5 stars for Consequences (Retrieval Artist book 3) by Kristine Kathryn Rusch.
In reading Consequences - a third party narration - it is amazing what gaining the insights into each of the characters means as my own perception of each scenario and response to each situation change continually. For instance in one scene, I full-heartedly agree with the actions of a certain character as I deem the rationale behind it as one of prudence, foresight and wisdom. However in the subsequent chapters, after reading the viewpoint of another character, my stand takes on a 180-degree turn. Then even later on, I find myself no longer able to decide who to root for. Yes, I am this fickle-minded but that just goes to show how powerful the author is in manoeuvring her writing to place the pawns in their rightful position on the chessboard.
Fast forward 2 years and that is the time Flint has been a Retrieval Artist since leaving his post as a detective in the Armstrong police force on the Moon.
In this instalment, two of Armstrong's most respectable citizens approach Miles Flint to retrieve a Disappeared who according to the couple, is an Armstrong native who has fought in the Etaen war - a human conflict that has nothing to do with the Moon or the Earth Alliance - and now has been pardoned by the Etae government for the war crimes.
Unfortunately things are not always as straightforward as they appear especially with the acceptance of aliens in the human world. It is believed that there are aliens who are of the opinion that vengeance is the highest form of justice; they will disregard the pardons and take matters into their own hands even if these pardons are issued by a Multicultural Tribunal and their government recognises them.
To some extent, it is never easy for Flint to justify taking on the aforementioned case - any case in fact - because the moment he accepts the job, his research will immediately expose the Disappeared to danger which is the reason that person is a Disappeared in the very first place.
By revealing the Flint's inner voice as he assesses each case before deciding to accept or reject, the author reinforces the up-and-up personality of this already likeable character. Much as he is professionally upright and ethical, I am relieved that the author adds a subtle dash of ruthlessness into Flint's character. After all, he is now in a trade whereby working alone and trusting no one is not enough, he needs a certain amount of ruthlessness to survive. On the other hand, I am saddened by this said ruthlessness as it places Flint in the exact opposite camp - now and forever - from Noelle DeRicci.
Besides Flint, DeRicci and the mysterious cases they are thrown into, there are also other forces at work, much of which involves the Earth Alliance and their agenda to welcome the Etae government to join in the Alliance. Step by step, one by one, the author works brilliantly to place the missing pieces of puzzles together and culminates in an exceptional ending, one in which there is closure for all the various characters brought up in the story.
Publisher: WMG Publishing
Publication date: 30 Apr 2011
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A woman dies in the domed city of Armstrong on the Moon. Detective Noelle DeRicci discovers that the victim is a Disappeared—an outlaw in hiding wanted for crimes against an alien civilization. Only DeRicci’s old partner, Retrieval Artist Miles Flint brought the Disappeared home, something he would have only done if he believed the alien government would exonerate her for her crimes.
But Flint and DeRicci are no longer partners; in fact, they’re on opposite sides of the law. Flint can’t tell DeRicci about his client’s role in a war between humans and a mysterious alien race. The Disappeared’s death is only the first volley in an escalation of that war, a war that threatens to engulf the entire solar system.
*Blurb from author's website*
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