The very fine sequel to 'Ninefox Gambit' is an easier reading exercise than its predecessor . Perhaps that is because the effects of exotic weapons, winnowers and knife cannons, calendrical heresy or rot and just what being Kel, or Shuos means is no longer such a confusing mystery.
At various times there are echoes of other writer's work, be it Anne Leckie's Raadch trilogy (there are plenty of opportunity to enjoy refreshing teas and sweets in elegant surroundings, gender seems rather fluid, though no taverns in the snow are evident), or even CJ Cherryh's atevi, whose hard-wired manchi might be a natural equivalent to the formation instinct imposed on the Kel.
The story told is a reflection of how tyrannies might fall, what are the conditions which presage such events, and what costs are borne by the participants, both victor or vanquished. Mad revenant general Jedao has survived the events which climaxed 'Ninefox Gambit'. And he has a plan. No less than to free the peoples from their oppressors. Down with the hexarchate, power to the people!. With, he promises, a minimum number of unnecessary deaths and ruination. It is an offer that certain Kel just cannot refuse. And of course, the other factions of the hexarchy can't stay out of the mix
At various times there are echoes of other writer's work, be it Anne Leckie's Raadch trilogy (there are plenty of opportunity to enjoy refreshing teas and sweets in elegant surroundings, gender seems rather fluid, though no taverns in the snow are evident), or even CJ Cherryh's atevi, whose hard-wired manchi might be a natural equivalent to the formation instinct imposed on the Kel.
The story told is a reflection of how tyrannies might fall, what are the conditions which presage such events, and what costs are borne by the participants, both victor or vanquished. Mad revenant general Jedao has survived the events which climaxed 'Ninefox Gambit'. And he has a plan. No less than to free the peoples from their oppressors. Down with the hexarchate, power to the people!. With, he promises, a minimum number of unnecessary deaths and ruination. It is an offer that certain Kel just cannot refuse. And of course, the other factions of the hexarchy can't stay out of the mix