Shannon C.’s review of Wanderlust (The Jax Series, Book 2) by Ann Aguirre
Science fiction released 26 Aug 08 by Ace
In Grimspace, Ann Aguirre introduced the reader to Sirantha Jax, messed-up space jumper extraordinaire, and March, her pilot-turned-lover. Readers seemed to be of two minds about that book — some of them loved it, as I did — and some found Jax to be too abrasive. I have a feeling that polarizing effect will continue for readers in Wanderlust, particularly since it veers more into straight SF territory than Grimspace did. The romance is still present, but it takes a back seat to Jax’s continued emotional development. I think this is a good thing, and I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Aguirre has in store for Jax in this series.
Jax has to deal with a lot in the book, as she is given an offer she can’t refuse to serve as an ambassador for the Conglomeration, which is trying to strengthen its position in the galaxy after the collapse of the corporation Jax worked for in the previous book. Unfortunately, there are people who don’t want Jax to succeed, believing that her tendency to fuck things up royally will weaken the Conglomeration’s already tenuous position. Plus, Jax seems to be suffering from some sort of illness, and thus, things are a little strained between herself and March.
This series reminds me of nothing so much as the TV show “Firefly”. We have the crew of disparate misfits who seem to attract trouble wherever they go who spend a lot of time wittily bantering back and forth. In this book we get a few new editions to the crew, from Jael, a mercenary with secrets of his own who will probably polarize readers as well, to Hit, about whom we know very little. March, Vel, Dina and Doc still play crucial parts in the story, and we learn more about Jax’s family.
Where the book doesn’t quite work for me is that Jax really does have the worst timing in the history of ever. And when other characters take pains to point this out, it ceases to be funny and starts to feel a bit like authorial intrusion.
I did like the SF aspects of the story, which were detailed enough to keep even me satisfied but didn’t overwhelm the story with too much technical jargon. And I finished the book with a keen anticipation for the next book, because Jax can only get more awesome from here.
Grade: B+
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Summary:
Sirantha Jax doesn’t take chances…she jumps at them…
Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. Jax has worked for the Farwan Corporation her entire career. But now the word’s out that the Corp deliberately crashed a passenger ship, and their stranglehold on intergalactic commerce has crumbled—which means that Jax is out of a job.She’s also broke, due to being declared dead a little prematurely. So when the government asks her to head up a vital diplomatic mission, Jax takes it. Her mandate: journey to the planet Ithiss-Tor and convince them to join the Conglomerate.
But Jax’s payday is light years away. First, she’ll have to contend with Syndicate criminals, a stormy relationship with her pilot, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body. She’ll be lucky just to make it to Ithiss-Tor alive…
Read an excerpt here (scroll down).
Other books in the series:
