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Life is complicated along the Hadrian Line. Decisions made on the border will decide the fate of the entire Human Sector.
Nora is adjusting to her new role as a player in the games of the powerful. She's gained some interesting enemies and some even more dubious allies. She has also been presented with a unique opportunity, courtesy of Jonah. The question is, who can she trust to explore it with her?
Independent action is a necessity for the sole Royal Capitoline Navy captain patrolling the border region. But Liam will have to defend his actions later in front of the Admiralty board. How can he best serve his realm? By a rigid definition of duty and defense of the status quo, or is there a greater cause, one worth his career and his very life?
Nora is adjusting to her new role as a player in the games of the powerful. She's gained some interesting enemies and some even more dubious allies. She has also been presented with a unique opportunity, courtesy of Jonah. The question is, who can she trust to explore it with her?
Independent action is a necessity for the sole Royal Capitoline Navy captain patrolling the border region. But Liam will have to defend his actions later in front of the Admiralty board. How can he best serve his realm? By a rigid definition of duty and defense of the status quo, or is there a greater cause, one worth his career and his very life?
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2021
701 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books566 followersAustralian science fiction and fantasy author.
Avid reader.
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Avid reader.
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 28, 2021
Mixed feelings
3.5 stars
I’m not quite sure how to adequately describe how I feel about this series of books. Clearly, I’m enjoying them enough to continue reading them. However, there are issues! Bear with me.
I think I could be bffs with this author. I love the emotion maturity of her characters!!! In real life, I would love these people! I feel like they are extremely similar to myself and I would love to have them as my friends.
Unfortunately, that also means they’re extremely boring. Real to life! But boring.
Even though many exciting things are happening to them and around them, the interpersonal relationships are just….Lacking heart. The romance is basically non-existent. I could not buy Nora & Liam storyline of being in love without spending any time together! There needs to be SOME “get to know you” interaction besides 1 lunch at a tea shoppe and a 2 min conversation for a date that cancels.
At first I thought Jonah, Aria & Nora would be the heart of this story but by book 3, this is clearly not the case. So if Liam & Nora are the solid core everything/everyone revolves around, there NEEDS to be a build up to that. I cannot stress this enough! If JUST this aspect of the books was re-written/added to, it would vastly improve this series!!!!!
Aria & Jonah are very well written characters that I enjoy reading about and Nora is definitely the main character but Liam just falls flat. He’s…. Too controlled and utterly boring. I think that’s probably exactly how a real battleship captain would be!!!! So he’s very real to life! But boring. Which is not something that should be part of an adventure series of books, in my humble opinion.
I also can’t swallow her relationship & trust in Zac & Cherry & the Edge Security team.
On a deeper level, there’s something off about Nora’s reactions & character. Sometimes she stands up for herself & those she loves and sometimes she doesn’t when she should in order for her character to be consistent. Again, that’s actually the way real human beings are in real life. We aren’t always consistent in our behavior but in a fictional book, the inconstancy is disconcerting. I don’t like it.
There’s also something I greatly dislike about the pacing of time in the book. Sometimes it flows as it should, but sometimes it’s jarring & abrupt. AGAIN, exactly like real life but not something I want in my fantasy fiction book.
All in all, I like this series but I feel like it has the potential to be soooo much more if it was better written and edited.
3.5 stars
I’m not quite sure how to adequately describe how I feel about this series of books. Clearly, I’m enjoying them enough to continue reading them. However, there are issues! Bear with me.
I think I could be bffs with this author. I love the emotion maturity of her characters!!! In real life, I would love these people! I feel like they are extremely similar to myself and I would love to have them as my friends.
Unfortunately, that also means they’re extremely boring. Real to life! But boring.
Even though many exciting things are happening to them and around them, the interpersonal relationships are just….Lacking heart. The romance is basically non-existent. I could not buy Nora & Liam storyline of being in love without spending any time together! There needs to be SOME “get to know you” interaction besides 1 lunch at a tea shoppe and a 2 min conversation for a date that cancels.
At first I thought Jonah, Aria & Nora would be the heart of this story but by book 3, this is clearly not the case. So if Liam & Nora are the solid core everything/everyone revolves around, there NEEDS to be a build up to that. I cannot stress this enough! If JUST this aspect of the books was re-written/added to, it would vastly improve this series!!!!!
Aria & Jonah are very well written characters that I enjoy reading about and Nora is definitely the main character but Liam just falls flat. He’s…. Too controlled and utterly boring. I think that’s probably exactly how a real battleship captain would be!!!! So he’s very real to life! But boring. Which is not something that should be part of an adventure series of books, in my humble opinion.
I also can’t swallow her relationship & trust in Zac & Cherry & the Edge Security team.
On a deeper level, there’s something off about Nora’s reactions & character. Sometimes she stands up for herself & those she loves and sometimes she doesn’t when she should in order for her character to be consistent. Again, that’s actually the way real human beings are in real life. We aren’t always consistent in our behavior but in a fictional book, the inconstancy is disconcerting. I don’t like it.
