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The Quadrail Series Books 4–5: The Domino Pattern and Judgment at Proteus
Action science fiction, mystery, and espionage combine in books 4 and 5 of the Quadrail series from this Hugo Award-winning author.
The alien Chahwyn created the Spiders to keep their intragalactic transportation system, the Quadrail, safe and running smoothly. And ex-government agent Frank Compton is there to protect its integrity. So far, Compton and his beautiful half-human, half-Chahwyn partner, Bayta, have had their hands full keeping the Quadrail open and preventing the evil Modhri from using it to spread their mind-controlling infection. But new threats are always popping up . . .
The Domino Pattern While the Quadrail is en route to the farthest edge of the galaxy, someone is poisoning passengers. Meanwhile, Compton and Bayta must prevent the system from derailing, and unless they can unmask a sinister conspiracy, the ordered universe will fall into chaos.
Judgment at Proteus The Shonkla-raa are invincible fighters dedicated to the destruction of the Quadrail. They were once thought to be extinct, but no longer. Now Compton and Bayta must join forces with their most feared enemy, the Modhri, if they hope to protect all species along the Quadrail from annihilation.
The alien Chahwyn created the Spiders to keep their intragalactic transportation system, the Quadrail, safe and running smoothly. And ex-government agent Frank Compton is there to protect its integrity. So far, Compton and his beautiful half-human, half-Chahwyn partner, Bayta, have had their hands full keeping the Quadrail open and preventing the evil Modhri from using it to spread their mind-controlling infection. But new threats are always popping up . . .
The Domino Pattern While the Quadrail is en route to the farthest edge of the galaxy, someone is poisoning passengers. Meanwhile, Compton and Bayta must prevent the system from derailing, and unless they can unmask a sinister conspiracy, the ordered universe will fall into chaos.
Judgment at Proteus The Shonkla-raa are invincible fighters dedicated to the destruction of the Quadrail. They were once thought to be extinct, but no longer. Now Compton and Bayta must join forces with their most feared enemy, the Modhri, if they hope to protect all species along the Quadrail from annihilation.
- GenresScience Fiction
932 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2018
61 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
481 books8,527 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Have no idea how accurate the science is, so it wasn’t difficult for me to suspend disbelief. And I might have been a little prejudiced because I love train travel. But I also loved the characters—even the villains.
The protagonist might be just a little too good at his job, but he also gets things wrong now and then. One of the minor characters feels like he was added specifically to rescue the protagonist when he does get it wrong, but I still liked him. Most of the characters were interesting and grew as the series progressed. Even when they surprised me, I could accept the change and usually find when the seeds were planted.
The villains are formidable, once you figure out who they are. And when you think you’ve figured it out… Well, don’t be so sure you have.
Would love to see this as a movie series.
The protagonist might be just a little too good at his job, but he also gets things wrong now and then. One of the minor characters feels like he was added specifically to rescue the protagonist when he does get it wrong, but I still liked him. Most of the characters were interesting and grew as the series progressed. Even when they surprised me, I could accept the change and usually find when the seeds were planted.
The villains are formidable, once you figure out who they are. And when you think you’ve figured it out… Well, don’t be so sure you have.
Would love to see this as a movie series.
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November 5, 2020A fine conclusion to this space noir thriller
Zahn ties up one of the most interesting detective stories I've read in this thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the quadratic series. Witty, tense,with plenty of twists, I'll definitely be returning to this series for another chance to ride the quadratic with Frank Compton and his sidekick Bayta
Zahn ties up one of the most interesting detective stories I've read in this thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the quadratic series. Witty, tense,with plenty of twists, I'll definitely be returning to this series for another chance to ride the quadratic with Frank Compton and his sidekick Bayta
March 16, 2025
excellent series
The Quadrail Series is an excellent read. There are enough science ingredients for science geeks, enough cultural kinks for multiple world aficionados, and enough mystery to hold interest and push the story forward.
The Quadrail Series is an excellent read. There are enough science ingredients for science geeks, enough cultural kinks for multiple world aficionados, and enough mystery to hold interest and push the story forward.
September 25, 2022
Solid page turner. To a formula, sure but it's a winning formula. A few over explained lulls but then it gets turned up to 11. Rate.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews