The Span of Empire

TSoE is a very good third entry in the Jao series. With the untimely passing of co-author [a:K.D. Wentworth 32296 K.D. Wentworth https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]*, I had thought the series at an end. However, [a:David Carrico 4776915 David Carrico https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1536153616p2/4776915.jpg] has stepped in and filled the void she left very well indeed.The cover text gives a good idea what to expect in this story. Caitlin Kralik heads an expedition to boldly go and find new allies in the fight against the the genocidal Ekhat. The way is not easy.This book has a good mix of world building and character development. It also features first contact with several new species and lots of fleet level military action. What's not to like?One could read this story stand-alone. But, the story will be more meaningful if you read the first two Jao stories first. (They are damn good stories, so why not?)Good exciting story. 4+ stars.*K.D. Wentworth's death was a big loss the the SF community. I recommend her Heyoka Blackeagle series.