On Sunday nights we have a family dinner that ranges from 3 to 10 people. After everyone leaves, I put in my earbuds and listen to an audiobook. Last Sunday, my library hold for Valerie Valdes’ Where Peace is Lost had come in, so I started it. I was immediately so engrossed that I stretched that kitchen clean up to almost 4 hours. It’s a small kitchen. I drowned myself in Valdes’ world. I finished the next day and then promptly started again and listened two more times.
Kel has exiled herself to a minimally developed, independent planet on the outskirts of the Pale Empire. She was an elite warrior on the losing side of a fight with the Pale and thinks that by exiling herself she is doing more good than harm. She has a whole book to question that notion. Kel is forced to come a little bit out of retirement when one of the Pale’s big weapons is activated and threatens massive destruction. Two off-worlders offer the Lothian government their services to shut it down (because the Empire can’t be bothered), but they need a guide. A plucky young local who has done their best to befriend Kel volunteers them both for guide duty.
- It’s a road trip with a group that has secrets and doesn’t entirely trust each other,
- There’s a charming rogue who might be in it for the money, or because it’s the right thing to do,
- There’s a brooding bodyguard giving Kel a run for her money on being tortured by their past,
- There are not even remotely charming criminals and soldiers who’ve never grappled with ethics in their lives, and
- There is Kel, who constantly grapples with ethics.
There is also some sword fighting, machete fighting, staff fighting, running, and guns. But it is the grappling with right and wrong, and how to make choices when none of the choices are clearly right that I love. It’s like if Obi Wan Kenobi and Han Solo were women and debated “no ethical consumption under capitalism.” But smarter and more interesting than I’m making it sound.
Rebecca Mozo’s narration is a treat. I had her voice in my ears for hours at a time over several days. Highly recommend.