There’s also something I greatly dislike about the pacing of time in the book. Sometimes it flows as it should, but sometimes it’s jarring & abrupt. AGAIN, exactly like real life but not something I want in my fantasy fiction book.
All in all, I like this series but I feel like it has the potential to be soooo much more if it was better written and edited.
March 5, 2025
Honestly, I'm loving this space opera series ... I'm blitzing through with a serious lack of sleep because I cannot put it down. So excited to have discovered it!
December 31, 2025
This was the third book in the Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist series. This is a space opera series that mixes cool sci-fi tech and worldbuilding, space politics, intrigue, and a bit of mystery with some slow burn romance and found family vibes.
The second book was a bit more slice of life in style but this one was all intrigue and space politics. The novel had two main plot arcs. The first half involved Nora trying to prevent the theft of a powerful alien artifact while also bonding with a troubled teen who needed her help. The second half saw Nora’s biggest secret finally exposed, forcing her to leave her station and return to the Capitoline capital to deal with the political fallout. The assassination of a key royal figure becoming public knowledge added even more tension to an already volatile situation.
The story was solid and pretty fast paced, but it didn’t lose the heart and emotional elements. Both Nora and Liam had significant character development in this installment. Their relationship took some major steps forward as they navigated the complex politics surrounding the Forgotten/Royals and the expectations placed on them. The found family aspects continued to be a strength of the series.
All in all I’m a fan of this space opera series. It’s not 5 star stuff but it’s good quality entertainment. I’ll be reading the next installment for sure.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Audio Note: Emily Woo Zeller did a good job with the audio. Good with general narration and she had a decent range with her voice work as well.
The second book was a bit more slice of life in style but this one was all intrigue and space politics. The novel had two main plot arcs. The first half involved Nora trying to prevent the theft of a powerful alien artifact while also bonding with a troubled teen who needed her help. The second half saw Nora’s biggest secret finally exposed, forcing her to leave her station and return to the Capitoline capital to deal with the political fallout. The assassination of a key royal figure becoming public knowledge added even more tension to an already volatile situation.
The story was solid and pretty fast paced, but it didn’t lose the heart and emotional elements. Both Nora and Liam had significant character development in this installment. Their relationship took some major steps forward as they navigated the complex politics surrounding the Forgotten/Royals and the expectations placed on them. The found family aspects continued to be a strength of the series.
All in all I’m a fan of this space opera series. It’s not 5 star stuff but it’s good quality entertainment. I’ll be reading the next installment for sure.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Audio Note: Emily Woo Zeller did a good job with the audio. Good with general narration and she had a decent range with her voice work as well.
June 7, 2024
AWESOME, addicting, riveting, can’t-put-down. Nuff said, I’m too busy jumping into the next installment to stop and bloviate.
October 18, 2025
I loved every book in this series. See my review of Astray for my overall opinion.
December 20, 2021
Great sci fi adventure with romance
The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters are believable and entertaining, and the ending was an "omg" moment. I enjoyed Rebel and am looking forward to Cajole.
The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters are believable and entertaining, and the ending was an "omg" moment. I enjoyed Rebel and am looking forward to Cajole.
November 12, 2025
Still reading this series though I'm not sure why. The editing and writing style is getting harder to ignore in book 3. Perhaps that is because I'm loosing interest in the story which has become all about royalty, a subject I dislike IRL and in my entertainment.
There is not a lot of action in this book 3. The reader is told what is going on instead of shown. Private conversations that could be juicy are instead skipped over with a line saying that this or that conversation happened. The editing is not good either. Things are repeated. Crown prince this and princess that are explained over and over. This is a result of needing to repeat things in case someone didn't read book 1 and 2? An unlikely scenario. And this should have been one book anyway tightened up into about half the page count.
The lens that could lead them into the millrace of humanity is explained or talked of repeatedly and the burrs still make little sense to me. Worse, you often jump from thing to thing without much explanation as to how we got there. For example, Liam ends up on the ship with Nora but who is left in charge of the RC Genghis Khan? How did that changeover happen, what was said?
As I write this review, I think it's time to quit reading this series. The end of book 3 did intrigue me and brought in a crown prince character that I think could be interesting but I'm afraid the author will skip over conversations as in the first 3 books (and afraid that I will have to read the term "crown prince" 800 times). It's like me to power through a book to the end but I'm just having so much trouble with focus lately that I think I need something that reads more nicely. Maybe later...
There is not a lot of action in this book 3. The reader is told what is going on instead of shown. Private conversations that could be juicy are instead skipped over with a line saying that this or that conversation happened. The editing is not good either. Things are repeated. Crown prince this and princess that are explained over and over. This is a result of needing to repeat things in case someone didn't read book 1 and 2? An unlikely scenario. And this should have been one book anyway tightened up into about half the page count.
The lens that could lead them into the millrace of humanity is explained or talked of repeatedly and the burrs still make little sense to me. Worse, you often jump from thing to thing without much explanation as to how we got there. For example, Liam ends up on the ship with Nora but who is left in charge of the RC Genghis Khan? How did that changeover happen, what was said?
As I write this review, I think it's time to quit reading this series. The end of book 3 did intrigue me and brought in a crown prince character that I think could be interesting but I'm afraid the author will skip over conversations as in the first 3 books (and afraid that I will have to read the term "crown prince" 800 times). It's like me to power through a book to the end but I'm just having so much trouble with focus lately that I think I need something that reads more nicely. Maybe later...
December 30, 2021
If you have read any of my other reviews you know that I am a fan of hard science, science fiction. Attention to the actual laws of physics and how science and the universe work make these books accurate, educational, and interesting. Schwartz’s series, The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist, is definitely not one of those. That said, I am really enjoying reading these books. In fact, I have now read all three books of this series and have preordered the final two.
The primary reason these books are so much fun to read is due to the protagonist, Nora Devi. Schwartz has done an excellent job of creating an interesting and multidimensional character. In some ways Nora reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum (another series I am addicted to) in that life keeps happening faster than they can decide their own course through it. Let me be clear though, Nora is leaps and bounds more capable and competent - no offense meant to Stephanie.
Space, planet terraforming, romance, family issues, adoption, abandonment, palace intrigue, evildoers - this series has all of these and more. If you are looking for a science fiction series that is entertaining and fun, you will definitely want to check out The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist.
P.S. I do have one major criticism of this book, the editing is terrible! I am anything but a stickler for grammar but when you have sentences missing words or using the wrong word so that they are non-sensical, you need a better proofreader!
The primary reason these books are so much fun to read is due to the protagonist, Nora Devi. Schwartz has done an excellent job of creating an interesting and multidimensional character. In some ways Nora reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum (another series I am addicted to) in that life keeps happening faster than they can decide their own course through it. Let me be clear though, Nora is leaps and bounds more capable and competent - no offense meant to Stephanie.
Space, planet terraforming, romance, family issues, adoption, abandonment, palace intrigue, evildoers - this series has all of these and more. If you are looking for a science fiction series that is entertaining and fun, you will definitely want to check out The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist.
P.S. I do have one major criticism of this book, the editing is terrible! I am anything but a stickler for grammar but when you have sentences missing words or using the wrong word so that they are non-sensical, you need a better proofreader!
September 2, 2024
2.5
The structure and pacing of these books haven't gotten better as I hoped. It's so disjointed and random-feeling, with scenes chopping into others abruptly. Focus is placed in such weird areas, and never the areas I feel are needed for character or plot development. The Liam and Nora romance is so serious now, but they literally barely know each other. Given their lack of meaningful communication and the stakes each have, having them risk or sacrifice so much for this near stranger cheapens their characters.
This was a tedious read for me. The books are short and on KU, and there's only two left, I believe, but I'm trending towards not finishing the series out.
The structure and pacing of these books haven't gotten better as I hoped. It's so disjointed and random-feeling, with scenes chopping into others abruptly. Focus is placed in such weird areas, and never the areas I feel are needed for character or plot development. The Liam and Nora romance is so serious now, but they literally barely know each other. Given their lack of meaningful communication and the stakes each have, having them risk or sacrifice so much for this near stranger cheapens their characters.
This was a tedious read for me. The books are short and on KU, and there's only two left, I believe, but I'm trending towards not finishing the series out.
August 8, 2023
As a series this is a stable one. The author decided on a style and continues with the same through the instalments. It makes it easy to read, so the only change that sticks out is the slightly decreasing portion of romance versus scifi.
I can't comment on the physics portion, whether the explanations for black holes and this form of space travel is realistic or not. There is no talk of hyperdrives anywhere, so not once has a ship jumped over vast distances the way they do in Jessie Mihalik's works. Minor detail, but someone might appreciate it.
I keep enjoying the story!
I can't comment on the physics portion, whether the explanations for black holes and this form of space travel is realistic or not. There is no talk of hyperdrives anywhere, so not once has a ship jumped over vast distances the way they do in Jessie Mihalik's works. Minor detail, but someone might appreciate it.
I keep enjoying the story!
December 21, 2021
I enjoyed the continuation of this story - I’m excited to read the rest of the series! I did miss not having more of Jonah in this book, with his awesome abilities - hopefully he’ll appear more in the next two! I enjoy Nora & Liam’s personalities & relationship, and I especially appreciate how they’re solidly there for each other so I can enjoy the sci-fi plot of the story without it turning into a family drama/soap opera between the two main characters. Hopefully that holds true through the rest of the series.
December 21, 2021
Novella 3
Mistakes: Good writing and editing as far as I can tell. My problem is that again we sit at less than 250 pages. Also information is repeated often in this one.
Plot: Her secret is out and she is being forced into a position that she doesn't want. Family and friends rally around as she tries to keep her freedom. I don't understand why she hasn't asked for the location of a planet for the people of the last ship. Give them a home and they would make her a queen.
Characters: We have a relationship and marriage that feels rushed because the story is to short.
6/10
Mistakes: Good writing and editing as far as I can tell. My problem is that again we sit at less than 250 pages. Also information is repeated often in this one.
Plot: Her secret is out and she is being forced into a position that she doesn't want. Family and friends rally around as she tries to keep her freedom. I don't understand why she hasn't asked for the location of a planet for the people of the last ship. Give them a home and they would make her a queen.
Characters: We have a relationship and marriage that feels rushed because the story is to short.
6/10
January 1, 2022
Politics, Politics and More Politics
This is the third book in a continuing series. This means that if you haven’t read the first two books, you won’t understand this one. There is also a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end, but it’s not too bad, though waiting until March. 2022 doesn’t make me happy.
Nora has been thrust into the limelight in her role as the woman who discovered the latest source of blaze, the chemical that allows humans to travel faster than light. It’s scarcity ensures that she will be wealthy beyond her wildest dreams and she intends to make sure that wealth will protect her and her loved ones, especially Aria, her adopted daughter. Taking centre stage for the first time in her life is daunting but she is determined to step up to the plate and ensure their safety, and is happy to make strong alliances along the way to help achieve that goal. However, some of those alliances come with their own hazards as well as rewards.
Coming to terms with her feelings for Liam, made Nora take a leap of faith and tell him most of her secrets, though Jonah remains hidden. She wanted him to go into their relationship with their eyes wide open. The secrets she kept from her ex-husband are out because of her sister Cherry’s drunken revelations, so she wants to get ahead of any explosions of her secrets and decided to tell all of them, even the ones Cherry doesn’t know about her paternity.
What she doesn’t realise is that every step she takes along the path following her decision to register her blaze claim takes her further away from the life she thought she once wanted. Her sole focus is to keep Aria and Jonah safe and try and grab hold of some happiness if she possibly can. It seems others may have different plans for her though.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I am so captivated by this world and it’s inhabitants. Nora continues to inspire with her determination and compassion. As she fights to free herself from her fears of loss she embraces the life that she wants and goes for it with gusto. Her love for Aria is enormous and she is determined to do right by the girl ensuring her education and emotional development are as good as they can be. As someone who was fostered in a neglectful and poverty stricken system she wants to do the absolute best that she can. Aria is an adorable child who nonetheless is real and three dimensional. She’s excitable on good days and sulky on bad days, she whines when she’s tired and is loving and sweet when she’s not. Children are often barely sketched out as plot devices in books and I’m delighted that the author has not chosen that option. Aria is as convincing a character as any of the adult supporting characters in the series.
Liam has to make some hard choices in this book. He is being torn in two by his duty to the Royal Family and his friend Crown Prince Francis, and his feelings for Nora and Aria and the family he wants to make. He has to negotiate a path that allows him to keep his honour intact whilst keeping true to himself and his desire for a more complete future, rather than being determined solely by duty.
We see less of Jonah in this book, but his presence is felt by the information he able to provide to Nora to keep her one step of the rest of the Human Sector. He is coming to terms with his sense of individuality and being apart from Nora for big chunks of this book mean he is forced along this path no matter how reluctant he might be to spend time away from her. I missed his presence in this book, but still enjoyed the impact he has had on Nora’s life.
There are a lot of politics in this book. There are layers of negotiations, implications of previous actions and manoeuvring to try and ensure their safety. It’s fascinating watching how the society created by the author interacts with the characters and their wants and needs. We get a lot more information about the way the Human Sector is organised and who the power players are, which fascinates me. This book was intriguing and enthralling. I can’t wait for the next chapter in the story.
This is the third book in a continuing series. This means that if you haven’t read the first two books, you won’t understand this one. There is also a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end, but it’s not too bad, though waiting until March. 2022 doesn’t make me happy.
Nora has been thrust into the limelight in her role as the woman who discovered the latest source of blaze, the chemical that allows humans to travel faster than light. It’s scarcity ensures that she will be wealthy beyond her wildest dreams and she intends to make sure that wealth will protect her and her loved ones, especially Aria, her adopted daughter. Taking centre stage for the first time in her life is daunting but she is determined to step up to the plate and ensure their safety, and is happy to make strong alliances along the way to help achieve that goal. However, some of those alliances come with their own hazards as well as rewards.
Coming to terms with her feelings for Liam, made Nora take a leap of faith and tell him most of her secrets, though Jonah remains hidden. She wanted him to go into their relationship with their eyes wide open. The secrets she kept from her ex-husband are out because of her sister Cherry’s drunken revelations, so she wants to get ahead of any explosions of her secrets and decided to tell all of them, even the ones Cherry doesn’t know about her paternity.
What she doesn’t realise is that every step she takes along the path following her decision to register her blaze claim takes her further away from the life she thought she once wanted. Her sole focus is to keep Aria and Jonah safe and try and grab hold of some happiness if she possibly can. It seems others may have different plans for her though.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I am so captivated by this world and it’s inhabitants. Nora continues to inspire with her determination and compassion. As she fights to free herself from her fears of loss she embraces the life that she wants and goes for it with gusto. Her love for Aria is enormous and she is determined to do right by the girl ensuring her education and emotional development are as good as they can be. As someone who was fostered in a neglectful and poverty stricken system she wants to do the absolute best that she can. Aria is an adorable child who nonetheless is real and three dimensional. She’s excitable on good days and sulky on bad days, she whines when she’s tired and is loving and sweet when she’s not. Children are often barely sketched out as plot devices in books and I’m delighted that the author has not chosen that option. Aria is as convincing a character as any of the adult supporting characters in the series.
Liam has to make some hard choices in this book. He is being torn in two by his duty to the Royal Family and his friend Crown Prince Francis, and his feelings for Nora and Aria and the family he wants to make. He has to negotiate a path that allows him to keep his honour intact whilst keeping true to himself and his desire for a more complete future, rather than being determined solely by duty.
We see less of Jonah in this book, but his presence is felt by the information he able to provide to Nora to keep her one step of the rest of the Human Sector. He is coming to terms with his sense of individuality and being apart from Nora for big chunks of this book mean he is forced along this path no matter how reluctant he might be to spend time away from her. I missed his presence in this book, but still enjoyed the impact he has had on Nora’s life.
There are a lot of politics in this book. There are layers of negotiations, implications of previous actions and manoeuvring to try and ensure their safety. It’s fascinating watching how the society created by the author interacts with the characters and their wants and needs. We get a lot more information about the way the Human Sector is organised and who the power players are, which fascinates me. This book was intriguing and enthralling. I can’t wait for the next chapter in the story.
July 5, 2022
So this book wasn't all of what I wanted it to be. And previously I would have been fine with that in this series. But now I'm just a little disappointed.
Disappointed because I felt like this book could have been delivered with a little more finesse. Especially the last 50%.
The closest thing I can compare this book to is the Kate Daniel's series. They have a lot in common....
A witty female lead who is both daring and caring. Pivotal twist and turns within the story when you least expect it. And great writing. Not to mention a certain feel to both their writing styles despite one being in first person and the other being in third person.
But that is where the similarities end. I know these books are shorter, so each novel lacks the time for these characters to properly develop, or rather, for the reader to see and experience that development.
For example, the quick manner in which Nora and Liam fall in love and get married in this book was too much. They both make a point of mentioning this in the book. And I understand there are situations where time is of the essence and you want to seize the moment and be with your potential future love.
But we never see that love develop and bloom. It's all very rushed and " BAM! guess you're the one. Lets get married! Oh, and you already have a kid? Great!". Which kinda takes the joy out of it. Instead we're told that they go through typical marital strifes while discovering each other's idiosyncrasies. We're TOLD that Aria and Liam get closer. We're told a lot without actually seeing it play out. Which was super boring.
There is no build up to their romance. It was equivalent to two perfect strangers deciding to get married after having a grand total of two conversations with each other.
There were also things that were super predictable about the story this time that left me bored.
All in all, I just wanted more connection with these characters. I wanted to feel closer to them instead of being swept away here and there by the story. It was just lacking the extra...something that a novel should have by the third novel. I'm giving this one 3 stars.
Disappointed because I felt like this book could have been delivered with a little more finesse. Especially the last 50%.
The closest thing I can compare this book to is the Kate Daniel's series. They have a lot in common....
A witty female lead who is both daring and caring. Pivotal twist and turns within the story when you least expect it. And great writing. Not to mention a certain feel to both their writing styles despite one being in first person and the other being in third person.
But that is where the similarities end. I know these books are shorter, so each novel lacks the time for these characters to properly develop, or rather, for the reader to see and experience that development.
For example, the quick manner in which Nora and Liam fall in love and get married in this book was too much. They both make a point of mentioning this in the book. And I understand there are situations where time is of the essence and you want to seize the moment and be with your potential future love.
But we never see that love develop and bloom. It's all very rushed and " BAM! guess you're the one. Lets get married! Oh, and you already have a kid? Great!". Which kinda takes the joy out of it. Instead we're told that they go through typical marital strifes while discovering each other's idiosyncrasies. We're TOLD that Aria and Liam get closer. We're told a lot without actually seeing it play out. Which was super boring.
There is no build up to their romance. It was equivalent to two perfect strangers deciding to get married after having a grand total of two conversations with each other.
There were also things that were super predictable about the story this time that left me bored.
All in all, I just wanted more connection with these characters. I wanted to feel closer to them instead of being swept away here and there by the story. It was just lacking the extra...something that a novel should have by the third novel. I'm giving this one 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
imaginative and entertaining
Rating: 4✨
Jenny Schwartz is really such a great go to author for me lately. And I’m having a blast reading this science fiction series about a strong woman building a new family and eventually a new life together for a found family clan that also includes a alien AI , an adopted daughter, and now a military or ex military war hero as a husband.
The science fiction and world building is a fascinating combination of familiar elements and imaginative burr alien science, one that includes intergalactic space currents that ships travel like rivers , space arrays that operate like doorways , and a veritable explosion of complex environments and scientific knowledge that builds, book upon book as the series progresses.
