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The Serrano Legacy #1-3
Heris Serrano
Heris Serrano was an officer from a family with a long tradition of distinguished service in the Fleet. So when a treacherous superior set her up and forced her to resign her commission, she thought life had lost all meaning. But she still needed to pay the bills—which was how she ended up as "Captain" of a rich old lady's interstellar luxury yacht, the Sweet Delight, which just added insult to injury ... or so she thought.
But Cecelia, the rich and exceedingly well-born old lady, turned out to have more brains than most admirals Heris had known, and when the pair ran into a secret society whose idea of "fun" was hunting and killing people, they quickly put a stop to that blood sport. But that was only the beginning. The heir to the throne himself was involved with the society, and Heris soon uncovered a plot against the royal family and a conspiracy within the Fleet itself. And whoever controlled the Fleet controlled the galaxy . . .
Before it was all over, Heris would be given a chance to rejoin her beloved space navy ... if she could manage to stop an invading armada with only one destroyer, two PT boats, one ore scow, and—oh, yes—an old lady's space yacht Sweet Delight. Impossible Not for Heris Serrano.
Publisher's Note: Heris Serrano has been previously published in parts as Hunting Party, Sporting Chance and Winning Colors. This is the first publication of the trilogy in one volume.
But Cecelia, the rich and exceedingly well-born old lady, turned out to have more brains than most admirals Heris had known, and when the pair ran into a secret society whose idea of "fun" was hunting and killing people, they quickly put a stop to that blood sport. But that was only the beginning. The heir to the throne himself was involved with the society, and Heris soon uncovered a plot against the royal family and a conspiracy within the Fleet itself. And whoever controlled the Fleet controlled the galaxy . . .
Before it was all over, Heris would be given a chance to rejoin her beloved space navy ... if she could manage to stop an invading armada with only one destroyer, two PT boats, one ore scow, and—oh, yes—an old lady's space yacht Sweet Delight. Impossible Not for Heris Serrano.
Publisher's Note: Heris Serrano has been previously published in parts as Hunting Party, Sporting Chance and Winning Colors. This is the first publication of the trilogy in one volume.
1273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2000
214 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
138 books2,632 followersElizabeth Moon was born March 7, 1945, and grew up in McAllen, Texas, graduating from McAllen High School in 1963. She has a B.A. in History from Rice University (1968) and another in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin (1975) with graduate work in Biology at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
She served in the USMC from 1968 to 1971, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. She married Richard Moon, a Rice classmate and Army officer, in 1969; they moved to the small central Texas town where they still live in 1979. They have one son, born in 1983.
She started writing stories and poems as a small child; attempted first book (an illustrated biography of the family dog) at age six. Started writing science fiction in high school, but considered writing merely a sideline. First got serious about writing (as in, submitting things and actually getting money...) in the 1980s. Made first fiction sale at age forty--"Bargains" to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword & Sorceress III and "ABCs in Zero G" to Analog. Her first novel, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, sold in 1987 and came out in 1988; it won the Compton Crook Award in 1989. Remnant Population was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and The Speed of Dark was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and won the Nebula in 2004.
She served in the USMC from 1968 to 1971, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. She married Richard Moon, a Rice classmate and Army officer, in 1969; they moved to the small central Texas town where they still live in 1979. They have one son, born in 1983.
She started writing stories and poems as a small child; attempted first book (an illustrated biography of the family dog) at age six. Started writing science fiction in high school, but considered writing merely a sideline. First got serious about writing (as in, submitting things and actually getting money...) in the 1980s. Made first fiction sale at age forty--"Bargains" to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword & Sorceress III and "ABCs in Zero G" to Analog. Her first novel, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, sold in 1987 and came out in 1988; it won the Compton Crook Award in 1989. Remnant Population was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and The Speed of Dark was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and won the Nebula in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 11, 2013
I have a different take on this each time I read it.
I've been dealing with some personal issues about getting older, so the theme that jumped out at me was the how the different generations were portrayed, and the questions about Rejuvenation.
Heris Serrano is a mature woman who has worked her way up to Captain in the Fleet, but is now a civilian employed as ship captain by a wealthy elderly woman, Cecilia de Markos. In the first book "Hunting Party" she becomes Cecilia's friend as well as her employee. Cecilia is traveling to another planet to participate in a foxhunt and has agreed to transport her nephew Ronnie and his friends as well.
At the beginning, the younger characters are clearly immature. One of my favorite scenes is how Heris handles Ronnie when he tries to make trouble on her ship.
In the second and third books Ronnie and his friends have matured and are functioning as adults. Cecilia has to deal with what it means to grow old.
One of the plots in "Winning Colors" is the use of Rejuvenation technology - how will people change if they can continually renew their body while maintaining the knowledge that they learned while younger? How will society evolve if the older generations remain active longer? What will happen if only the rich can afford to be rejuvenated?
These certainly aren't the only parts of the story. There is smuggling, space battles, survival issues, relationships, and some comic scenes.
I started out rating this as 3 stars, but then upped it to 4 as I realize there are good reasons for why I like re-reading it.
I've been dealing with some personal issues about getting older, so the theme that jumped out at me was the how the different generations were portrayed, and the questions about Rejuvenation.
Heris Serrano is a mature woman who has worked her way up to Captain in the Fleet, but is now a civilian employed as ship captain by a wealthy elderly woman, Cecilia de Markos. In the first book "Hunting Party" she becomes Cecilia's friend as well as her employee. Cecilia is traveling to another planet to participate in a foxhunt and has agreed to transport her nephew Ronnie and his friends as well.
At the beginning, the younger characters are clearly immature. One of my favorite scenes is how Heris handles Ronnie when he tries to make trouble on her ship.
In the second and third books Ronnie and his friends have matured and are functioning as adults. Cecilia has to deal with what it means to grow old.
One of the plots in "Winning Colors" is the use of Rejuvenation technology - how will people change if they can continually renew their body while maintaining the knowledge that they learned while younger? How will society evolve if the older generations remain active longer? What will happen if only the rich can afford to be rejuvenated?
These certainly aren't the only parts of the story. There is smuggling, space battles, survival issues, relationships, and some comic scenes.
I started out rating this as 3 stars, but then upped it to 4 as I realize there are good reasons for why I like re-reading it.
February 11, 2016
Well, I'd call it good old fashioned space opera except for the starring roles for old ladies. The three books in this volume were a lot of fun to read. Quick, too - I got through them in three days while homebound with the flu. There's a bit of romance, plenty of adventure, realistic-to-my-eyes technology, and some big ideas to think about. The technology is really well done, too; it's dropped in matter-of-factly and not overexplained. The action isn't nail-bitingly tense; I always felt confident that things would come out right in the end. There are a couple of moments that I think of as "turn on the lights before you go into the cellar, you fool" in honor of horror movies but not a lot of them.
Did I mention the old ladies? I absolutely love that this series has strong, smart 80-year-old women. They're mostly aunts. They reminded me of the aunts in P.G. Wodehouse - Aunt Dahlia who rides to hounds, Aunt Agatha who eats small children for lunch. Great characters. There are plenty of younger characters, too; Heris is in her 40s, and there are a bunch of 20-somethings.
This was another series I found thanks to Jo Walton's excellent What Makes This Book So Great. I'm looking forward to reading more of them.
Did I mention the old ladies? I absolutely love that this series has strong, smart 80-year-old women. They're mostly aunts. They reminded me of the aunts in P.G. Wodehouse - Aunt Dahlia who rides to hounds, Aunt Agatha who eats small children for lunch. Great characters. There are plenty of younger characters, too; Heris is in her 40s, and there are a bunch of 20-somethings.
This was another series I found thanks to Jo Walton's excellent What Makes This Book So Great. I'm looking forward to reading more of them.
September 27, 2021
I had forgotten how much I liked this series. I own all the pbs, most bought as they were released, but couldn't resist getting the Kindle edition, for LARGER type options. And now I've bought the two sequel-omnibuses, both with two of the sequels.
Very much recommended, certainly these first 3 books.
ETA: FWIW, if you like audiobooks, those with sound-effects, the multi-voice ones from Graphic Audio are very nice.
Very much recommended, certainly these first 3 books.
ETA: FWIW, if you like audiobooks, those with sound-effects, the multi-voice ones from Graphic Audio are very nice.
March 18, 2015
book 1, Hunting Party, starts this 3-in-1 out very strong. the story of a falsely disgraced military commander trying to wade through the politics of high-society civilian life, this scratches all the same itches as a Miles Vorkosigan tale: inane classism, horseback riding, military maneuvers, a dastardly villain, and witty grown-up folks surviving adventures all make appearances. if you liked The Mountains Of Mourning, this will also be a fave. a solid 4 stars.
book 2, Sporting Chance, builds a series off of the fantastic characters introduced in book 1. some old plot threads get tied up while new ones are dug up. almost as fun as the first one, but nowhere near as deliciously clever, still a solid 3 star read.
by book 3, Winning Colors, though, things are stretched a little thin. the plot twists necessary to keep the narrative rolling on along get more than a little silly, the pacing is torn in half by dividing time between the two unrelated main plot lines, and by the end, it somehow turns into a farcical comedy of manners driven by formidable aunties. 2 stars for this last one.
book 2, Sporting Chance, builds a series off of the fantastic characters introduced in book 1. some old plot threads get tied up while new ones are dug up. almost as fun as the first one, but nowhere near as deliciously clever, still a solid 3 star read.
by book 3, Winning Colors, though, things are stretched a little thin. the plot twists necessary to keep the narrative rolling on along get more than a little silly, the pacing is torn in half by dividing time between the two unrelated main plot lines, and by the end, it somehow turns into a farcical comedy of manners driven by formidable aunties. 2 stars for this last one.
January 23, 2016
This is a omnibus edition of the first 3 of 7 books in the Familias Regnant universe. I really like Moon's books. As usual, she has created a strong female character, not perfect by a long shot, but striving to deal with her own flaws and the bad situations she finds herself in. This collection is space opera at a high level - lots of space battles, a load of characters, good and (really) bad, and just a little too much about horse jumping.
August 5, 2024
More space opera fun. With horses—Bonus!
I do like it when actual horse people write about horses. I enjoy it more than those who treat horses more like really low tech cars. But I’m biased on that.
The rest is very plot driven military type story. And you can also tell it’s written by someone who has true experience there, too.
Strong women - but without making men useless or irrelevant or less valuable.
I do like it when actual horse people write about horses. I enjoy it more than those who treat horses more like really low tech cars. But I’m biased on that.
The rest is very plot driven military type story. And you can also tell it’s written by someone who has true experience there, too.
Strong women - but without making men useless or irrelevant or less valuable.
February 2, 2021
These were so fun. Think Vorkosigan saga but with even more aunts. Just complete frivolous awesomeness. I loved them.
December 15, 2016
Heris Serrano, cashiered from the RSS on trumped-up charges, starts a new career as captain of a rich old lady's space yacht in HUNTING PARTY. The old gal turns out to be a fox-hunter - red coat, tally-ho, what? - & shortly has Capt. Serrano riding to post (albeit reluctantly).
Add in pranks by odious adolescents, young love in the afternoon, a vast country estate, LOL dialog & you have -- Wodehouse In Space!
Well, Wodehouse with a feminist, military edge -- the story turns darker as a deranged admiral takes to hunting human game, including our young aristos. Graphic violence; not for the squeamish. Highly recommended overall: clearly the strongest of the three books.
In SPORTING CHANCE, the series continues with an implausible royal-political intrigue that stars the same lively & likeable characters & is highly readable. Recommended.
WINNING COLORSfinds Heris and "the kids" deep in political intrigue again, as "The Hand", an interstellar mafia, prepares to invade Familias space. But Heris saves the day, and regains her cherished Naval commission -- and reputation. Fast & fun.
If you like these books, Ms. Moon has set two more in the Familias Regnant universe: ONCE A HERO & RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. Both star Esmay Suiza, introduced in WINNING COLORS, who is supported by characters from the Serrano series, including the delightfully Wodehousian aunts. Both are also recommended.
Add in pranks by odious adolescents, young love in the afternoon, a vast country estate, LOL dialog & you have -- Wodehouse In Space!
Well, Wodehouse with a feminist, military edge -- the story turns darker as a deranged admiral takes to hunting human game, including our young aristos. Graphic violence; not for the squeamish. Highly recommended overall: clearly the strongest of the three books.
In SPORTING CHANCE, the series continues with an implausible royal-political intrigue that stars the same lively & likeable characters & is highly readable. Recommended.
WINNING COLORSfinds Heris and "the kids" deep in political intrigue again, as "The Hand", an interstellar mafia, prepares to invade Familias space. But Heris saves the day, and regains her cherished Naval commission -- and reputation. Fast & fun.
If you like these books, Ms. Moon has set two more in the Familias Regnant universe: ONCE A HERO & RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. Both star Esmay Suiza, introduced in WINNING COLORS, who is supported by characters from the Serrano series, including the delightfully Wodehousian aunts. Both are also recommended.
October 5, 2009
I liked it. I have learned to like Space Opera/military sci-fi , but only the writer is female- specifically, Elizabeth Moon.
On one hand, it's kind of dry, because the charactar is ex-military and has a particular way of thinking. Also, I am not a huge fan of the aristocracy, so that took a bit of getting used to also. However, there was enough human drama and anthropological details for my interest. I think that Ms. Moon does a good job of balancing the military with the humanistic drama, the indiviual's desires with the greater good, and explore generational differences, and how we grow and grow-up as human beings whereever we are; the arc of the human life. This final idea is the glue which holds the various books in this particular series together.
On one hand, it's kind of dry, because the charactar is ex-military and has a particular way of thinking. Also, I am not a huge fan of the aristocracy, so that took a bit of getting used to also. However, there was enough human drama and anthropological details for my interest. I think that Ms. Moon does a good job of balancing the military with the humanistic drama, the indiviual's desires with the greater good, and explore generational differences, and how we grow and grow-up as human beings whereever we are; the arc of the human life. This final idea is the glue which holds the various books in this particular series together.
February 16, 2014
I haven't read a book involving space travel in years. This was a very enjoyable trio of stories. I found it interesting that the author spent as much time developing the supporting characters as much as Serrano's, however, this may be due there being other books about her prior to this volume.
I was a teensy bit disappointed that Heris did not develop into a horse riding enthusiast, even after apparently becoming quite an adequate rider.
I felt the question of regeneration and the possibility of some kind of insider's club or cult was left unanswered and I don't think this particular group of characters will be traveling together again to follow through. I will research Ms. Moon's other writings to see if Cecelia makes another appearance.
I was a teensy bit disappointed that Heris did not develop into a horse riding enthusiast, even after apparently becoming quite an adequate rider.
I felt the question of regeneration and the possibility of some kind of insider's club or cult was left unanswered and I don't think this particular group of characters will be traveling together again to follow through. I will research Ms. Moon's other writings to see if Cecelia makes another appearance.
May 27, 2009
Interesting little collection of space operas. Unlike most of the sort, these aren't (at least so far) to do with gigantic galaxy-spanning events of universal importance. Half the first book feels like a day-in-the-life-of travelogue of a space captain without any real hint of plot whatsoever. That's part of the charm of the books though; it makes some of the nitty-gritty of running a space ship feel real. The regular "rich kids off on adventures" subplots don't ring as true to me, but Moon does develop some interesting complex politics, and really has a think about the effect that living forever would have on society. Well worth the effort, I thought.
October 12, 2010
As a political space opera, this was fine but not outstanding. I do appreciate the strong female characters, and particularly the positive portrayal of a woman in her late 60s-early 70s rather than the usual 20s-and-hot. The part I found most baffling was the continuous digressions about... foxhunting. Yeah, like with horses. Don't get me wrong, I like horses fine, but it felt like the "spin" on the genre that never really fit or was entirely critical to the plot. Not bad for a big cheap three-in-one trade paperback, but not something I'll go back to soon.
