ARC Review: Salvage Right by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller

Salvage Right
Author: Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Series: Liaden Universe (Book 25)
Publication: Baen (July 4, 2023)

Description: A door never closes, but a window opens . . .

With origins in the Old Universe, the malevolent, acquisitive intelligence of Tinsori Light sought to infect others with itself, and send those agents out into the wide new universe to infect even more.

For centuries, two heroes stood between Tinsori Light and the vulnerable universe—Light Keepers Jen Sin yos'Phelium and Lorith of the Sanderat.

Just when it seemed that they—merely human—must fail, Tinsori Light, enfeebled by aged systems, succumbed to the stress of a unique spatial event . . . and died, leaving the station a shell.

Luckily, the light keepers have back-up. A mismatched team of arcane specialists are on-station, working non-stop to preserve the Light, build trustworthy systems, and open the refurbished station for business.

In fact, ships are already incoming, and it becomes a matter of urgency to sort friend from foe. In particular, the Lyre Institute wishes to acquire Tinsori Light, and will do anything, spend anyone, to achieve that goal.

My Thoughts: The 25th book in the Liaden Universe series is primarily set on Tinsori Light. It is time for a cleanup operation. Since Ren Zel repaired the tear in the universe, Tinsori Light is now fixed in this universe. The malevolent intelligence that guided the Light in its goal of infecting the new universe has died and Tocohl has grabbed the reins of the station. 

Light Keepers Jen Sin yos'Phelium and Lorith of the Sanderat are no longer alone trying to prevent the Light from carrying on its evil plans. Hazenthull and Mentor Tolly Jones are also on site. So is Seignur Veeoni and her aide and bodyguard M Traven. 

All of them and many more new arrivals are trying to stabilize the Light, clean out any remnants of the old system, and get the station ready for doing business. However, things aren't going to be easy. There are still remnants of the old system trying to reassert dominance. But worst of all, the Lyre Institute is determined to claim the station as its own. 

This was another excellent episode in the Liaden Universe. It ties up a number of loose ends left in Neogenesis. My personal feeling is that Neogenesis should be read before this one so that a new reader can get some handle on the large cast of characters. Long time fans will enjoy meeting characters they have grown to care about again in this episode. It turns out to be a major Clan Korval reunion before the story ends. 

The authors see this book as a chance for the characters to get some redemption and the hope of a happy life. I agree with that and know that I am satisfied by the way things are on the former Tinsori Light which will now go on as Catalinc Station. 

Favorite Quote:

He rolled onto his back, wincing. 

"How you doin' there, Pilot?" Tolly asked.

"I have once again established that my head is harder than hullplate. Apparently this must be verified periodically." He took a breath.

I bought this eARC from Baen in March. You can buy your copy of the finished book here. I pre-ordered mine last October.