I like science fiction and I like fantasy and The Enemy of an Enemy combines the two. Should be good, yes? Unfortunately the book is very uneven, with a few good spots and a lot of mediocre story telling. The story suffers from some complacent “of course everyone will agree” thinking and far too many “a miracle happens here” events.
For example, lead character Vydor is the intelligence officer on an enormous military space ship in an empire that prizes obedience and mindless order-following. Vydor is able to convince the ship captain and later the emperor to allow him to form a separate country, made up of seven people who have mental powers. The first fifth of the book sets the stage for an empire that does not embrace creativity or independence, then the middle section has Vydor able to get every concession he wants with almost no effort or conflict.
It was as though we are all driving on the interstate to Florida when suddenly we are in a plane landing in Denver and everyone is just fine with the change.
The “miracle happens” events are all through the story. Vydor and his team of 6 others gets a box of books on magic and are instantly able to learn and apply the skills listed. In fact each individual is able to study one discipline, then effortless share with the others so everyone learns seven times as fast. The group of seven then defeat the strongest sorcerers who have spent eons learning their trade.
Overall The Enemy of an Enemy is entertaining but silly. I finished it but won’t read more in the series.
2 Stars
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