Skeen's Return

Skeen #2

by Jo Clayton

FUGITIVE FROM THE STARS!

Skeen, space pilot, trader, collector, and thief, had come to the world of Mistommerk through a bizarre Gateway in time and space - a Gateway which only one of its creators, the mysterious Ykx, could reopen from the Mistommerk side. And so, Skeen began her search for one of the elusive Ykx, a search that would take her into the domains of the eight different races which dwelt together in uneasy peace.

But Skeen's quest soon disturbed the delicate balance of power on Mistommerk, and she and her newfound comrades - from the shapeshifter Timka to the Gate Opener, Lipitero - found themselves pursued by bloodthirsty assassins determine to claim their before they could unlock the Gate between worlds and escape to the greater galaxy with Mistommerk's most precious treasure.

(Source: back cover)

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Space Opera, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1987

About the author

Jo Clayton, whose parents named her after Jo in Little Women, was born and raised in Modesto, California. She and her three sisters shared a room and took turns telling each other bedtime stories. One of her sisters noted that Jo's stories were the best, and often contained science fiction and fantasy elements.

Clayton graduated from the University of California in 1963, Summa Cum Laude, and started teaching near Los Angeles.

In 1969, after a religious experience, she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, joining the teaching order Sisters of Mount Carmel as a novice. She left three years later, before taking final orders.

During her time in New Orleans, Clayton sold sketches and paintings in Pioneer Square to supplement her income.

After being robbed several times, Clayton moved to Portland, Oregon in 1983. She remained there for the rest of her life.

Clayton was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1996. Jo continued to write during her year and a half in the hospital. She finished Drum Calls, the second book of the Drums of Chaos series, and was halfway through the third and final book when she lost her struggle with multiple myeloma in February, 1998.

Literary executor Katherine Kerr made arrangements with established author Kevin Andrew Murphy to finish the third book of the Drums of Chaos series. It is now completed.

Reviews

[York · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series seems much more fantasy than sci fi, but has elements of both...

[Joolie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a sci-fi cover with a hot spiky haired genderqueer character with fabulous jewelry on it? And at the rock bottom price of $0.25 at local Alley Cat Books Discount Sci-Fi bin, how can i go wrong? Right? Actually, the answer is Yes! Its amazing! I went into this little gem with much trepidation, but am falling in love with the ridiculous characters, the overly complex layered worlds and their different Gates to other dimensions and so forth. A true bandit with a heart of gold (and a closet full of demons), the ultimate scrappy character of Skeen as she leads her brood of misfits through loss of limb, life and other worse misfortunes to escape to her home world is a treat. I'm loving it and can't wait to find the rest of this series - hopefully for $0.25.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's not much more to say about this than the first book. The characters develop a little more as the story goes on. It's a really good adventure with some nice turns and a few tight battles. Skeen's character felt a little less stable, but I think part of that was having some of it told from Timka's perspective. It left me looking forward to the final book.

[Lucy Andrews-Cummin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book one (not really a spoiler) Skeen has to figure out how she is going to get back to her own world and find out what happened to her ship and bf etc. Here she has to make her way to the 'Gate' she fell through and get back through. Most companions peel off but a few will go with her into this other universe. Engaging throughout. ****

[Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

You should read this book right after the first one on the trilogy. The worldbuilding is very convoluted and complex, and there is no explanation for those who are beginning now: the story picks up right where it left off. It's been a while since I read the first book, so I was a bit lost at first; because of that, it took me a while to get into this one.

But this is a very fun, fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable book. Complex and well developed characters, vast and well written universe, the works. The small dialogues the narrator has with the reader, especially in the chapter titles, are an extra delight. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Ladybarbe-Que003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the wording.even when it gets confusing and a bit much, it still makes sense for the book. But when it came to handling Timka and Telka’s feud, I didn’t like it. I thought it would be this great, vivid battle between the two sisters something like the Maggi Ship arc, where the imagery of what went down was so strong.

But no, their fight was just played off as a “haha” funny catfight, with Skeen having to grab them both by the scruffs to stop it. I was honestly expecting more. I know it was the third arc and things were wrapping up, but still (-_-)

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a tiny bit more traditional feeling that the first, but also gives a lot more insight into other characters than the previous book. Still does a lot of entertaining things with the narration; and compresses time in various ways - the first _half_ of the book is mostly concerned with a single city over the course of a few weeks, while other journeys are skipped over with a single sentence.

[James]

Starship pilot Skeen and her band of travelers desperately search for the Stranger's Gate, the only way she can reenter her own universe. Danger, treachery and intrigue meet them at every turn as they must outwit a monster woman, fight a fierce battle inside a slaver's estate and fend off attacks of the feared Sea Min.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a much harder time getting into this one than the first. I felt the plot points didn't hang together well and parts of the book felt like a rough draft. But the characters are still delightful and profound and I'll be sad to part with them in the next book.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, ugly and realistic.

The story of Skeen continues with her fighting her way back to the gate she entered thru. Skeen does not rely on finesse at the end. High tech or magic brute force often wins the day . One book about Skeen left. It will be a rough ending.

[Reforming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book in the trilogy, but I appreciate the fact that Clayton answered the main question in this book, so I don't have to buy the third.

[Antislice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the world building, a little less so the breaking of the 4th wall, but also it takes a long time to get anywhere.