March 26, 2021
A most enjoyable three-book omnibus filled with bubblegum space opera:
- there are echoes of Vorkosigan novels (these books are not really playing in the same league though, imho)
- there is a bit of "Downton Abbey in space" :))) (the aunts, oh, the aunts!)
- lots of badass female characters (kudos to Elizabeth Moon for letting elderly ladies be badass in sci-fi)
- starships explode
- things work out in the end
Apparently, there are four more books in this series, which is good news.
- there are echoes of Vorkosigan novels (these books are not really playing in the same league though, imho)
- there is a bit of "Downton Abbey in space" :))) (the aunts, oh, the aunts!)
- lots of badass female characters (kudos to Elizabeth Moon for letting elderly ladies be badass in sci-fi)
- starships explode
- things work out in the end
Apparently, there are four more books in this series, which is good news.
October 3, 2021
Bad editing?
Would have given it higher marks, but far too often this edition skipped from one point of view to another without so much as a break between paragraphs.
Would have given it higher marks, but far too often this edition skipped from one point of view to another without so much as a break between paragraphs.
December 29, 2024
After enjoying The Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon, I decided to read The Serrano Legacy, #1-3. Ah, a Space Opera! Entirely different from The Remnant Population, but excellent fun. Moon has been remarkably prolific which I appreciate because I know there are so many more books to read.
Hunting Party, bk 1, introduces Heris Serrano who has left the Regular Space Service as a result of an unscrupulous superior and become the captain of the space yacht belonging to a rich old woman. Lady Cecilia is old and rich and refuses to have rejuvenation, but is certainly a smart cookie regardless of her foibles. Heris must come to terms with her new position and her passengers, but as one thing leads to another the friendship between Heris and Lady Cecelia grows. When some of the younger characters find themselves in trouble on an "island" planet and a nefarious hunting club seeks human prey, things get chancy.
Sporting Chance, bk 2, involves clones and the heir to the throne.
Winning Colors, bk 3, gives Heris the chance to regain her position with the Regular Space Service if.... A lot of threads are tied up and the obnoxious younger characters of the first book have made great strides in character development.
Some 1200 plus pages in these 3 books, but they read so quickly and were fun and full of adventure.
Not of the same quality as David Weber's Honor Harrington books, but strong female characters and (for me) thoroughly enjoyable.
Hunting Party, bk 1, introduces Heris Serrano who has left the Regular Space Service as a result of an unscrupulous superior and become the captain of the space yacht belonging to a rich old woman. Lady Cecilia is old and rich and refuses to have rejuvenation, but is certainly a smart cookie regardless of her foibles. Heris must come to terms with her new position and her passengers, but as one thing leads to another the friendship between Heris and Lady Cecelia grows. When some of the younger characters find themselves in trouble on an "island" planet and a nefarious hunting club seeks human prey, things get chancy.
Sporting Chance, bk 2, involves clones and the heir to the throne.
Winning Colors, bk 3, gives Heris the chance to regain her position with the Regular Space Service if.... A lot of threads are tied up and the obnoxious younger characters of the first book have made great strides in character development.
Some 1200 plus pages in these 3 books, but they read so quickly and were fun and full of adventure.
Not of the same quality as David Weber's Honor Harrington books, but strong female characters and (for me) thoroughly enjoyable.
March 19, 2018
This book (or rather, books) is definitely for those who enjoy sci-fi settings but don't want to be bogged down with complicated technobable. Also a plus if you like horses and the equestrian world, since that ends up being a sizable part of the story...something I hadn't anticipated at all, but my elementary and middle school, horse loving-self enjoyed a lot.
It's certainly different from the many, many Star Trek books I've read, or Leviathan Wakes, but I quite easily got invested in the story and its well-written characters. A very big plus was the blatant feminism; not only was the ratio of gender in main characters majority women, but most all the ladies were extraordinary and clever, even saving the guys sometimes, and used the stereotypical look on women to get things done. Also a little lgbtq+ representation, though I wish there was more, but what was there was done tastefully and not made to stick out.
I will say, if you aren't ready to commit to 1041 pages, find the books individually and read them at your own pace; I'm a pretty fast reader, but I'm quite busy this semester so it took me a month to do.
