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The Icarus Saga #3
The Icarus Job
Hoping to take possession of a new alien star-hopping portal, Roarke and Selene are tasked with transporting an assassin, who is herself being targeted.
For years Gregory Roarke and his Kadolian partner Selene worked as crocketts, combing through the atmospheres of uninhabited worlds for places that might be colonized or hold valuable resources. Now, they work for the Icarus Group, a top-secret government organization hunting for portals created by a long-vanished alien race, portals that can teleport a person hundreds or thousands of light-years in the blink of an eye.
Usually, those hunts are long and tedious. But Roarke has now been handed an intriguing offer. A criminal boss, Robertine Cherno, will hand over a hitherto unknown portal to the Icarus Group in exchange for Roarke and Selene agreeing to transport a passenger named Nikki across the Spiral.
There’s only one catch. Nikki is a professional, high-priced, highly feared assassin. And she’s on the job.
That would have been bad enough. But when the alien Patth also move to gain possession of the portal, bad quickly promises to go to worse.
Especially when it becomes clear that Nikki herself is being hunted by someone.
It’s up to Roarke and Selene to untangle the mysteries and get to the truth before they become someone’s collateral damage.
For years Gregory Roarke and his Kadolian partner Selene worked as crocketts, combing through the atmospheres of uninhabited worlds for places that might be colonized or hold valuable resources. Now, they work for the Icarus Group, a top-secret government organization hunting for portals created by a long-vanished alien race, portals that can teleport a person hundreds or thousands of light-years in the blink of an eye.
Usually, those hunts are long and tedious. But Roarke has now been handed an intriguing offer. A criminal boss, Robertine Cherno, will hand over a hitherto unknown portal to the Icarus Group in exchange for Roarke and Selene agreeing to transport a passenger named Nikki across the Spiral.
There’s only one catch. Nikki is a professional, high-priced, highly feared assassin. And she’s on the job.
That would have been bad enough. But when the alien Patth also move to gain possession of the portal, bad quickly promises to go to worse.
Especially when it becomes clear that Nikki herself is being hunted by someone.
It’s up to Roarke and Selene to untangle the mysteries and get to the truth before they become someone’s collateral damage.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Timothy Zahn
424 books7,975 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 25, 2024
With his Icarus Series, Timothy Zahn has proven that he is incredibly consistent.
Each Icarus Novel for me has been about a 7 out of 10, and this book is no different. I think that Zahn knows exactly what he wants to write here, and he's achieved it every time.
This book is by far the least puzzle-boxy of the Icarus novels. It feels much more like a faster paced thriller than the other books. However, this book still has elements of the Puzzle Box Mystery, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out.
I think the added character of "Piper" really brought out a new dynamic, particularly out of Roarke and Selina. Her being an assassin who is actually being hunted was very interesting.
I also really liked the action in this book, and think that Zahn did an excellent job of laying out the information at the beginning of the book. I think this book has the ability for the reader to guess the mystery, whereas I think the other books were too far out there for readers to guess.
My biggest gripe has been the lack of character development for Gregory Roarke and Selina, particularly with regards to their relationship. However, there is a glimmer of something there still so I'm hopeful that Zahn capitalizes on it before the final book. We only have 3 left in the series.
Overall, this is an entertaining Sci-Fi puzzle box book, but it's not necessarily Zahn's best or worst. Its right in the middle where the other Icarus novels have been. 7 out of 10.
By the way, I love this cover by Dave Seeley. It's really excellent!
Each Icarus Novel for me has been about a 7 out of 10, and this book is no different. I think that Zahn knows exactly what he wants to write here, and he's achieved it every time.
This book is by far the least puzzle-boxy of the Icarus novels. It feels much more like a faster paced thriller than the other books. However, this book still has elements of the Puzzle Box Mystery, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out.
I think the added character of "Piper" really brought out a new dynamic, particularly out of Roarke and Selina. Her being an assassin who is actually being hunted was very interesting.
I also really liked the action in this book, and think that Zahn did an excellent job of laying out the information at the beginning of the book. I think this book has the ability for the reader to guess the mystery, whereas I think the other books were too far out there for readers to guess.
My biggest gripe has been the lack of character development for Gregory Roarke and Selina, particularly with regards to their relationship. However, there is a glimmer of something there still so I'm hopeful that Zahn capitalizes on it before the final book. We only have 3 left in the series.
Overall, this is an entertaining Sci-Fi puzzle box book, but it's not necessarily Zahn's best or worst. Its right in the middle where the other Icarus novels have been. 7 out of 10.
By the way, I love this cover by Dave Seeley. It's really excellent!
March 18, 2024
A little more thriller-esque than the previous two Icarus books, as Roarke and Selene are transporting an assassin named Nikki in hopes of getting another portal... Except 1) that portal was stolen from the Paath, 2) Nikki is concealing a lot of secrets, and also 3) there are bounty hunters on her tail.
I still feel like Roarke does most of the heavy lifting and Selene ends up under-developed as a result, but I'm interested to see where the series goes from here--in addition to searching for portals, Roarke and co. will have another *spoilery thing* to investigate.
I still feel like Roarke does most of the heavy lifting and Selene ends up under-developed as a result, but I'm interested to see where the series goes from here--in addition to searching for portals, Roarke and co. will have another *spoilery thing* to investigate.
August 12, 2024
Brilliant!
April 2, 2024
I have really enjoyed the Icarus series. Timothy Zahn writes tightly plotted space opera thrillers that keep me guessing as the plot slowly unwinds.
This time crocketts (that is, orbital surveyors looking for unknown habitable planets) Roarke and his alien partner Selene have a new variable to juggle as they agree to pick up a passenger and take her wherever in the Spiral she wants to go. All they know about her is that she is a professional assassin on a job, and they are her ride.
But things are never what they seem in a Timothy Zahn Icarus book.
Who is their passenger really and why have they been promised a portal (that is, a teleporter) just to serve as a common carrier (has anyone not ever heard of commercial space liners?)?
In the Icarus universe, an alien race called the Patth first developed a working fast stardrive and they jealously guard their monopoly. (Humans and the other races have space travel themselves, but it is much slower.)
Then the Icarus Group discovered the first portal. Not surprisingly, the Patth wanted a portal, too.
And the Mafia (mobsters) are alive and well in the Icarus universe. In fact, it was a mob boss who contracted with Roark and Selene to ferry the assassin to her chosen destination.
Can we say double cross, anyone? It is for sure that you can't be certain who is on whose side as the plot thickens!
Highly recommended for space opera fans, mystery fans, series fans, and fans of plenty of character-driven action!
This time crocketts (that is, orbital surveyors looking for unknown habitable planets) Roarke and his alien partner Selene have a new variable to juggle as they agree to pick up a passenger and take her wherever in the Spiral she wants to go. All they know about her is that she is a professional assassin on a job, and they are her ride.
But things are never what they seem in a Timothy Zahn Icarus book.
Who is their passenger really and why have they been promised a portal (that is, a teleporter) just to serve as a common carrier (has anyone not ever heard of commercial space liners?)?
In the Icarus universe, an alien race called the Patth first developed a working fast stardrive and they jealously guard their monopoly. (Humans and the other races have space travel themselves, but it is much slower.)
Then the Icarus Group discovered the first portal. Not surprisingly, the Patth wanted a portal, too.
And the Mafia (mobsters) are alive and well in the Icarus universe. In fact, it was a mob boss who contracted with Roark and Selene to ferry the assassin to her chosen destination.
Can we say double cross, anyone? It is for sure that you can't be certain who is on whose side as the plot thickens!
Highly recommended for space opera fans, mystery fans, series fans, and fans of plenty of character-driven action!
