Out Past the Stars

Starred review from November 2, 2020
Wagers sends her Farian War series out with a bang, delivering all the action, snark, emotion, and political maneuvering fans of Gunrunner Empress Hail Bristol expect. Hail has escaped the beings who captured her in Down Among the Dead, but now finds herself outside of her comfort zone yet again, embroiled in political plots she can’t shoot her way out of. The dangers are manifold: a confrontation is brewing between Hail and supersoldiers who claim to be gods, an ancient and powerful alien race is on its way to Indrana, and a millennia-long war between the Farians and the Shen rages on. Hail is out of her depth in trying to broker peace in the galaxy, but she has her beloved and cunning friends at her side—and still hasn’t lost an iota of courage from her days as a gunrunner. Fans will be sad to see the series end, but gratified by the action and intrigue of this fast-paced finale. This is a fantastic send-off for one of science fiction’s most remarkable recent protagonists. Agent: Andy Zack, the Zack Company.

Starred review from December 1, 2020

Empress Hail Bristol never wanted to take on the Farian gods, but her prophecy and position as Star of Indrana has brought her to this point, and Hail chooses to let them live. Yet their survival means that the Hiervet are on their way, because these three supposed gods are in hiding no longer. Hail must deal with her perceptions and misgivings about her choices; face a race of aliens that had once defeated the powerful Svatir; and navigate the precarious relations of the Farians, the Shen, and her own relationship with the immortal Mia. As a galaxy-spanning battle looms, Hail will finally align her royal and gunrunning ways to attempt a lasting peace--and she is prepared to die trying. Wagers ("Indranan War" series) effortlessly balances action and character sequences, building a deep world and deeper personality traits throughout the book. VERDICT The trilogy and series finale (after Down Among the Dead) says goodbye to an exciting space opera and the amazing character of Hail.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2020
Hail, Star of Indrana, seeks to broker peace between the Farian and the Shen, a task made unimaginably more difficult when she meets the Farian gods and discovers they're not what everyone has long believed. Now, an ancient, dangerous enemy is hunting them down. To preserve peace and save her empire, Hail must discover the truth behind centuries' worth of lies and avert an all-out war. But the cost might be more than she can bear, just when she was hoping to finally put violence behind her. What makes Hail such a likable character is her obvious love for her compatriots. What makes her admirable is her unwavering commitment to doing what's right, even when it's not at all clear what the right choice is. The story is a compelling mix of action and politics, but Wagers' strength is crafting character-driven science fiction, and it's on full display. Everyone, including the villains, are complex and compelling. Relationships, both old and new, are rich. Wagers offers a well-earned, heartfelt, and hopeful conclusion to the Farian War series (which began with There before the Chaos, 2018).

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