Book Review: The Truth of Valor by Tanya Huff

The Truth of Valor
Author: Tanya Huff
Series: Valor Novel (Book 5)
Publication: DAW; 1 edition (September 7, 2010)

Description: Former Marine Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr is attempting to build a new life with salvage operator Craig Ryder on his ship, the Promise. Turns out civilian life is a lot rougher than she'd imagined-salvage operators are losing both cargo and lives to pirates. And when they attack the Promise, Craig is taken prisoner and Torin is left for dead.

When Torin finds out why the pirates needed Craig, she calls in the Marines to get him back-and to stop the pirates from changing the balance of power in known space.

My Thoughts: Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr has mustered out of the Marines and is becoming a salvage operator along with her boyfriend Craig Ryder. They have met both the families and Torin is making big adjustments. When a couple of Craig's fellow salvage operators are discovered spaced with their cargoes missing, Torin is surprised to hear that pirates are making a resurgence. The pirates have stolen an armory and need a salvage operator's codes to get in.

The pirates attack Craig and Torin's ship, kidnap Craig and leave Torin for dead. But Craig knows that, if Torin survives, she will be coming for him and leaves him determined to survive himself until she shows up. After trying to get help from Craig's family with no success, she calls in some old friends who are also former Marines to help her rescue him.

This story was an exciting adventure. I liked that it was told from multiple viewpoints and that the world includes a variety of different alien species. References to the sentient plastic who had manipulated the various Elder and Younger Races into a war made me want to go back and read earlier books in the series again.

I like Torin's character. She is one kick-ass heroine with an iron-clad sense of justice.

Favorite Quote:

Individually, they were smart, touch, and adaptable. Working together, as a unit...

Would they work together as a unit, though; that was the question? Would they? Could they? What would it take?

Torin was just as glad to be leaving them behind. Individuality at the expense of the group went against everything she'd believed her entire adult life.

I bought this one Sept. 7, 2010. You can buy your copy here.