Strange things are happening on the icy planet of Petaybee: Unauthorized genetically engineered species have been spotted; geologic survey teams sent to locate newly detected mineral deposits are either coming up empty or disappearing altogether. And the locals aren’t talking—especially not to the company bent on exploiting the planet.

Disabled combat veteran Yanaba Maddock seems to be the perfect spy for the company. The frailty that was a liability in the military allows her to gain the trust of the Petaybean natives. But miraculously, with Yana’s relocation to the arctic planet comes the return of her health and strength. And the closer she gets to the people of Petaybee, the more determined she is to protect her new home. For something unusual and wonderful is happening on Petaybee. Something worth fighting for, even dying for—but especially, something worth living for. . . . ( )

(Note: I have no idea why I gave this book the rating I did. I had a paper book rating journal at the time I read this, and didn't always write reasons for my star ratings. I don't remember when I read it exactly, either, though I think it was before the sequel was published so I'm going to guess that it was late 1994.) ( )

Nice, feel-good SF. If you look at it critically, I'm sure you can find some things to complain about; the easiness with which Yana accepts all the strange things for instance, and the way the locals trust her instantly. Some things may be just a bit too easy, but basically, I don't care. It's charming, has some nice concepts, a nice community and it is easy on the brain. Perfect in my current mood. ( )

Yanaba Maddock is sent to Pataybee, a strange, very cold planet. She came here to spy the “natives” of this planet and find out why survey teams have gone missing and why there have been unknown genetically altered species roaming about. The more she’s on Petaybee, the more she loves it, and the more she wants to protect, but there are people who are destroying it, and the planet is fighting back.

There really wasn’t much to this book. On page 50 I just wanted the book to end. It gotten better…barely…but I kept on reading, even though it was killing me to go on. It wasn’t that bad, but it could’ve been a lot more. The ending was touchy and sweet, but that’s all it has. I was very disappointed, and maybe I expected too much for this book.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars *** ½ ( )

I like the first trilogy more than the second trilogy. ( )