The Lady and the Tiger

Taylor's Ark #3

by Jody Lynn Nye

Arriving on the alien paradise of Jardinor to assume her new post as a physician to the settlers, Dr. Shona Taylor, along with her family, animals, and alien ottle Chirwl, soon discover that the inhabitants of this planet are hiding a terrifying secret that could destroy them all. Original.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Space Opera

348 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 24, 2004

About the author

Jody Lynn Nye lists her main career activity as ‘spoiling cats.’ When not engaged upon this worthy occupation, she writes fantasy and science fiction books and short stories.

Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper at a small publishing house, freelance journalist and photographer, accounting assistant and costume maker.

For four years, she was on the technical operations staff of a local Chicago television station, WFBN (WGBO), serving the last year as Technical Operations Manager. During her time at WFBN, she was part of the engineering team that built the station, acted as Technical Director during live sports broadcasts, and worked to produce in-house spots and public service announcements.

Over the last twenty-five or so years, Jody has taught in numerous writing workshops and participated on hundreds of panels covering the subjects of writing and being published at science-fiction conventions. She has also spoken in schools and libraries around the north and northwest suburbs. In 2007 she taught fantasy writing at Columbia College Chicago. She also runs the two-day writers workshop at DragonCon, and is a judge for the Writers of the Future contest, the largest speculative fiction contest in the world.

Jody lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, with her husband Bill Fawcett, a writer, game designer, military historian and book packager, and three feline overlords, Athena, Minx, and Marmalade.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animal magnetism

It has been too long since I last read a Jody Lynn Nye story. This was a wonderful one with plenty of intrigue and suspense. I had no idea what to expect when I started reading but what I got was better. An interesting family in an unusual situation. Great character building throughout. The interactions of the children brought an unexpected level to the whole telling. I loved the use of the animals and the final outcome. Still there are many questions left unanswered. She is such a wonderful author and I hope to read more of her books soon.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shona Taylor accepts a short term contract and finds secrets

Our heroine, Shona Taylor accepts a 6-month contract to cover a doctor's leave. Her employers are the owners of a terra-formed section of a world in progress. They are a very private people following a very different belief system. Shona and Lani begin to make friends as does a precocious Alex. It isn't long before Alex begins telling Shona about the animals he's met. And so the planet's secrets begin to unfold. Their chief scientist had an ulterior motive behind hiring Shona who would, of course, be accompanied by her menagerie of very special animals. As Shona begins to suspect the truth her life is in jeopardy. Will she be able to stay one step ahead of those who plan her death? Will the friends she's made help her when she needs them most? Will she be able to get away with all her animals as well as those she finds in need of rescue?
You won't want to sleep through this one. I just wish the author, Jody Lynn Nye, would write some more adventures for Shona and her family.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veterinarian Shona Taylor brings her family to an apparently idyllic colony planet, then discovers a ruthless criminal conspiracy.

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting that Taylor's Ark & Medicine Show came out a year apart, and this one, not until a decade later. I almost thought she'd abandoned this series.

This one was more about the animals, including the ones she finds on her next assignment. I liked that she continued working, that she & her husband have a functional commuter marriage. Love the ottle's pro-activeness, and actively covet a house with robo-servants.

Do think she left a thread dangling with Setve arriving back on the planet, and then... disappearing? Also, if she continues this series, I hope she lets Shona & Susan go off for some girltime together. Seems like it would be hard to maintain such a close friendship without some face time periodically.

[Beth Revers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I somehow missed this installment in Taylor's Ark when it came out. I very much enjoyed the book. Shona gets an assignment on what seems like an ideal world, low population beautiful setting, wonderful accommodations, but like all Edens, this one has a snake or two. Literally in this case. She must figure out the secrets the colonists are determined to keep, and learn why she, and her animals were brought to this planet, in time for all of them to make it off world alive. The secret lies partly in her companion the ottle, the intelligent alien who accompanies her to study the human condition. What she discovers complicates their escape and survival, but increases the urgency and importance. Quite a ride.

[Candice Kamencik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting "end" to this trilogy. The trilogy isn't really connected from book to book, it's just the same cast and crew in different stories - and that's fine! There doesn't need to always been an aver arching plot to hold things together. The story itself and the characters are good enough to make you want to keep reading.

I really enjoyed the feeling of hesitation that Nye managed to underwrite in the beginning of this book. the setting was great, realistic but still futuristic, and the characters on this new planet were numerous but well written. Definitely a juggling act that was managed credibly! The ending was a tiny bit abrupt for me, and there were some loose ends, which is why I dropped my rating to 4 stars, but this was still a very enjoyable read.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

i can't really say anything on this book

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable addition to the series. This one really makes it appear to be Taylor's Ark

[Ron Judenberg]

to-read

[Paula Petrash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!I

I loved this story because of the characters and the animals! It was a good reminder about preserving the animals of our planet.