A review by lindca
The Bronze Skies by Catherine Asaro

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.