Scarper is Book #2 in The Delphic Dame trilogy, and its story arc definitely does not stand alone. But even though nothing gets resolved plot-wise in this instalment, I really enjoyed the read. The story moves forward, the stakes get raised, and Scarper is chock full of Jenny Schwartz’s signature thoughtful insights into society, politics, and human nature.
The Story
Scarper picks up where Salvage left off. Cherry and her companions have escaped detection on Dylan’s home planet, and the stakes grow higher as they interpret the results of their encounter with the attackers: the genocide of the Katang was a result of interference from a third alien species. Now, humans have a chance to prove they deserve a place in the larger intergalactic society, but the Katang genocide isn’t going to help their case. In order to warn human leaders of their tenuous place among the alien hierarchy, Cherry and the crew must return to Earth to find allies among the very leaders who have been hunting Hugh and Dylan.
What I liked
The Delphic Dame series epitomizes the intelligent characters and thought provoking insights the author is known for, and book two is no exception. All the characters have well thought out ideas on how the world works, and they use these insights to think through possible courses of action and plan political moves. I really appreciate the way Jenny Schwartz uses sci-fi scenarios to explore these big concepts.
There isn’t a lot of tension to the romantic development, but the romance is sweet nonetheless. I especially liked some of Dylan’s lines as he acts as a sort of romantic advisor to Cherry. I think I awwwwed out loud when Cherry said “I’m not Hugh’s to give up,” and Dylan responded, “In his heart, you are.” Even though I prefer more tension in my romances, it’s also refreshing to see mature characters think through their relationship and let it develop slowly instead of jumping into bed together.
As much as I adore headstrong FMC’s, it’s also a refreshing change to see a female main character who doesn’t have to act immature or be angry at the world to move the plot forward. Like most of Jenny Schwartz’s FMC’s, Cherry is strong and confident in herself and thinks things through before she acts.
Overall Thoughts
My main caveat about this series is that it is definitely more thought-based and less action-based than your average sci-fi adventure. Most of the word count is dedicated to the characters spending time in transit on their space ship, thinking and talking through their plans and ideas. If you must have high action in your sci-fi, this is not your series. This one is for the ideas people.
I recommend The Delphic Dame series to fans of Jenny Schwartz’s thought-provoking insights, and readers looking for smart, mature characters who think things through. You may also like this one if you enjoy trad pub space travel adventures with cross-cultural alien interactions, as in Yume Kitasei’s The Stardust Grail.
Do you like books with sweet, low-tension romance and lots of thinking, or are you a high-action and high-angst only reader? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know your thoughts!
