paperback, 434 pages
Published July 28, 2015 by 47North.
Even when finding oneself engaged in interstellar war, good form must be observed. Our story is set thousands of years after the Terran Exodus, where two powerful, planet-dominating families—the elegant House Jakabitus and the less refined Hahn Empire—have reached a critical point in their generations-long war. Master Hennik, the Hahn ruler’s only son, has been captured, and the disposition of his internment may represent a last and welcome chance for peace.
Enter Wollard, the impeccably distinguished and impossibly correct Master of Formalities for House Jakabitus. When he suggests that Master Hennik be taken in as a ward of the House, certain complications arise. Wollard believes utterly and devotedly in adhering to rules and good etiquette. But how does one inform the ruler of a planet that you are claiming his son as your own—and still create enough goodwill to deescalate an intergalactic war? (
Getting through the first 30% was hard but then the book got a lot more interesting and funny.
I realized, while listening to this book, that Scott Meyer is really one of my favorite authors.
I've always enjoyed Basic Instructions and am sad he has stopped writing those. However, on the other hand, it means he gets to spend more time writing amazing comedy like this.
Also, Luke Daniels is slowly becoming one of my favorite narrators. I can't claim he has beaten Nick Podehl just yet, but I love listening to him.
