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mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second novel in the Major Bhaajan science fiction series and I would strongly recommend starting at book one (Undercity). This is another very fun read. I continue to like Major Bhaajan, and I like how the book balances the main plot with the slower story of how the Undercity is changing. In a second balancing act, the series nicely offsets a high-tech far-future setting with a millennia-spanning fictional history; the ruins of past civilizations cast long shadows.
In this case, the main plot involves a murder mystery, the Ruby Pharoah, and psi powers. I gobbled it up at high speed and with great pleasure. Book three, here I come....
Four out of five singing stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
In this case, the main plot involves a murder mystery, the Ruby Pharoah, and psi powers. I gobbled it up at high speed and with great pleasure. Book three, here I come....
Four out of five singing stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
ofearna's review against another edition
4.0
WOW! The inclusion of Dehya makes me want to go read Catch the Lightning
hteph's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lindca's review
4.0
I’ve read only one book from Asaro’s main Skolian Empire series. It was good, but I was simultaneously intimidated and lost by the complex timeline and familial relationships. A listing of some of those at the end of this book was enough to have me shaking my head in confusion. There’s no such problem with the Major Bhaajan books. They’re set in the same universe, but the cast is a bit smaller and relationships less convoluted. There’s plenty of context and explanation about the world so these books definitely can be read without having read the original series books, though familiarity with them no doubt lends even more depth to the story.
So, feel free to start with Bhaajan book one, Undercity. You’ll want to move on to this book.
In The Bronze Skies, the Ruby Pharoah witnesses a seemingly impossible murder and engages Bhaaj to catch the killer. The Jagernaut has escaped to Raylicon, Bhaaj’s home planet, and only Bhaaj’s unique position as part of both the impoverished Undercity and the wealthy City of Cries above gives her a chance of succeeding. Bhaaj’s investigation takes her to parts of her planet she didn’t know existed. Her loyalty to both her Undercity “family” as well as the Imperialate creates some conflicts and challenges. Through her usual stubborn persistence, she uncovers some startling secrets about her world and about herself.
I’m totally hooked on this series. My admiration for the Major Bhaajan stories may even make me pull on my big girl pants and give the more convoluted Skolian series books another try.
So, feel free to start with Bhaajan book one, Undercity. You’ll want to move on to this book.
In The Bronze Skies, the Ruby Pharoah witnesses a seemingly impossible murder and engages Bhaaj to catch the killer. The Jagernaut has escaped to Raylicon, Bhaaj’s home planet, and only Bhaaj’s unique position as part of both the impoverished Undercity and the wealthy City of Cries above gives her a chance of succeeding. Bhaaj’s investigation takes her to parts of her planet she didn’t know existed. Her loyalty to both her Undercity “family” as well as the Imperialate creates some conflicts and challenges. Through her usual stubborn persistence, she uncovers some startling secrets about her world and about herself.
I’m totally hooked on this series. My admiration for the Major Bhaajan stories may even make me pull on my big girl pants and give the more convoluted Skolian series books another try.
gailo's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
bethmitcham's review
4.0
I have a special fondness for the blunt protagonists of Asaro's Skolian empire, especially when the women give hints of the vestiges of sexism inherent in their culture (or more than hints, in the aristocratic families). Bhaaj especially is a lot of fun, and I hope there are more books for her.
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