Queen of Candesce: Book Two of Virga

The second book in the Virga series.

Venera Fanning is the most captivating heroine in any science fiction book I have ever read - regal, smart, cunning, ruthless when required (or advantageous). Just as one crisis seems to be averted it spawns another. There are times she is desperate but she is never equivocal.

All in such a well constructed world and all building on a plot that never veers from a clear direction.

And did I mention the reader is so nuanced and so in tune with the story she totally draws you in.

In this highly engaging second book in the "Virga" trilogy, Schroeder wisely dumps the rather one-dimensional "hero" of the first book and concentrates on the much more interesting female character, Vanera (please pardon any spelling errors--I listened to the book on my smart phone). He also abandons the world-spanning scope of the first book--sort of--to focus on one small part of Virga called Spyre. I say "sort of" because in Virga, terms like "small" and "large" are relative. Spyre is an ancient cylinder(think Rama or B5) that is a world unto itself. Schroeder does a fantastic job getting across how old Spyre is by populating it with hundreds of mutually distrusting fiefdoms for whom political maneuverings and secrets are their meat & potatoes. Into this inbred, labyrinthine society falls Vanera (literally), who rocks their civilization to its girders. Can't wait to read (actually, hear) the third book. BTW, the actress who does the reading is fantastic.

Phenomenal world building, fun characters, and a well done story. Events within the plot are often too convenient, but the cleverness of the world, and the characters forgives such minor quibbles. Overall an excellent no very fun read.