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A review by sashapasha
The Better Part of Valor by Tanya Huff
4.0
Initial thoughts (at 30%):
I find myself just a little disappointed because so far it seems like this installment is a repeat of the first — same equation, different parameters. Torin is again in charge of shepherding a group of civilians and marines through a dangerous situation, but instead of taking place on an alien world, it’s on an alien ship. Instead of her own crew -- the marines we got to know in the first book -- it’s a random assortment of new people. Instead of a green second lieutenant she has a complicated relationship with, it’s a puffed up peacock of a captain she’s never met. Every variable seems to parallel the first book, but in a slightly less likable way. We don’t get to know her new marines as well as her first crew. Her CO is a total dick rather than a green officer with promise. Even the civilians are less fleshed out — and the ones that are given more page time, are more annoying.
Torin herself seems more worn -- like a world-weary sergeant who has had to put up with bullshit from her superiors one too many times. Everything seems less funny and more jaded. And the love interest(?) is all obnoxiousness, no charm.
Thoughts after finishing:
As mentioned above, I was expecting less repetition in the story from the first book -- I was expecting it to be more like Elizabeth Moon’s Vatta Wars series, where each book is distinctly different in plot and construction from the others. That said, it was still incredibly compelling. The nightmare of being trapped in a (probably) sentient ship that is having a grand ol' time fucking with you is definitely a plot that draws you in. And you do eventually get to know the characters better. I would've preferred exploring the first set of characters more deeply, but I'm guessing this is a series where each book will feature a fresh cast (excepting Torin, and perhaps her love interest).
That said, a note on a couple of the characters:
Craig Ryder
His character seemed to be modeled after Han Solo, but, at least initially, I found him much more obnoxious than charming. He did improve over time, though I think that was in part because the situation kept getting worse and he generally knew when to shut up and move. I’d say his most endearing trait was not being scared off by a woman who was more competent and badass than him on every level. His ego at the beginning didn’t seem like it would be able to handle it, but I guess it had to in order for him to perform his role as love interest.
Torin
Badass and insanely competent as usual, but it’s getting to the point where it’s a little ridiculous — she seemed like she could do no wrong. On an unrelated note, I find it interesting that she has this odd mix of paranoid cynicism and unshakeable, optimistic confidence that everything will be okay.
Lieutenant Commander Sibley
Big fan. The whole "insane vacuum jockey" shtick really grew on me.
I find myself just a little disappointed because so far it seems like this installment is a repeat of the first — same equation, different parameters. Torin is again in charge of shepherding a group of civilians and marines through a dangerous situation, but instead of taking place on an alien world, it’s on an alien ship. Instead of her own crew -- the marines we got to know in the first book -- it’s a random assortment of new people. Instead of a green second lieutenant she has a complicated relationship with, it’s a puffed up peacock of a captain she’s never met. Every variable seems to parallel the first book, but in a slightly less likable way. We don’t get to know her new marines as well as her first crew. Her CO is a total dick rather than a green officer with promise. Even the civilians are less fleshed out — and the ones that are given more page time, are more annoying.
Torin herself seems more worn -- like a world-weary sergeant who has had to put up with bullshit from her superiors one too many times. Everything seems less funny and more jaded. And the love interest(?) is all obnoxiousness, no charm.
Thoughts after finishing:
As mentioned above, I was expecting less repetition in the story from the first book -- I was expecting it to be more like Elizabeth Moon’s Vatta Wars series, where each book is distinctly different in plot and construction from the others. That said, it was still incredibly compelling. The nightmare of being trapped in a (probably) sentient ship that is having a grand ol' time fucking with you is definitely a plot that draws you in. And you do eventually get to know the characters better. I would've preferred exploring the first set of characters more deeply, but I'm guessing this is a series where each book will feature a fresh cast (excepting Torin, and perhaps her love interest).
That said, a note on a couple of the characters:
Craig Ryder
His character seemed to be modeled after Han Solo, but, at least initially, I found him much more obnoxious than charming. He did improve over time, though I think that was in part because the situation kept getting worse and he generally knew when to shut up and move. I’d say his most endearing trait was not being scared off by a woman who was more competent and badass than him on every level. His ego at the beginning didn’t seem like it would be able to handle it, but I guess it had to in order for him to perform his role as love interest.
Torin
Badass and insanely competent as usual, but it’s getting to the point where it’s a little ridiculous — she seemed like she could do no wrong. On an unrelated note, I find it interesting that she has this odd mix of paranoid cynicism and unshakeable, optimistic confidence that everything will be okay.
Lieutenant Commander Sibley
Big fan. The whole "insane vacuum jockey" shtick really grew on me.