
The best part of this volume was the first merge of storylines and the Zara part. Such a fresh and interesting perspective.
Towards the end, it got much better and I still appreciate her approach to sci-fi. You can find a lot of collaboration and openness, where other series just feel like battle after battle.
The best part of this volume was the first merge of storylines and the Zara part. Such a fresh and interesting perspective.
March 10, 2025
Pligaran time sense drives Alan nearly crazy. Tree provides the material to fix and enhance both the Speracanao and Obligatus, Brei and Pio's vessels. While Brei and Pio experience freedom they also face consequences of not being alert. Both vessels meet Terac space and face quarantine. While the Obligatus is in Pligar that was they are attacked and Darcy comes to their rescue. With Alan away Jane has to deal with the diplomatic shenanigans of the galaxy, gains more crew and more knowledge of different cultures. Trying to return to earth they experience wormhole anomoly.
February 4, 2018
Read the whole series...
Please do read the whole series! I did, and, well, I want more. Characters I can care about doing fun and interesting things while occasionally violating the laws of physics makes for the kind of light reading I enjoy. Why, with a galaxy full of spacefaring species, Earth never saw any coherent light or interesting radio is beyond me, but I read all four books front to back. That’s very nearly the best recommendation I can give.
Please do read the whole series! I did, and, well, I want more. Characters I can care about doing fun and interesting things while occasionally violating the laws of physics makes for the kind of light reading I enjoy. Why, with a galaxy full of spacefaring species, Earth never saw any coherent light or interesting radio is beyond me, but I read all four books front to back. That’s very nearly the best recommendation I can give.
April 20, 2018
I had to step back and think about what to say before writing this review. This whole series has been extremely enjoyable to read and I really like how Jennifer ties all the story lines together. I found myself thinking about the book while at work and ended up in conversations with people about the series. Her imagination in developing the separate characters really is believable. Looking forward to #5 in the series (please?)
November 7, 2018
Just read the series
The series is very well written and has entwined two distinct plot threads. We get to see the beginning of of how they will mesh together. The pace of this book starts off a little slow but picks up incredibly fast. The entire series is a must read. Everything is very well thought out and pieced together beautifully. On to the 5th book I go, starting now! 😁
The series is very well written and has entwined two distinct plot threads. We get to see the beginning of of how they will mesh together. The pace of this book starts off a little slow but picks up incredibly fast. The entire series is a must read. Everything is very well thought out and pieced together beautifully. On to the 5th book I go, starting now! 😁
October 7, 2019
Very good sci-fi
The Confluence series continues in this, the fourth book of the series. Characters introduced in book 3 return and engage with Jane and Co. from books 1 & 2. New alien races are encountered and allies made. The swarm make their way to our solar system as a divided Earth seeks the knowledge to defeat them and endeavours to unite in order to better battle the enemy.
The Confluence series continues in this, the fourth book of the series. Characters introduced in book 3 return and engage with Jane and Co. from books 1 & 2. New alien races are encountered and allies made. The swarm make their way to our solar system as a divided Earth seeks the knowledge to defeat them and endeavours to unite in order to better battle the enemy.
April 29, 2020
Disappointed.
I enjoyed many of the episodes and characters but unfortunately one of the main characters just didn’t seem to develop. Very grating in fact. I’ve never been driven to just stop reading a book near the end, but the male human protagonist ‘was just too shallow and foul mouthed. Really didn’t fit in with the rest of the characters at all for me. Too bad, I was enjoying the rest of the book. You might like it if that kind of person seems real to you.
I enjoyed many of the episodes and characters but unfortunately one of the main characters just didn’t seem to develop. Very grating in fact. I’ve never been driven to just stop reading a book near the end, but the male human protagonist ‘was just too shallow and foul mouthed. Really didn’t fit in with the rest of the characters at all for me. Too bad, I was enjoying the rest of the book. You might like it if that kind of person seems real to you.
December 1, 2017
Amazing!
I couldn’t put it down. This series ranks up there with the best science fiction stories I’ve ever read over the last 55 years and I hope there will be more in the series. Great characters, excellent and exciting plot, great world and alien culture building. Everything a science fiction fan could possibly want.
I couldn’t put it down. This series ranks up there with the best science fiction stories I’ve ever read over the last 55 years and I hope there will be more in the series. Great characters, excellent and exciting plot, great world and alien culture building. Everything a science fiction fan could possibly want.
December 14, 2017
Great stories!!!
I am not one who reads a lot of scifi,only authors that I like,your series ,is some of the best stories,and characters that I have ever read!!!,are you going to continue ,with book five?I would like to see more of Darcy and her crew in one of your next stories,hopefully,great read michael!!!
I am not one who reads a lot of scifi,only authors that I like,your series ,is some of the best stories,and characters that I have ever read!!!,are you going to continue ,with book five?I would like to see more of Darcy and her crew in one of your next stories,hopefully,great read michael!!!
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