Full disclosure: my dad (fellow Cannonballer sabian30) wrote this book! I’m so excited. He’s had so many short stories published I’ve lost count and has his very own Amazon author page, but now he’s got an officially official book! So I’m aware that I’m completely biased, but I thought the book was great.
Dad grew up reading all the science fiction he could find, and he’s always been fond of Andre Norton. Sara’s Station is his take on a Norton-style story. I’ve read a few of hers, but probably not enough to catch every single in-joke. However, I do think this book nails Norton’s light, adventurous vibe.
Sara is a free spacer, traveling from planet to planet with her father, doing odd jobs and picking up whatever cargo is available. While docked on Sargon, Sara sees an assassination attempt on Tig, a prince of the planet. She saves him, they run off to escape the villains, and the two spend their flight and eventual betrayal-tinged rescue trying to figure out who’s trying to kill them and why. There are some cultural clashes (Sargon is a pretty traditional planet) and a lot of character growth as the two come to care for and depend on each other. There are villains and ancient (possibly evil) civilizations, aliens and intrigue, and some badass fight scenes.
Sara is resourceful and no-nonsense, and I very much enjoyed watching her diplomatically adapt to Tig’s world, while forcing it to adapt to her in return. Tig starts out as the damsel in distress, but soon he’s much more than the coddled, pampered prince – being chased by giant cave spiders will do that to you.
So, forgive the gushing, but this book would have been a fun read even if it had been written by a total stranger.