Sunday, May 04, 2008

Eternity Row

Book 10/25

S.L. Viehl's Eternity Row

This must be a record of some kind - a review not only posted in a reasonable amount of time after completion of the book, but a review posted the same day as that event! However, I wouldn't get too comfortable with this idea - this is most likely a fluke.

I have been really disappointed with the last few StarDoc books, to the point that I had considered stopping the series. However, it seemed a terrible waste to leave off before reading my signed copy (I actually believe Rebel Ice is the next book in the series), so I gave Ms. Viehl one last try, and I'm grateful I did. Eternity Row was everything I could have hoped for, and my biggest complaint is with whoever was charged with the editing.

Cherijo was the character she began as, complete with her sarcasm, wit, and flaws. She made mistakes, and she made assumptions she couldn't always support. At the same time, she was every bit a physician, concerned with healing her patients. The addition of her vow to keep her promises - however reluctantly she meant them - elevated her in my eyes and redeemed her past behavior. I was afraid the addition of Marel might have swayed her, but it didn't change her - beyond the expectations one should have for a character who is suddenly a parent of a young child. She was the character I admired once more, and even Reever unbent enough to become sympathetic. Which is why I cannot completely condemn the addition of Marel to the mix, as I chalk a resumption of his humanity to her presence.

The plot made sense, and the various hanging threads were all explained and woven nicely together at the end - what more could one ask for? Yes, I am slightly biased by the fact that there was not a cliffhanger tacked onto the end of this book, but it was also nicely handled. Ms. Viehl's creativity in the simultaneous problems of Taercal and Oenrall was fantastic, and something I hadn't considered. I had had my theories regarding the connection between the two, but I was on the wrong path. It was nice to be pleasantly surprised, rather than guessing the answer chapters ahead of the revelation. It was also an interesting juxtaposition - on a number of levels - and my only hope is that the situation between Dhreen and Ilona will find some conclusion down the road.

Every previously-introduced character grew new facets, while remaining true to their selves. And, of course, I was pleased to see the continuation of the feline family...though I would like to think, as a doctor, that Cherijo would be smart enough to have her own pets neutered/spayed - for their own health, if nothing else. However, I have to admit that is a bias that comes from working in the animal medical world, as opposed to the human medical world. Deciphering Marel's pathos was annoying at times, not to mention confusing, but I was able to muddle through. I have my own suspicions as to her ability to always be where she isn't meant to be, but I'm hoping Ms. Viehl isn't taking that obvious route. I would be nice to see Marel as just an ordinary child, with an ordinary child's ability to get underfoot at the worst opportunities.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, from the beginning, and it was returned me to the fandom of StarDoc. At least until I read the next book.
Posted by Andria :: 2:54 PM :: 0 comments

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