Against the Odds is a science fiction novel by Elizabeth Moon. It is her seventh and last novel set in the Familias Regnant fictional universe. It does not fall in either informal trilogy (the Heris Serrano and the Esmay Suiza trilogies); fittingly it does not focus on any particular character, instead a more general, almost kaleidoscopic perspective of the upheaval in the Familias Regnant, and the rise to power of a new and more capable Speaker. It can be seen as a conclusion to the series, resolving or at least making a good start at resolving many issues and peoples and ending as it does on a memorializing elegiac note.
I really enjoyed this book, it was kind of like the last one, just that more of the small stories were better than in that one, and it didn't use as long to get going.
I will actually review this series, one day. For now, let me say this:
The series is delightful. Not brilliant, it lacks polish and good plotting, and the author has a serious problem with forshadowing/deus ex machina/finishing the story.
But... I enjoyed the ride. I love Heris and Esmay and Cecelia as characters, flat as they were.
They should rename the series "Old and Cunning Aunties Take Over the Universe" or something. Which is quite unique in sf-land (or fantasy-land, or, well, most books regardless of the genre), the presence of strong old female characters.
Okay, the last book sucked monkey balls where it came to finishing. I mean, the whole last part of the book plottwist... sjeez, seriously out of the blue redconning. That didn't deter me from tearing up at the end.
Flat and wonky they may be... I'll miss them. I'll miss their universe. This ends my …
I will actually review this series, one day. For now, let me say this:
The series is delightful. Not brilliant, it lacks polish and good plotting, and the author has a serious problem with forshadowing/deus ex machina/finishing the story.
But... I enjoyed the ride. I love Heris and Esmay and Cecelia as characters, flat as they were.
They should rename the series "Old and Cunning Aunties Take Over the Universe" or something. Which is quite unique in sf-land (or fantasy-land, or, well, most books regardless of the genre), the presence of strong old female characters.
Okay, the last book sucked monkey balls where it came to finishing. I mean, the whole last part of the book plottwist... sjeez, seriously out of the blue redconning. That didn't deter me from tearing up at the end.
Flat and wonky they may be... I'll miss them. I'll miss their universe. This ends my Elizabeth Moon-binge, so, I'll miss her as well.