It’s interesting to see how Schwartz balances what’s essentially a galactic monarchy system so familiar with readers, along with its inherently continuous plotting of heirs, powers, and connections with that of a alien science, unknown realms, and potentially a unknown human world they’ve been unable to reconnect with.
The found family of Nora, Jonah, and Liam remain my favorite elements. Jonah being an alien IA.
Each book is around 14 to 15 chapters, so they go quickly. And it’s great to binge read them, one after another.
Which I’ve done.
Fabulous work. Creative, entertaining, and the universe is one that could be easily explored further with secondary characters.
I really love these covers.
Cover designed by MiblArt”
The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist:
Astray #1
Doubt #2
Rebel #3
Cajole #4
Resolve#5
Continuing Series:
With sister Cherry:
2years after the first series
The Delphic Dame (3 book series)
Rating: 4✨
Jenny Schwartz is really such a great go to author for me lately. And I’m having a blast reading this science fiction series about a strong woman building a new family and eventually a new life together for a found family clan that also includes a alien AI , an adopted daughter, and now a military or ex military war hero as a husband.
The science fiction and world building is a fascinating combination of familiar elements and imaginative burr alien science, one that includes intergalactic space currents that ships travel like rivers , space arrays that operate like doorways , and a veritable explosion of complex environments and scientific knowledge that builds, book upon book as the series progresses.
It’s interesting to see how Schwartz balances what’s essentially a galactic monarchy system so familiar with readers, along with its inherently continuous plotting of heirs, powers, and connections with that of a alien science, unknown realms, and potentially a unknown human world they’ve been unable to reconnect with.
The found family of Nora, Jonah, and Liam remain my favorite elements. Jonah being an alien IA.
Each book is around 14 to 15 chapters, so they go quickly. And it’s great to binge read them, one after another.
Which I’ve done.
Fabulous work. Creative, entertaining, and the universe is one that could be easily explored further with secondary characters.
I really love these covers.
Cover designed by MiblArt”
The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist:
Astray #1
Doubt #2
Rebel #3
Cajole #4
Resolve#5
Continuing Series:
With sister Cherry:
2years after the first series
The Delphic Dame (3 book series)
February 13, 2023
Exposition exposition exposition exposition STUFF exposition exposition *deep breath* exposition exposition. Does that make it sound like I’m not enjoying this series? I am, I really am, it’s just a little frustrating that it’s good instead of amazing. The ingredients for “amazing” are all there, but instead we’ve got a million and one characters everywhere and the pacing is so gentle that it never feels like anyone is in peril - which is not necessarily a bad thing - I like an unstressful read - but also blunts real emotional impact. Things that could be fast-forwarded through with a paragraph of “so this happened” are instead pages upon pages of describing it happening. Additionally, so many characters are well-intentioned or have been redeemed throughout the series thus far that we're basically left with one or two Evil Villains who are responsible for everything bad that's happened. Given that this is an incredibly complicated space opera, that takes a lot of emotional and plot complexity away.
July 5, 2023
Good
This is book three in a series, and it’s not a standalone. Nora’s story builds on the events that have gone before, and information discovered in previous books, so you need to read these books in order, else you’ll spoiler things, and won’t understand half of it!
Nora’s choices have lead her so far to become one of the rich and powerful, as she attempts to keep herself, Jonah, and her ward safe.
Those decisions now, lead her to make even more fateful decisions, and it’s not long before Nora finds herself on a new path, with a new goal in mind…
There’s quite a lot of politics at play in this one, as Nora and Jonah navigate their way through it all. Some rather important events occur as a result, making this book one with some very exciting stuff.
It ends on a mild cliffhanger, but it’s about a 3/5 on my trauma scale: no lives in jeopardy, just a bit of a book hook and situations unresolved type.
An enjoyable sci-fi series, with a hint of romance and plenty of futuristic adventures, this one is sure to captivate sci-fi fans.
This is book three in a series, and it’s not a standalone. Nora’s story builds on the events that have gone before, and information discovered in previous books, so you need to read these books in order, else you’ll spoiler things, and won’t understand half of it!
Nora’s choices have lead her so far to become one of the rich and powerful, as she attempts to keep herself, Jonah, and her ward safe.
Those decisions now, lead her to make even more fateful decisions, and it’s not long before Nora finds herself on a new path, with a new goal in mind…
There’s quite a lot of politics at play in this one, as Nora and Jonah navigate their way through it all. Some rather important events occur as a result, making this book one with some very exciting stuff.
It ends on a mild cliffhanger, but it’s about a 3/5 on my trauma scale: no lives in jeopardy, just a bit of a book hook and situations unresolved type.
An enjoyable sci-fi series, with a hint of romance and plenty of futuristic adventures, this one is sure to captivate sci-fi fans.
May 19, 2025
I’m enjoying this series BUT it really needed some editing. This whole thing could’ve been one good book.
It started out great, with mysteries and exciting spaceship stuff etc. But you know what really puts a plot in the mud? Kids. Nothing fun can happen when kids are in the picture. Children are for epilogues.
This book in the series is full of tedious facts and every day goings on. I don’t like cozy books. If I wanted a cozy book I wouldn’t be reading a space opera. I want drama. I want things to be blown up. Face hugging aliens are a bonus in any scenario.
What I don’t care about is cancer. I don’t care about children having sky phobias. If I wanted that sort of shit I’d just stop reading. It’s everywhere. I don’t want to hear the long drawn out histories of various peoples destroying or alienating their own cultures. I could just watch the news.
This story has a lot of potential and it’s on KU, so I don’t feel guilty just skimming through large sections, so I’m still giving it a good rating.
It started out great, with mysteries and exciting spaceship stuff etc. But you know what really puts a plot in the mud? Kids. Nothing fun can happen when kids are in the picture. Children are for epilogues.
This book in the series is full of tedious facts and every day goings on. I don’t like cozy books. If I wanted a cozy book I wouldn’t be reading a space opera. I want drama. I want things to be blown up. Face hugging aliens are a bonus in any scenario.
What I don’t care about is cancer. I don’t care about children having sky phobias. If I wanted that sort of shit I’d just stop reading. It’s everywhere. I don’t want to hear the long drawn out histories of various peoples destroying or alienating their own cultures. I could just watch the news.
This story has a lot of potential and it’s on KU, so I don’t feel guilty just skimming through large sections, so I’m still giving it a good rating.
January 7, 2022
Excellent
I like Jenny Schwartz's writing. Her books have a kindness in many people and assert the belief that enemies can become allies if one meets them halfway. This book is a fascinating addition to what I think is her best series to date. I previously was giving me vote to the "House" series. I reread books I enjoy. Jenny is one of a handful of authors I reread. I am most anxious for the next book and sad to think the series end will be released in June. I recommend starting with the first book ("Astray") and reading on from there to gain a better idea of the personalities, their motivation and personal growth. Well done, Jenny! Hated the hook at the end, just wanted to keep reading on!! 😄
I like Jenny Schwartz's writing. Her books have a kindness in many people and assert the belief that enemies can become allies if one meets them halfway. This book is a fascinating addition to what I think is her best series to date. I previously was giving me vote to the "House" series. I reread books I enjoy. Jenny is one of a handful of authors I reread. I am most anxious for the next book and sad to think the series end will be released in June. I recommend starting with the first book ("Astray") and reading on from there to gain a better idea of the personalities, their motivation and personal growth. Well done, Jenny! Hated the hook at the end, just wanted to keep reading on!! 😄
May 25, 2025
I'm enjoying the series overall. I do agree with other reviews that the retelling of Book 1 and 2 contents can drag things down. Also, I would have been very happy to have Nora stay as a tagger and find more blaze and search the stars with Jonah. Eventually ending up with Liam after a time of them dating and talking. The move to the royal scenes and political tap-dancing are not really what I was looking for - however, it's what we have. Hopefully the ending of this book is setting us up for a new and improved Nora and plan. Time with Liam and her new "family" will prove interesting. I do miss more interactions with Jonah and hope he comes back into the storyline. How Dominic fits in will also add some tension to the team. I do plan to continue with the series.
January 7, 2022
Well written and well delivered but pretty much a middle book. Schwartz seems torn on how much romance she wants to through in this story. There is a strong romantic interest but it seems to always be half in denial. There is some action and some intrigue (though less than in the previous books) and a big change in the direction the story is taking. I like were we are going and I really enjoy the characters. If the story calls for a romantic development then I think the author should trust her very good instincts and go with it. As long as the characters remain true it will fit right in.
Not the best book so far, but a lot of necessary plot building for things to come.
Not the best book so far, but a lot of necessary plot building for things to come.
January 11, 2022
Interesting Transition
While this installment contains the same characters and storyline as the two previous books, the theme of the series has slowly morph into more romance than sci-fi. I am pleased that books 2 and 3 provide not only an introductory synopsis of the preceding books but also each includes a little more detail than was previously presented. In book 3 we find more detailed descriptions of people and clothing, more emotional moments and definitive coupling. This installment ends much as the previous two books, with some story threads resolved and some pulling the reader into the next installment.
While this installment contains the same characters and storyline as the two previous books, the theme of the series has slowly morph into more romance than sci-fi. I am pleased that books 2 and 3 provide not only an introductory synopsis of the preceding books but also each includes a little more detail than was previously presented. In book 3 we find more detailed descriptions of people and clothing, more emotional moments and definitive coupling. This installment ends much as the previous two books, with some story threads resolved and some pulling the reader into the next installment.
May 8, 2023
keeps getting better!
With the first book I almost gave up. Seemed like there was to much background info that teed to shove it’s way into my already stressed brain. I read to escape. But by page 15 it seemed like finally characters started getting personalities and the story began. By book 3 I’m convinced this would beat Star Trek if someone made it into a series! The characters came alive, aliens became characters you identify with and the main character is a everyday common person who decided to take the jump and make herself extraordinary! Live, love, love this series!
