Tags
5 stars, alien planet, aliens, Book Review, family, romance, sci fi, series, telepathy
Review of A Thousand Words for Stranger
I originally read A Thousand Words for Stranger shortly after the 10th anniversary edition was released in 2007. This underrated book made a profound impression on me at the time, and I quickly followed it up with the rest of the Trade Pact Universe series. I don’t reread very many books, but this one was calling to me and after I read A Thousand Recipes for Revenge, I deemed the similar titles to be a sign. I picked up Julie Czerneda’s book and tied into this timeless story.
While I had forgotten almost all of the details, I quickly remembered most of the plot. But this time, as a book reviewer, I paid attention to what really impressed me about this book as well as looking at the story from a less self-centered point of view.
First, it takes place in a universe, abundant with varieties of species and cultures, along with the expected political issues, prejudices, and conflicts. The Trade Pact, which excludes the telepathic Clan, attempts to manage through policy and policing. Change ‘species’ to ‘countries’ or ‘races’ or ‘religions’ and just about anybody can relate.
Then, there is Sira, who, at first, is as innocent as a babe. Which gets her into deep trouble. When she eventually makes it to Morgan’s ship, the reader can breathe a sigh of relief. But then, Sira starts to grow as a character, developing a sense of responsibility, which is bound to lead her to more trouble. Over time, this over-developed sense of responsibility will continue to lead her into danger, but at the same time, Sira is finding out what she is and discovers she has skills to draw on. As a reader, I grew to like this Sira. Then I found out about a different Sira. Let’s just say, she is really smart, and leave it at that.
Morgan is one of the few humans in the story, so naturally, I was drawn to him. While he proved to be Sira’s ally, mostly, there were doubts along the way. Morgan is a charming, diplomatic, skilled pilot with a ship and at least one good friend – Huido – who becomes the hero’s sidekick and has so many great lines.
Ultimately, Morgan and Sira are destined to be together. There is a universe full of catalysts that brought them together, but, as a romance reader, I like to think chemistry had something to do with it. But this is not a happily ever after. Morgan and Sira have much to accomplish in this book and in two sequels. The Trade Pact Universe needs them!
Read A Thousand Words for Stranger if you are looking for character-driven science fiction that delves into culture, clan, family, trust, and love.
*****************************
About A Thousand Words for Stranger by Julie Czerneda
Ambushed by unknown assailants, cut off from her escort, and on the run with no memory of who she was, what she was doing on the world known as Auord, or why she was driven by a compulsion to find a specific ship and head for an unknown destination, she was forced to accept the help of a space trader named Morgan. Captain Morgan gave her the name of Sira and a berth on his spaceship, but there was something about him she could not quite trust, something he was hiding from her.
Yet, sought by the Enforcers of the interstellar Trade Pact, by representatives of the Clan of which Sira herself was a member, and by a mysterious pursuer determined to use Sira for his own ends, she had no choice but to ally herself with Morgan—even though each might well prove each other’s doom…
**********************
Links
Add A Thousand Words for Stranger to your Goodreads shelf:
Purchase A Thousand Words for Stranger: