Jade Darcy and the Affair of Honor: The Rehumanization of Jade Darcy

If I had to pick only ten books to have on the bookshelf for the rest of my life, I would select the two Jade Darcy books as part of the ten. I actually like the other book more, so read that one if you haven't as yet. I have been waiting and hoping for a third book about this highly accessible character for over ten years. Maybe someday...Sigh...

Jade Darcy is a carc, a human/machine hybrid, on the run from her life back on Earth. She has managed to find her way to Cablans, a planet in the far outreaches of the galaxy that she hopes is beyond the Dominion's notice. She is the only human on the planet and enjoys the company of no one - except her trusty computer, Val. Jade works as an arbiter/bouncer at an ingesterie/restaurant on Cablans and her alien clientele keep her busy. Over the years, Jade has become familiar with the different races and knows who can sit by whom and who she should keep separated. She knew that the Lemmant would be trouble when he was seated in her area. He was seated next to a table of Commancors, vicious aliens who invaded and decimated worlds, including Lemmant. Jade saved the Lemmant's life by mediating for him and dismissed him from her thoughts. After all, she had more to worry about from the new human female on Cablans, a female named Megan Cafferty, who kept getting herself into trouble with the resident aliens due to cultural differences. Jade liked Megan, which was unexpected and wasn't sure what she was up to. She did know that she needed some time off of Cablans, just in case, so she took the Lemmant's job offer.Jade traveled to Haldek with Fastal ip Fornen, where Fastal was determined to kill the Commancor commander in retribution for his family's brutal murder. Jade kept trying to explain to Fastal that it wasn't worth it, but he was determined. She had no idea that Fastal planned to leave his ceremonial dagger behind - in the dead Commancor's chest - a surefire way to make the Commancors hunt both Fastal and Jade down and kill them in a very painful way. But Jade has started to come alive again after being with Fastal and Megan, both who live and love and care for others around them. The awakening of feelings is very painful to Jade and she does her best to deny them. But when tragedy befalls one of those whom Jade has painfully come to care for, Jade knows what she must do...This was a simply wonderful book that I enjoyed immensely. Jade Darcy is a strong female character who is starting to come alive again and she is very likeable. She has weaknesses, which she is very aware of, and does her best to minimize them, but she doesn't let them cripple her. It was very interesting to watch her interact with the aliens around her and to learn about the different races in the universe she lives in. The plot was well paced with all kinds of sub plots to keep the reader busy and intriguing characters to watch over to try and guess their next move. I highly recommend this book and it is available in ebook format so you don't have to hunt it down in a used bookstore if you don't want to. I am excited to read the sequel, Jade Darcy & the Zen Pirates and hope that you enjoy getting to know Jade as I did!

I have both this book and the second Jade Darcy book. Bought them both several years ago and loved them. Periodically I pull them out and read them again. These books are a rare find and they will continue to grace my book shelves for years to come. My most ardent wish is that Stephen Goldin & Mary Mason write another story about Jade--my all-time favorite fictional character.Mary Veelle

I believe the two books in this series to be the best I've ever read. The character is true to herself. And demonstrates the insecurites she has in a vivid manner. I found this to be a welcome change from the self assured always on top main character you get from most books. I was really able to connect with the character. Well done indeed

This was a GREAT book. The fight Jade Darcy is involved in is only partially the physical disputes that she becomes involved it. At a deeper level this book creates and evolves a strong character that has faced incredible adversity. And being not godlike, Jade has not fully overcome every betrayal. This is the story of her continuing struggle to win the true battle, mastery over self. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or is walking this road, when its rocky and sharp. There is great entertainment value here too. Jade's cynical wisecracking, and sometimes coldblooded, humor is something that I really enjoy. I'm only sorry that there is only one sequel to the book.