• he/him

Dad; software engineer; fan of giant robots in many contexts, board games, RPGs. Queer rights are not negotiable. Halifax, NS


I finished Salvage Right - the 26th Liaden Universe novel - this week and the series continues to be entirely unlike almost any other genre fiction.

It’s slow paced and focused on the inner lives of its characters. Salvage Right is almost entirely about two characters - one new, one returning - who are afraid they will be forced to cause harm. The story focuses on how they connect with others and carry on their day to day lives despite this fear, eventually leading them to the help they need.

On the surface Salvage Right’s story seems very cozy, without much conflict, and I think the writing style of the book tries to reinforce this impression in much of its text. This serves to strengthen the segments that focus on other victims who aren’t able to connect, who don’t find help, the harm they’re forced to cause, and the pain those who stop them feel.

The Liaden Universe series has hardly had a trouble free history, and certainly has its rough patches. It’s really neat following a series that takes such an unusual approach to the genre and succeeds regardless. Salvage Right’s a long way from Priscilla being picked up as crew on Dutiful Passage, but I’m glad I’ve followed along.


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