Read All About It: Alien Diplomacy

The fifth book in Gini Koch's series is even more of a fun and twisting ride than her others! With a new setting, devilish bad-guys that can connect back to the ultimate villain, and etiquette classes, this novel takes you to the edges of aliens interacting with the United States government, and makes you think about how we would actually react if we knew something like this was happening.

Koch is moving into more traditional science fiction realms with this novel. The newest superbeings look like creepy robots, there's androids in here somewhere, and cloning is apparently old hat. Koch pulls in those classic elements to create her romantic comedy in the style of fast-paced adventure.

After the events of the last book, Kitty and Martini have become the head diplomats for the Alpha-Centaurian race. However, not all is well in the A-C house. Kitty is struggling to adapt to D.C., her new enemies, and not being in charge of Airborne anymore. Mix these in with more political manuevering, car chases, and babies, and Koch takes us through the back hallways of Washington D.C. and shows that not all in well in terror and war.

With all the hallmarks of this "Kitty" series we've come to know and laugh at, Koch sets up a bigger task for Kitty and Jeff, and lets us know that these novels won't be slowing down just yet. They still have a ways to go before they're in the clear.

The plot of this novel goes deeper than the previous ones, and it is much appreciated. Political intrigue is the game of the day, and it is clear that Kitty and Martini are having trouble adjusting to the new playing field. Koch handles their transition well, and doesn't step down the action at all. It's a bit confusing to follow at first, because people have switched commands all over the place, but everyone is settling into their new positions well. I really appreciated how Koch wrote this. She didn't force her characters into a new space--they didn't immediately adapt to their new positions, and they don't stop missing their old ones either. Koch lets it flow naturally, and lets them all grow into their new roles.

That goes for the rest of the novel as well. Moving on from mostly self-contained issues, the A-C community is now focused on politically-heavy issues, and the style of this novel adjusted to that well. However, it doesn't lose any of the humor that makes it a part of Koch's hilarious series. Despite the seriousness of several situations, Kitty and Jeff are still pumped and primed for each other, there are great music choices, and the poofs are always ready to help.

I wish I had my hands on the rest of the series immediately, because I love Kitty and her family, but sadly it will have to wait. In the meantime, let me know what you think about these books!

Until next time, make sure your gun is loaded and you have some backup. Good luck!