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The Serrano Legacy #6-7
The Serrano Succession
Two Full-Length Novels of Space Change of Esmay and Barin are reconciled—but their universe is falling apart! The exposure of defective rejuvenation drugs has sent fear sweeping across the known galaxy, including the Regular Space Service, while neighboring states fear the aggressive expansion of the Familias Regnant. Fear begets violent reactions—from foreign governments, from great Families determined to hold on to power, from internal rivalries in the Fleet—and nothing escapes the resultant bloodbath unscathed, including Esmay and Barin.Against the The worst has Fleet is tearing itself apart. Some of the mutineers see injustice in the unequal spread of the rejuvenation drugs that offer virtual immortality to the rich; others are simply thirsty for power, or for blood. But when Esmay Suiza-Serrano is unceremoniously booted out of Fleet, the apparent victim of Family politics, she has no idea of the conflict into which she has been thrown. As the noose tightens on galactic civilization, great battles will be fought and greater loves affirmed . . . and old friends will meet their destinies.
752 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2008
102 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
138 books2,633 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 27, 2016
This omnibus wraps up the 7-book series. Everything is pretty nicely tied up. There are just a couple of loose ends .
So, what did I think of the whole series? It definitely captured me. I dove in and didn't really come up for air till I finished all seven books. The universe, technology, military culture of the Fleet, political culture of the Familias, planetary civilizations - they were all vivid and real. When the plot returned to Sirialis in #7 I could still clearly see it from memories of #1 (with my shaky memory, sticking something in my mind so it's still there after 5 intervening books is a real accomplishment for an author). The many plots and subplots kept rolling along, lots of action, plenty of variety so, for instance, if you weren't fascinated by battle scenes you could be sure in a few pages there'd be something more interesting happening.
The characters are why I give this one and the series as a whole four instead of five stars. There are a lot of them, and they're mostly distinct and easy to keep straight. I liked many of them. It just seemed like now and then, a character would say or do something jarring, something that seemed out of character but was stuck in because the plot needed it to happen. Or I just didn't quite buy a character's motivation, or wanted to know more, like a bit towards the very end involving someone named Jules.
Overall though I'm glad I read these and am feeling a little bereft at being finished.
So, what did I think of the whole series? It definitely captured me. I dove in and didn't really come up for air till I finished all seven books. The universe, technology, military culture of the Fleet, political culture of the Familias, planetary civilizations - they were all vivid and real. When the plot returned to Sirialis in #7 I could still clearly see it from memories of #1 (with my shaky memory, sticking something in my mind so it's still there after 5 intervening books is a real accomplishment for an author). The many plots and subplots kept rolling along, lots of action, plenty of variety so, for instance, if you weren't fascinated by battle scenes you could be sure in a few pages there'd be something more interesting happening.
The characters are why I give this one and the series as a whole four instead of five stars. There are a lot of them, and they're mostly distinct and easy to keep straight. I liked many of them. It just seemed like now and then, a character would say or do something jarring, something that seemed out of character but was stuck in because the plot needed it to happen. Or I just didn't quite buy a character's motivation, or wanted to know more, like a bit towards the very end involving someone named Jules.
Overall though I'm glad I read these and am feeling a little bereft at being finished.
February 2, 2021
More like the first omnibus than the second, but still not as strong as the first. There are great characters, but we jump around them too much. I would have liked more time spent with Raffa and Ronnie, more with the women getting settled, way more with detective duo Brun and Kate . . . I just wanted more of those and less of the politics that I didn't quite understand. (Meaning the Benignity characters).
Still fun, but not as fun.
Still fun, but not as fun.
May 24, 2015
I just finished the series. now I will be in the Serrano universe for a couple of hours. hopefully I will be able to adapt to another one soon.
December 9, 2021
Elizabeth Moon is the best author of space opera/military science fiction I've ever encountered. They may be better, but I've not read 'em. This book includes two of her novels in one binding - Change of Command and Against the Odds. These books together tell the story of a connected set of people and events, including Barin Serran and Esmay Suiza, Heris Serrano, Cecelia de Marktos, Miranda Meager-Thornbuckle, and Brun Meager, among others. There's mutiny, combat, politics, and treachery. We see the dark and brooding nature of the government of the Beningity of the Compassionate Hand, which is really just a sort of Mafia nation. We see the fractious and weak structure of the Familias Regnant. And there are other nations in the space this series occurs in, though even in such large novels we don't get a glimpse of them.
It's hard to say what isn't in these two novels. Perhaps we could say that profound thinking isn't here, though they're certainly not books for willing dullards. The emphasis here is on entertainment, not education - and that's perfectly all right. I don't care for books which are boring; what's the purpose of vital information in a book, if that book puts the reader to sleep?