My only wish is that this space faring society had other lifeforms, not just humans being everywhere, but that's only a minor complaint. I definitely intend to check out Elizabeth Moon's other works soon.
It's certainly different from the many, many Star Trek books I've read, or Leviathan Wakes, but I quite easily got invested in the story and its well-written characters. A very big plus was the blatant feminism; not only was the ratio of gender in main characters majority women, but most all the ladies were extraordinary and clever, even saving the guys sometimes, and used the stereotypical look on women to get things done. Also a little lgbtq+ representation, though I wish there was more, but what was there was done tastefully and not made to stick out.
I will say, if you aren't ready to commit to 1041 pages, find the books individually and read them at your own pace; I'm a pretty fast reader, but I'm quite busy this semester so it took me a month to do.
My only wish is that this space faring society had other lifeforms, not just humans being everywhere, but that's only a minor complaint. I definitely intend to check out Elizabeth Moon's other works soon.
May 12, 2021
The characters are engaging and easy to love. I was glad to see the author rehabilitated the young wastrels throughout the series. They started out annoying little rich kids and end up competent young adults who do good.
Heris Serrano is a strong character, as is Cecelia, her employer and friend. Moon's Marine training and familiarity with military processes and organization are very obvious, yet do not detract from the narrative. They add authenticity and interest for civilians peering into the military mind.
I did find the ending to be a bit rushed; many of the endings of Moon's novels feel rushed. Things are wrapped up a little too quickly, and told rather than shown. This may have been due to manuscript length requirements, but it did feel hurried.
The growing conundrum over Rejuvination and its effect on society (particularly an age treatment that is not universally available and gated by wealth) is a very very interesting and thought-provoking situation. I think Moon's understanding of the potential benefits, consequences, and social tensions that might arise is very accurate and well-thought out. The series continues, following the adventures of Esmay (a minor character in the third Heris Serrano book), and more fully exploring the tensions around Rejuvinants and Ageists.
Heris Serrano is a strong character, as is Cecelia, her employer and friend. Moon's Marine training and familiarity with military processes and organization are very obvious, yet do not detract from the narrative. They add authenticity and interest for civilians peering into the military mind.
I did find the ending to be a bit rushed; many of the endings of Moon's novels feel rushed. Things are wrapped up a little too quickly, and told rather than shown. This may have been due to manuscript length requirements, but it did feel hurried.
The growing conundrum over Rejuvination and its effect on society (particularly an age treatment that is not universally available and gated by wealth) is a very very interesting and thought-provoking situation. I think Moon's understanding of the potential benefits, consequences, and social tensions that might arise is very accurate and well-thought out. The series continues, following the adventures of Esmay (a minor character in the third Heris Serrano book), and more fully exploring the tensions around Rejuvinants and Ageists.
July 9, 2017
I enjoyed this compilation of three books, with a couple of reservations. While I'm sure I'll happily re-read them, I was left a little unsatisfied at the ends of each of the individual books.
I really like Heris Serrano as a character. I think she's a clever, interesting protagonist, but I would've liked to see a little more of her background explored. I know the author did eventually do this, generally by introducing characters from her past, but I felt as if there was a lot more history to her than revealed even by the end of the third book.
I thought that the plot in the first book was actually the strongest, and I think this is where my slight dissatisfaction came from - there seemed to be some 'almost developed' sub plots in each of the stories, that were resolved almost...tritely, for want of a better word.
Having said that, this set of books kept me reading enthusiastically, and I'm sure I'll continue to seek out Elizabeth Moon's stories. I like her writing style and I've enjoyed her story telling.
I really like Heris Serrano as a character. I think she's a clever, interesting protagonist, but I would've liked to see a little more of her background explored. I know the author did eventually do this, generally by introducing characters from her past, but I felt as if there was a lot more history to her than revealed even by the end of the third book.
I thought that the plot in the first book was actually the strongest, and I think this is where my slight dissatisfaction came from - there seemed to be some 'almost developed' sub plots in each of the stories, that were resolved almost...tritely, for want of a better word.
Having said that, this set of books kept me reading enthusiastically, and I'm sure I'll continue to seek out Elizabeth Moon's stories. I like her writing style and I've enjoyed her story telling.
April 7, 2019
This is a compilation of the three Herris Serrano books in Elizabeth Moon's space opera series - Hunting Party, Sporting Chance and Winning Colors. It's been awhile since I first read them, and I'd forgotten just about everything so it almost read like the first time for me.
Herris Serrano has left the Regular Space Service under a cloud, and takes a job as captain of the private interstellar yacht of Lady Cecilia de Marktos. As this wouldn't be a story without conflict, Herris naturally finds herself in trouble and will need all her training and wits to survive.
I love Elizabeth Moon's writing, and I love Heris Serrano's bad-ass character, but I have to admit I much prefer Tanya Huff's space opera and protagonist. There is more politics here than action, but it's a good mix of both, and the characters surrounding Heris are intriguing and colorful, especially Lady Cecilia. This is a rousing good romp and I enjoyed re-reading it - Moon is one of my "comfort" reads that I retreat to when I need to relax.
Herris Serrano has left the Regular Space Service under a cloud, and takes a job as captain of the private interstellar yacht of Lady Cecilia de Marktos. As this wouldn't be a story without conflict, Herris naturally finds herself in trouble and will need all her training and wits to survive.
I love Elizabeth Moon's writing, and I love Heris Serrano's bad-ass character, but I have to admit I much prefer Tanya Huff's space opera and protagonist. There is more politics here than action, but it's a good mix of both, and the characters surrounding Heris are intriguing and colorful, especially Lady Cecilia. This is a rousing good romp and I enjoyed re-reading it - Moon is one of my "comfort" reads that I retreat to when I need to relax.
July 17, 2024
Ahoy there mateys! This be an omnibus of the first three in the Serrano Legacy series. I very much enjoyed this. In many ways, it feels like a precursor to creating the Vatta series (which is what led me to me reread that series this year). That said, I loved Heris as a character. She resigns from her military position and takes a job as a civilian captain on a space yacht for a rich old lady. The old lady loves horses. What other books feature space and fox hunting? Of course Heris discovers sinister plots where she must help save the world. This book also has the two themes of Moon that I like about old ladies not being worthless and young stupid people making mistakes and then overcoming them to thrive. I love when characters I hate grow to be characters that I love. There are lots of side characters in these books and the plot can be a bit jumbled. But these are excellent fun and I love them despite the flaws. I will try to read the rest of the series in 2024. Arrrr!
August 6, 2017
High quality Space Opera
A rich and multilayered world revolving around political intrigue and subterfuge is the stage; a large assortment of characters with varying levels of complexity and motivation is the cast; and a well thought out, multi-stream narrative encompassing all the best elements of space opera adventure stories is the plot. All together, the three novels contained in this omnibus are individually, and together, a great read.
Some minor narrative elements did seem a bit rushed, or inserted as a convenience. Especially at the end of the third book; but they don't really take away from the enjoyment of a great book.
Moon is easily one of my favorite authors specializing in tough heroines, and this collection really demonstrated why.
A rich and multilayered world revolving around political intrigue and subterfuge is the stage; a large assortment of characters with varying levels of complexity and motivation is the cast; and a well thought out, multi-stream narrative encompassing all the best elements of space opera adventure stories is the plot. All together, the three novels contained in this omnibus are individually, and together, a great read.
Some minor narrative elements did seem a bit rushed, or inserted as a convenience. Especially at the end of the third book; but they don't really take away from the enjoyment of a great book.
Moon is easily one of my favorite authors specializing in tough heroines, and this collection really demonstrated why.
October 7, 2021
The first book in this series was a fun suppose opera. I thought it had an engaging story, decent writing, and interesting characters. I would give it a solid four stars.
The second book didn't seem to have much editing. There were totally simple mistakes made by the characters which we're closed over. In addition, the dialogue was extremely simple and abrupt. I didn't find any of the characters intriguing, and I was vaguely annoyed by everyone's innanity.
I finished the second book, but have no intention of starting the third. I can't recommend the second book. It was a weak 2 star read.
The second book didn't seem to have much editing. There were totally simple mistakes made by the characters which we're closed over. In addition, the dialogue was extremely simple and abrupt. I didn't find any of the characters intriguing, and I was vaguely annoyed by everyone's innanity.
I finished the second book, but have no intention of starting the third. I can't recommend the second book. It was a weak 2 star read.
January 12, 2021
Ugh, okay, mixed feelings. Three books in one. The first is basically a retelling of “The Most Dangerous Game” which seemed sort of cliche. Well enough written for the most part, the story moves along except in some parts that are pretty boring, usually at the beginning, then the battles at the end feel rushed. Weird pacing. Also, horses and spaceships just don’t go together. I know they were trying, but I wanted a story about one or the other (preferably spaceships), the two parts together were not cohesive. Also, I have problems with the characters. Again, I get what the author was trying to do, make a hero out of an older woman who might normally get looked over, but I don’t find Cecelia or ultimately any of the “aunts” very likable. I found their disdain for younger people and their lack of real contrition for their own mistakes snobbish. And once again, there were a lot of other aspects of the world building that I was much more interested in than horses, but which didn’t really get explored like clones, rich versus poor divide, effective immortality, government versus military in times of strife. A lot just gets glossed over that could have made the whole more interesting. I suppose it comes together well enough in the end, but it was a slog, and I probably wouldn’t have read all three except that they were all in one book.
December 7, 2025
I wish Heris were a larger part of the second 2 books
I enjoyed the first book. Very promising. The characters were easy to get to know, and the eccentricities enjoyable. I wanted more. However, the next two books featured some young rich kids, as much as Heris. Actually it felt like it was more time with them than Heris, but that may be because it seemed to drag so much. I found myself skipping bits, which is not a good sign.
I enjoyed the first book. Very promising. The characters were easy to get to know, and the eccentricities enjoyable. I wanted more. However, the next two books featured some young rich kids, as much as Heris. Actually it felt like it was more time with them than Heris, but that may be because it seemed to drag so much. I found myself skipping bits, which is not a good sign.
January 28, 2019
I adore a series that goes from space-Regency-fantasy to multi-plot space opera.
Book one: spoiled 20 somethings are whipped into shape by aunty types.
Book two: aunty types deal with age and intrigue, helped by 20somethings who have matured into adults.
Book three: but when aunts can live forever, what hope is there for 20 somethings?
Worth the read!
Book one: spoiled 20 somethings are whipped into shape by aunty types.
Book two: aunty types deal with age and intrigue, helped by 20somethings who have matured into adults.
Book three: but when aunts can live forever, what hope is there for 20 somethings?
Worth the read!
July 16, 2019
Trois volumes : une bonne lecture mais pas de surprise (avec mon passé de lectrice SF !) . Les humains ont colonisé la galaxie. Des personnages principaux féminins, également des jeunes devenant adultes. Comment aussi intégrer dans un livre SF un intérêt sur le monde des chevaux. Je continue dans cet univers avec les volumes suivants.
May 10, 2021
I am a big fan of fantasy and science fiction novels especially if they are long and have several books in the series. I really enjoy a series of books that I can immerse myself in and I first picked up an Elizabeth Moon novel because it was long and part of a multi-novel series. I continue to read her books because I find them engrossing and highly enjoyable.
May 31, 2021
This was a very fun space opera story. Easy, engaging writing style with strong female characters and a plot that moved along. The "and everything works out abstract against impossible odds" stuff got repetitive, so I read the book in chunks and took time off in between. If you're looking for an engaging light space read, this is your trilogy!
October 31, 2024
Wonderful mix of serious and comedic
Wonderful mix of serious, military tactics and strategy, interesting characters, and the hilarious. Very much enjoyed the attack force of the 3 aunts!
Wonderful mix of serious, military tactics and strategy, interesting characters, and the hilarious. Very much enjoyed the attack force of the 3 aunts!
January 11, 2025
Similar to Sassinsk & Anne McCaffrey environment but ultimately no point. WHY is Heris in this situation and WHY are her current problems not just day to day issues? Questions that are not answered. DNF'd. I did like Vatta books.
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