The Returning

The second chapter of Schmidt’s ultra-retro Davi Rhii space opera series (after The Worker Prince) follows Davi as he helps bring his once-enslaved fellow Vertullians into the Borali Alliance. Davi’s people have been granted full citizenship, but many conservative Borali are upset by the Vertullians’ improved lot in life. Meanwhile, the evil outcast Xalivar plots revenge against his replacement, Tarkanius, and the entire Vertullian race from his hideout on a “cold rock” of a moon, vowing, “They hadn’t seen the last of Xalivar!” Unfortunately, Xalivar’s minions aren’t entirely competent or trustworthy, and the good guys are already hunting for him. Davi must also contend with his lover, Tela, a trained fighter who longs for an equal role despite Davi’s conservative view that women need to be protected. Schmidt’s tale of black-hearted villains against well-meaning good guys delivers predictable high notes, but suffers from simplistic characters and shockingly outdated gender stereotyping. (June)