check out website: www.twbookmark.com Jak is in need of a project for his Junior Task and racing across half the Solar System to help out an ex-girlfriend, Princess Shyf - sounds just perfect. He takes his buddy, a panth called Dujuv, and another close friend, Myxenna.  They are pursued by the media in the form of Mreek Sinda who once got a very satisfying story from the exploits of Jak Jinnaka (see his previous outing in 'The Duke Of Uranium').
It's a bit of a shock to find that they have to join the Royal Palace Guards, who are performing more than just guard duties for the Princess. They barely survive the palace intrigue and are shipped out to avoid embarrassment. Unfortunately, their destination is the mining world of Mercury where they face an all-out war for survival and Jak meets his old enemy Bex Riveroma. This new kind of trainee spy in space enjoys plenty of sex with various partners, travels across vast swathes of space getting into and out of scrapes. Constantly risking his life, he is an observer in the dangerous politics of the Aerie. He has similar worries to us in that he upsets his friends and his lovers but he is always trying to do the right thing even if his friends don't realise it. The book introduces a new semi-vocabulary that you pick up easily. This novel offers a sideways look at politics, the media's thirst for a story and the importance of having sex as often as possible even if it's under duress. It's a fun story not to be taken too seriously. Don't look for deep characterisation or any enduring empathy with anybody. It is spot on for a medium read with some comprehensive descriptions of a lot of space hardware. I've absolutely no idea whether these things are ever going to be feasible but they are fantastic. It looks like Jak's back! Sue Davies |
