Dave Freer's Stardogs
I know, it isn't review day. But it is launch day, and I have been waiting on the edge of my seat for this day since I got to read the pre-release copy of Stardogs.
This one is good. Very, very good. I know I can always rely on Dave Freer for a solidly plotted, well-composed tale, with characters I can root for, a world that comes to life in my head, and best of all? Hope.
Which is all the characters in this story have to go on, in the beginning. Ever since humanity first encountered a stardogs, the alien, intelligent but not sentient being, they have been using them. With the stardogs providing vital transportation, humanity has conquered the stars and hundreds of worlds. But there is a nasty secret underlying all this activity, and it's about to come out.
It all centers around an imperial princess, her (real!) dog, and an assasin. But it won't turn out like you think it will. I started reading Stardogs one afternoon, and couldn't put it down until I was done with it. Dave's prose is easy to read, and a joy to discover little passages that had me reading them out loud to my First Reader. This isn't something I do often, by the way. I had to, there were just some lovely bits of humor, wit, and wisdom buried in the story. He's been reading it too, and enjoying it, which is rare these days, he's picker than I am by far. Personally, I'm looking forward to re-reading it.
Stardogs is of course a space opera, with a dash of romance for seasoning, and a lot of adventure. I'd rave at length about it, but I don't want to spoil any surprises for you, my friends. Priced at $3.99, this is a hefty novel for a very affordable price. Grab it, review it, and let's all meet back here later to talk about it!
You know, I almost wish that would work. Book club for great new science fiction and fantasy…