Elizabeth Moon is here to entertain her readers, and she does that extremely well. The science may be flawed - but then she doesn't pretend to be writing hard SF. The names of the planets may be whimsical - Patchcock, Castle Rock, and the like - but who knows that names people would give planets if the scientists didn't beat them to it? (On Mars all the names are in languages that no one speaks. I expect, however, that if there ever are permanent settlements on that planet, the people who live there won't say Valles Marineris, but Mariner Valley, and instead of teaching children that Olympus Mons is the highest mountain in the solar system, they'll name it Mount Olympus.) And the names of the planets are entertaining besides.
This isn't Heinlein or Asimov. But then Heinlein and Asimov weren't Elizabeth Moon.
It's hard to say what isn't in these two novels. Perhaps we could say that profound thinking isn't here, though they're certainly not books for willing dullards. The emphasis here is on entertainment, not education - and that's perfectly all right. I don't care for books which are boring; what's the purpose of vital information in a book, if that book puts the reader to sleep?
Elizabeth Moon is here to entertain her readers, and she does that extremely well. The science may be flawed - but then she doesn't pretend to be writing hard SF. The names of the planets may be whimsical - Patchcock, Castle Rock, and the like - but who knows that names people would give planets if the scientists didn't beat them to it? (On Mars all the names are in languages that no one speaks. I expect, however, that if there ever are permanent settlements on that planet, the people who live there won't say Valles Marineris, but Mariner Valley, and instead of teaching children that Olympus Mons is the highest mountain in the solar system, they'll name it Mount Olympus.) And the names of the planets are entertaining besides.
This isn't Heinlein or Asimov. But then Heinlein and Asimov weren't Elizabeth Moon.
March 17, 2017
This will become a classic
I've read, and reread all of the books in this series. I own the original paperbacks and I love Elizabeth Moon's rich tapestry of characters and events. So much so I willingly bought them again just so I could carry them with me on my tablet.
The characters are rich, so human, each with their strengths and flaws - weather hero or villains, that they draw you into their lives and make you care what happens to them and why. Here, I find myself in a quandary - for I hate spoilers , I don't want to ruin that sense of discovery a really good tale imbues the reader with, yet the temptation lies there. . . I find myself wanting to tell you all. Elizabeth Moon 's masterful weaving of the complex and simple, of issues, politics, greed, heros and villians, of selfishness, selflessness of the human heart - rather like the fines herbs in a good stew, or the nuances of a fine wine - they all combine to make a satisfying meal for the mind.
I totally recommend this series to you my fellow readers, worth your time, and your dime. Buy them, you'll be glad you did.
I've read, and reread all of the books in this series. I own the original paperbacks and I love Elizabeth Moon's rich tapestry of characters and events. So much so I willingly bought them again just so I could carry them with me on my tablet.
The characters are rich, so human, each with their strengths and flaws - weather hero or villains, that they draw you into their lives and make you care what happens to them and why. Here, I find myself in a quandary - for I hate spoilers , I don't want to ruin that sense of discovery a really good tale imbues the reader with, yet the temptation lies there. . . I find myself wanting to tell you all. Elizabeth Moon 's masterful weaving of the complex and simple, of issues, politics, greed, heros and villians, of selfishness, selflessness of the human heart - rather like the fines herbs in a good stew, or the nuances of a fine wine - they all combine to make a satisfying meal for the mind.
I totally recommend this series to you my fellow readers, worth your time, and your dime. Buy them, you'll be glad you did.
September 23, 2022
5 stars for the series.
The series got better with each book. The author's depth of understanding both of the real military, leadership principles, and the problems faced by troops after combat make this series very special. When she adds it all together with the adventure of space warfare and its political nuisances it is a real winner. Thanks. I think this is the first time I have ever wanted to meet the an author.
The series got better with each book. The author's depth of understanding both of the real military, leadership principles, and the problems faced by troops after combat make this series very special. When she adds it all together with the adventure of space warfare and its political nuisances it is a real winner. Thanks. I think this is the first time I have ever wanted to meet the an author.
February 11, 2025
an amazing series
The Serrano series is full of deep relationships, character growth, realistic military story lines, and believable political machinations. The story is gripping, and you come to like the characters thoroughly, no despite their flaws but because of them.
The Serrano series is full of deep relationships, character growth, realistic military story lines, and believable political machinations. The story is gripping, and you come to like the characters thoroughly, no despite their flaws but because of them.
May 1, 2019
More please pretty please
March 2, 2020
Satisfying wrap up to an excellent series.
June 18, 2023
I’m really going to miss the Serrano universe- an outstanding series..
Best conclusion/ “wrap party” that I think I’ve ever read.
Best conclusion/ “wrap party” that I think I’ve ever read.
July 25, 2019
I really liked it and recommend it for writers at all levels.
January 12, 2014
I was not too impressed with this omnibus, especially the first book. There was too much politics and way too many characters whose names I could never remember.
I could not figure out the purpose of the priest, hiding with the theatre group, nor the purpose of the theatre group on the trading ship (other than for the owner), nor the purpose of the trading ship (other than to give a lift to Esmay).
I also couldn't quite get my head around the destruction of the Bonar Tighe, especially as it had been largely disabled. Surely, with the time and money it takes to build a capital ship, it would have made more sense to send in the marines to try and recover the vessel.
I would also have been very upset if I had read the first book on its own. The end was more like the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book. At least with the two books in one, there was no break in the story line.
I could not figure out the purpose of the priest, hiding with the theatre group, nor the purpose of the theatre group on the trading ship (other than for the owner), nor the purpose of the trading ship (other than to give a lift to Esmay).
I also couldn't quite get my head around the destruction of the Bonar Tighe, especially as it had been largely disabled. Surely, with the time and money it takes to build a capital ship, it would have made more sense to send in the marines to try and recover the vessel.
I would also have been very upset if I had read the first book on its own. The end was more like the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book. At least with the two books in one, there was no break in the story line.
January 3, 2016
I'm something of an odd duck when it comes to genres. I don't read mysteries for the mystery; and while I do value the science in science fiction, I don't read military sci-fi for the tactics and battles. That means I often skip over detailed battle descriptions -- and I did a lot of skipping in this series. But I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless, and was sorry to come to its end.
Both primary and secondary characters are well drawn and often (one of my favorite character traits) very resourceful, without turning into Mary Sues. The weaving together of different POVs and locations is not always seamless, but that's a minor criticism. And of course, as is typical of Moon's fiction, there are plenty of strong female characters, though it often takes them some time to realize their strength.
Both primary and secondary characters are well drawn and often (one of my favorite character traits) very resourceful, without turning into Mary Sues. The weaving together of different POVs and locations is not always seamless, but that's a minor criticism. And of course, as is typical of Moon's fiction, there are plenty of strong female characters, though it often takes them some time to realize their strength.
August 22, 2012
This is an omnibus, but it's not really worth reviewing them separately because the first book is almost completely setup. It's meandering, plotless, and kind of confusing as Moon builds the bridge to the sociopolitical situation she intends to explore in the second book. It's necessary setup, I suppose, but I can't imagine reading the book on its own.
The second book, however, is very solid. All the pieces are in place and it's a very satisfying adventure. Some long-running minor mysteries are cleared up, not everyone gets a happy ending in a realistic way, and the end is surprisingly affecting. It definitely makes up for the mess that preceeds it.
The second book, however, is very solid. All the pieces are in place and it's a very satisfying adventure. Some long-running minor mysteries are cleared up, not everyone gets a happy ending in a realistic way, and the end is surprisingly affecting. It definitely makes up for the mess that preceeds it.
December 14, 2014
I had read "Once a Hero", which is something like the 4th of 7 books in the Serrarno series a long time ago on a used book. Then I got a couple more, again out of order from the Baen free library.
I quite liked them so I took a chance now at paying the author and getting the whole story by reading the three omnibus editions.
Conclusion: I did not like them as much as I remembered but they are still pretty good. They do suffer a bit of the hypercompetent scifi hero syndrome, but at least they are not guys.
I quite liked them so I took a chance now at paying the author and getting the whole story by reading the three omnibus editions.
Conclusion: I did not like them as much as I remembered but they are still pretty good. They do suffer a bit of the hypercompetent scifi hero syndrome, but at least they are not guys.
December 22, 2024
This is the omnibus including Change of Command and Against the Odds. The stories jump around a lot more and I felt it went downhill from the prior Serrano books.
February 2, 2015
Sorry, just can't get interested in this one which is such a shame after the Legacy and Connection omnibuses which I enjoyed immensely. Maybe I'll come back to it in a different frame of mind another time.
February 2, 2016
Good conclusion to the series. New heroines/heroes. As with many series, the cast and scope get much wider, not necessarily for the better reading. But a very enjoyable finish to a really good series.
February 4, 2015
Hmm. An interesting ending to the series. I'm not sure I liked it, but it did tie up most of the ends. I'm pleased I read it, and I'd read it again (the whole series, that is).
Read
March 23, 2011It turns out that this is something like the sixth and seventh books? It seemed to stand alone when I started in, but I never got hooked.
August 10, 2011
I love this series, but I have to admit this omnibus was nowhere near as page-turning riveting as the others.
September 6, 2013
The Serrano Legacy #6
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews