Smith writes a type of light romantic scifi-action-adventure-suspense that I enjoy as a time out from the “real world“. (I really enjoyed her original Valdier series.) In that genre, she tends to do a good job of creating likable characters in an interesting world; and with “bad guys” and action that fits within the world she has created.
This book appears to me to be an exception. The story escalates the number of loose ends so you’re not sure where she’s coming from – or going to; and evil menace to a level that’s paralyzing within those possibilities. There’s no lightly outlined trail that would fit within the story, series, or genre. You’re left with no real happy story ending or expectation of where the series arc might be going. Oh well.
I enjoyed book 1, Gracie’s Touch, and I thought Krac was an interesting character, so I was happy to see more of him. And some more of Gracie and Kordon.
Lulubelle starts out as a fun, campy character but ends up not fitting in with the menace of the plot. Her intelligence was not developed enough to believe she would be a good match for Krac.
Our glimpse of Violet Jefe at the end of book 1 told us what a strong willed little girl she is. But as young as she is, she would still be traumatized by her kidnapping and the abuse she would have suffered. As evil as Smith painted the kidnappers, she would have been abused. No question.
The Medic is so over emphasized and, instead of being caring, seems to exude a kind of menace.
The Zion Warriors had potential as a series, but I can’t imagine how Smith can rescue it.
Overall, I’m not going to count her out, as Smith is very creative;-)
Brenin does his usual good job of narration.