Welcome to the land of wonders, where time travel is possible, space travel a reality, and "what ifs" come to life. Join me as I explore new worlds--and old ones--filled with scientific wonders, new civilizations, and strange new mysteries to consider.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
Major Yanaba Maddock owes much to Petaybee, not the least of which is the healing of her gas-damaged lungs. The planet has given her a new way of living and an entirely new life. Is it any wonder, then, that she will do everything she can to protect the sentient planet from the skeptics who, believing that they own the planet and its peoples, are intent on exploiting its mineral riches? The first step to doing this is spreading the word to the rest of the world's inhabitants and reaching a common consensus. However, not everyone views Petaybee in the same way, and the conflicting stories make the people easy prey for the most politically powerful of the skeptics. Can Yanaba and her friends protect Petaybee from the wily schemes and machinations of the economically-minded skeptics long enough for the planet itself to assert its sentience?
The main cast reprises their roles from the first book, but this time there are new villains to loathe and detest. I especially loved--er, hated--Matthew Luzon and the reprehensible reputation that Yana provided for the readers. The point that the man would manipulate anything that came to light for his own purposes was driven home quickly, and I anticipated--and was rewarded with--excitement, action, vile schemes, and dastardly doings. I can readily imagine people in the real world doing much as he did in order to further his agenda. Satok and his fellows were also disgusting--in some ways moreso for their abuse of the planet--but none of them could quite surpass Luzon's comforting of Goat Dung and then turning her back over to the Shepherd Howling, when the man knows that child marriage is against the law.
I don't know how the authors did it, but they succeeded in providing even greater evidence of Petaybee's sentience without losing the fast-paced action that drove the plots along. The idea that the planet provides whatever is needed is a really interesting one, but all the moreso when you consider that the planet also knows when something isn't needed any longer. Like those coos-berries that grew up in front of the caves. They were needed, then all of a sudden withdrew back into normal growth. Although...the section about the plants actively attacking and killing the four false shanachie reminded me a lot of The Day of the Triffids and similar movies. Oh, and I also truly loved the way Petaybee destroyed the landing field with a massive ziggurat. That was impressive.
I've reviewed books by Anne McCaffrey and books by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough. This second collaboration is a welcome sequel to Powers That Be with all the pastoral charm, thrilling excitement, and fast-paced action I'd expect from a book following such a stupendous first. The story flows and the stories goes, and I'll practically guarantee that the book will not disappoint you!
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