July 28, 2024
As usual, a fun, twisty, breakneck-speed time. I appreciated that Selene gets more things to do in this book! And I enjoy pretty much all cameos of the OG McKell and Ixil. :3
The plot in this one feels a little thin, or like details weren’t as clear in the beginning so the end pieces could all fall into place. Or perhaps I just lost track. The overall story beats slot right into place with the rest of the series so far, and this one opens up the big world-shaker reveal, right on schedule. I look forward to finding out what happens next; I’ve got the next one lined up, although I’m wondering if I should save it until the next installment is published. Either way, it’ll be a good time!
The plot in this one feels a little thin, or like details weren’t as clear in the beginning so the end pieces could all fall into place. Or perhaps I just lost track. The overall story beats slot right into place with the rest of the series so far, and this one opens up the big world-shaker reveal, right on schedule. I look forward to finding out what happens next; I’ve got the next one lined up, although I’m wondering if I should save it until the next installment is published. Either way, it’ll be a good time!
July 23, 2024
Continues the same level of quality as the rest of The Icarus Saga. Consistently entertaining, while never reaching the level that the original The Icarus Hunt was at.
It's annoying that still whenever the characters talk about an unknown person they default to using "he". With the last book having a whole of one female character, and this one doubling it to two, of course they're always right - the unknown new character every single time does indeed turn out to be a "he."
Reading time: 9h 13m
It's annoying that still whenever the characters talk about an unknown person they default to using "he". With the last book having a whole of one female character, and this one doubling it to two, of course they're always right - the unknown new character every single time does indeed turn out to be a "he."
Reading time: 9h 13m
March 22, 2024
DNF after the first sentence… you guessed it “As my father always used to say.” Maybe I’m just in a bad mood, but I have to be honest with how this series has stresses me out these last 3 days starting with Icarus Plot. I even skipped ahead in this book to see if the narration got better. It didn’t change so I returned it.
Especially disappointing since I think Timothy Zahn and Mark Thompson have done amazing work and will do again at some point.
Especially disappointing since I think Timothy Zahn and Mark Thompson have done amazing work and will do again at some point.
March 22, 2024
The Sci-fi Master
The new Icarus series is amazing! But I expect nothing less from a book series by Timothy Zahn. Zahn is the top of my list when it comes to sci-fi writers. Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and others may have set the sci-fi stage, but he brings life to the stage. I can't think of anyone who creates better characters and places them in more masterful plots than he is able. It's why he has so many successful book series. And the Icarus series is no disappointment.
The new Icarus series is amazing! But I expect nothing less from a book series by Timothy Zahn. Zahn is the top of my list when it comes to sci-fi writers. Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and others may have set the sci-fi stage, but he brings life to the stage. I can't think of anyone who creates better characters and places them in more masterful plots than he is able. It's why he has so many successful book series. And the Icarus series is no disappointment.
March 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much!
This book got me to the point that I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. I loved the twists and turns in the story and the ability of the characters to adjust to the situation!
This book got me to the point that I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. I loved the twists and turns in the story and the ability of the characters to adjust to the situation!
April 9, 2024
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fascinating, Roarke is a personable narrator, and the story is definitely a page-turner. Surprising allies and astonishing discoveries made the book notable; I didn't foresee some of the plot twists. I'm enjoying this series.
The worldbuilding is fascinating, Roarke is a personable narrator, and the story is definitely a page-turner. Surprising allies and astonishing discoveries made the book notable; I didn't foresee some of the plot twists. I'm enjoying this series.
June 2, 2024
Excellent Series
I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series. Timothy Zaharia has done an excellent job of character development with many plot twists. I can’t wait until next series comes.
I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series. Timothy Zaharia has done an excellent job of character development with many plot twists. I can’t wait until next series comes.
April 2, 2024
Good continuation of the series
April 4, 2024
A good writer at the top of his game! The continuation of Gregory Roarke and his partner Selene a Kadolian. This a professional highly feared assassin is on the hunt.
August 24, 2024
It was not bad--too much mansplaining by the protagonist, for my taste. He was always explaining things away to other characters, became boring
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews