Marque and Reprisal (#2)
Though the exciting military career she hoped for never materialized, Ky Vatta still sees plenty of combat. An unknown adversary has launched a full-throttle offensive against Vatta Transport Ltd., Ky’s father’s interstellar shipping empire—killing most of Ky’s family. Fighting for her very survival, Ky is determined to avenge her family’s deaths. Teaming up with a band of stranded mercenaries, her black-sheep cousin Stella, and Stella’s roguish ex-lover, Ky struggles to penetrate the tangled web of political intrigue that surrounds the attacks. Amid suspicion and deception, she is prepared to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that Vatta stays in business. What she’s not prepared for is the shocking truth behind the terror— and a confrontation with murderous treachery. . . .
(UK Title: Moving Target)
Reviews
“Excellent plotting and characters support the utterly realistic action sequences: swift, jolting, confusing, and merciless. It’s a corker!”
“Kylara Vatta lets loose in this rip-roaring sequel. The charm lies in Moon’s deft characterizations, especially the exorcism of Ky’s guilt over her family’s deaths. There’s plenty of shipboard and dockside action, plus authentically grungy space-station settings. Former Marine Moon has a genuine hoorah series going for her.”
“The universe of the Vattas is freshly imagined and abundant in believable detail and exotic possibility. Successfully combining several science fiction subgenres, this title will delight many types of readers.”Library Journal
“I can’t say when I’ve enjoyed a book more than Elizabeth Moon’s MARQUE AND REPRISAL. I look forward to volume three of a series that promises to be the female version of Lois McMaster Bujold’s Miles Vorkosigan novels.”Contra Costa Times
“A roller coaster ride of combat and intrigue. Fast-moving action set in a classic space-opera universe, with plenty of plot surprises and a likeably tough heroine. The final space battle is as good as I’ve seen.”Asimov’s Science Fiction
“Clever plotting and surprises galore. Heavy on human drama, this is space opera of the highest order. Moon combines elements of military SF, mystery and soap opera to produce a tale that space aficianados and non-SF readers alike will enjoy.”RT Book Reviews
“A gripping, action-packed book.”Omaha World-Herald
“This is a satisfying adventure with an engaging captain and crew.”Denver Post
“The intrigue-filled plot lends a marque of distinction.”Entertainment Weekly
“Moon gets credit on several fronts. Writing a series installment that can stand on its own feet is one accomplishment. Putting three-dimensional and interesting characters into a fast-paced plot is another. Readers who enjoyed C.J. Cherryh’s Chanur series should snap this up.”Starlog
“A rousing space adventure powered by a distinct and interesting protagonist and the author’s gift for telling a story gripping enough to demand the reader’s attention.”Science Fiction Chronicle
“Moon is a smooth and skilled writer with a growing following, and it will be interesting to see where the future takes pirate captain Ky.”Science Fiction & Fantasy
“As pacey and well-written as its predecessor but significantly harder-hitting emotionally.”SFcrowsnest (UK)
“You can rely on Moon to come up with the goods. In MARQUE AND REPRISAL she delivers a second dose of high-speed adventure. If you’re not in the middle of the action then it’s just around the corner.”SFX (UK)
“MARQUE AND REPRISAL is an action-packed book, a tragic book, and it’s also one that shows incredible growth for its main character […] Definitely recommended.”
“Nebula winner Elizabeth Moon has made many respectable additions to this genre […] You’ll find the more commendable aspects of space-chick lit here.”Amazing Stories
“A rip-snorting action climax […] a very fast read. Moon is so very good on details, whether weaponry or ships or just getting a meal organized in the middle of danger. Her characters are appealing, interesting, and though the focus of the story is decidedly military, there is an underlying humanity to her work that carries from the Paksenarrion tales, making them particularly appealing.”SF Site
“There was a time when I thought Moon would never create a better team of space heroines than Heris Serrano and Lady Celia, but Ky Vatta, her cousin Stella and Aunt Gracie are a very compelling trio.”SciFi.com (AMD)
“Elizabeth Moon writes in a way that comes across as realistic, both in her fantasy novels and in her science fiction.”
“Elizabeth Moon writes about realistic, strong female lead characters. It’s well worth going back to read Trading in Danger while waiting for the third installment to arrive.”SciFiDimensions.com
“The greatest strength of this series is that it’s emotionally compelling, unpredictable, and often exciting (the climactic fight scene in Marque and Reprisal is awesome).”