With the first book I almost gave up. Seemed like there was to much background info that teed to shove it’s way into my already stressed brain. I read to escape. But by page 15 it seemed like finally characters started getting personalities and the story began. By book 3 I’m convinced this would beat Star Trek if someone made it into a series! The characters came alive, aliens became characters you identify with and the main character is a everyday common person who decided to take the jump and make herself extraordinary! Live, love, love this series!
January 12, 2025
I really have to find a paperback version for my IRL bookshelf. This series is just that good! I particularly enjoyed the way the author revealed some mysteries of the universe bit by bit just as her characters discovered them. It takes real expertise to write scenes where YOU know as the author, BUT your main character doesn’t and your reader CERTAINLY doesn’t…yet your AI character does! And the revealed facts mesh seamlessly with early events as described. Yes, I got completely lost in this world, can you tell? Well played, dear author! (I need the Netflix series just so I can happily criticise whatever they choose to leave out :-) )
December 26, 2021
I have to wait for more??? Ugh!
All the while I’m reading this book, I’m thinking it’s the third in a trilogy and so everything will be resolved…
I hadn’t bothered tracking what page I was on or what percent of the book I’d read, so the abrupt ending came as a strong shock to my psyche.
OMG! This series is so damn good, but I hate the idea of having to wait till June to reach the end of it! !
Excellent, excellent book, with absolutely fantastic characters!!!
Ugh! I hate having to wait for more!!!
All the while I’m reading this book, I’m thinking it’s the third in a trilogy and so everything will be resolved…
I hadn’t bothered tracking what page I was on or what percent of the book I’d read, so the abrupt ending came as a strong shock to my psyche.
OMG! This series is so damn good, but I hate the idea of having to wait till June to reach the end of it! !
Excellent, excellent book, with absolutely fantastic characters!!!
Ugh! I hate having to wait for more!!!
March 5, 2023
I enjoyed the previous book even though I had some issues with the author’s ’World’ building and over explaining everything.
This book also started well, but by halfway things began to go wrong for me, the author decided to take the story in a direction I really didn't like. I didn’t find having Nora thrown into the cesspit of the royal court particularly interesting and really wasn't looking forward to reading a ridiculous soap opera.
As it turned out, it wasn't that bad and I have given an OK rating of two stars.
This book also started well, but by halfway things began to go wrong for me, the author decided to take the story in a direction I really didn't like. I didn’t find having Nora thrown into the cesspit of the royal court particularly interesting and really wasn't looking forward to reading a ridiculous soap opera.
As it turned out, it wasn't that bad and I have given an OK rating of two stars.
July 24, 2024
I Have A Secret
XenoArchaeo3
Finally. We get burrs and royals!
Space takes time to traverse, but the royal waters are hard to navigate. But, Jonah and Nora are better prepared than most. And the contrast of expediency versus compassion is rather stark. Guilty compliance equals many regrets - of a mother trying to connect with her son, a guard forcing interstellar travel to maintain the status quo, because all he has left is his responsibility to the royal family, find it hard to stand against a woman who refuses to fear.
Growth is appreciated!
XenoArchaeo3
Finally. We get burrs and royals!
Space takes time to traverse, but the royal waters are hard to navigate. But, Jonah and Nora are better prepared than most. And the contrast of expediency versus compassion is rather stark. Guilty compliance equals many regrets - of a mother trying to connect with her son, a guard forcing interstellar travel to maintain the status quo, because all he has left is his responsibility to the royal family, find it hard to stand against a woman who refuses to fear.
Growth is appreciated!
December 19, 2021
Not fair - it’s not quite a cliffhanger more a season ending
I laughed, I cried, and I was left wanting more. Best book of the series. It was real. The emotions, the scenarios, it shows the best of being human, some of the ugly realities of life and the hope that things can be better. Schwartz is really hitting her stride as an author. It’s more than science fiction. It’s about life. The good and the bad. I can’t wait till March.
I laughed, I cried, and I was left wanting more. Best book of the series. It was real. The emotions, the scenarios, it shows the best of being human, some of the ugly realities of life and the hope that things can be better. Schwartz is really hitting her stride as an author. It’s more than science fiction. It’s about life. The good and the bad. I can’t wait till March.
September 19, 2023
4 stars.
Things are getting interesting as Nora's secrets are discovered and she has to reluctantly get into the political arena and make herself powerful enough to defend the family she's made. We see more of Liam in this book but Jonah is somehow relegated to the background.
Things are getting interesting as Nora's secrets are discovered and she has to reluctantly get into the political arena and make herself powerful enough to defend the family she's made. We see more of Liam in this book but Jonah is somehow relegated to the background.
November 2, 2023
I was both entertained and bored with this 3rd installment. The random "romance/marriage" really knocked this story off the rails for me. I just didn't see why it's even necessary. I loved the "Nora and Jonah" against the world and wouldn't have hated it if they had remained just the 3 of them, Nora, Jonah and Aria. So many new characters now that it's getting a bit cluttered and draggy. And it looks like we are stuck on a planet dealing with politics now and BLEGH... just boring.
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