This is the third book in the delightful Finder Chronicles, and it’s just as good as the last two. Fergus Ferguson gets to spend a little time on Earth for a change, getting to know his surprise younger sister and searching the globe for some alien artifacts that must be found right now, by him, or else.
Fergus is always great, but the supporting characters are fun too. His sister Isla accompanies him on a few of his side quests, getting a feel for her legendary space-trotting brother’s life, and how it’s not as glamorous as it sounds (there’s a surprising amount of livestock). The four-eyed, five-legged furry alien Ignatio, the pilot and science expert, is marvelous. I’m going to take up eyr habit of walking into a room and announcing the desire to “have many snacks.” When Fergus goes to a shop of Curiosities and Inconveniences, Ignatio waits in the car. “I would like some curiouses, but not any inconveniences. Please proceed while I decide, and if there is also murdering or calamity or raisins, you will yell right away, yes?” Detective Zacker, an enemy-turned-ally from a previous book, also shows up, as well as some other old friends. I don’t think you’d be too lost starting with book three if that’s the one that calls to you, but you’d probably be better off starting with one or two (I started with book two, and it’s all turned out fine).
One thing that struck me about Fergus, even with all the interesting allies and friends who help him on his way, is that he’s on his own a lot of the time. He gets dropped off somewhere, often with no plan whatsoever, no exit strategy, and no supplies, and he has to figure out how to get the job done. No elaborate heist planning, no prepping montages – just him. It’s a different approach than a lot of adventure stories I’ve read. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, just interesting.
If you’re looking for a high stakes adventure with some space travel and aliens and a wide variety of bad guys to choose from (Corporate jackasses! Cultists! Big Bad Government!), you could definitely do worse than Fergus Ferguson.
Also, thank you to narfna and Emmalita to bringing my attention to more Suzanne Palmer goodness!