Terrific fourth entry in a fabulous, SF, romantic-adventure series
In this novel, the romance of Thelma and Max advances to their marital pairing expanding to encompass an adorable baby boy named Silas. For the past two years, they've also been in charge of acting as foster parents to Ruth, the newest AI individual in this SF universe. This is the first time an advanced AI has ever been raised in a human family.
This book also introduces the concept of a "nascent intelligence" in the form of Jesse, a different type of AI than Lon, a central character in the first two books of this series. Jesse pilots the new spaceship that Max and Thelma acquired after their ship was blown up by evil villains in the previous novel.
It was a huge relief to learn at the end of the previous novel that Lon is not dead but, rather, has moved on to an advanced state of AI existence. I do miss his constant presence from the previous novels, but at least he had a few cameos in this book.
Ruth, Jesse, and baby Silas are fascinating and lovable new characters. I enjoyed them very much. I also appreciated the many continuing characters who have become part of Max and Thelma's ever expanding family of affiliation. The people whom Thelma and Max consider their family of choice are all true friends to them and play significant parts in the central adventures this novel. Thelma and Max are such amazing, compassionate, loyal, and loving people, it is no wonder that anyone invited into their inner circle feels both delighted and privileged.
Thelma's role intergalactically greatly expands in this novel. She is an absolutely amazing diplomat. Her marital and political alliance with Max continues to grow and evolve in positive ways as well. Max is a wonderful MMC.
Though every book in this series effectively and fully wraps up the central crisis that needs to be solved, the door is wide open for more adventures of Max, Thelma and baby Silas and all their many friends should JS choose to add any books to this series later. I truly hope she does, because I adore this series.