In Laurence Dahners' Gold, Gangs, and Glory, the third installment of The Worlds of Ryn Wilkie series, the captivating adventures of surgeon Ryn Wilkie continue. Ryn navigates a budding romance with the awestruck Jack Varga while juggling a demanding surgical fellowship and her ongoing efforts to improve the lives of Cearth's citizens – a world stuck in the late 1800s. Her brother's financial woes, exacerbated by a gang's pursuit of stolen gold, entangle Ryn in danger, forcing her to use her unique world-jumping abilities. Meanwhile, a mysterious, human-less parallel Earth with extinct terrestrial species awaits exploration. Prepare for a thrilling blend of romance, science fiction, and high-stakes adventure, echoing the styles of classic authors like Heinlein and Asimov.
Review Gold, Gangs, and Glory
"Gold, Gangs, and Glory," the third installment in the Worlds of Ryn Wilkie series, is another delightful romp through parallel universes with a fascinating heroine. Laurence Dahners continues to expertly blend medical realism with thrilling science fiction, creating a world that feels both believable and wildly imaginative. Ryn's journey to help the people of Cearth, a world stuck in a late 19th-century technological era, is compelling, particularly her insightful approach to improving women's lives by raising the standard of living for everyone. It’s a nuanced take on social progress that I found both refreshing and thought-provoking.
The relationship between Ryn and Jack is a delightful slow burn. Their interactions are charming, and the author masterfully portrays the complexities of a budding romance where one party might be slightly too awestruck. It feels genuine and avoids the clichés often found in similar storylines. I particularly appreciated the realistic portrayal of Ryn's struggle to balance her professional life, her personal relationships, and her commitment to helping those in need. She’s a strong female lead, flawed yet determined, and I genuinely root for her success.
The introduction of the gang and the mystery surrounding the gold adds a welcome layer of suspense. It raises the stakes and keeps the reader engaged, wondering what new challenges will arise in Ryn's life. While I appreciated the medical detail and found the descriptions of historical and modern medical practices both interesting and accurate, this element sometimes overshadowed the overall plot. At times, the focus on specific medical procedures felt a little heavy-handed and slowed the pace, although it did provide a unique aspect to the narrative.
However, I share some concerns raised by other readers. Ryn's brother's continuous self-destructive behavior, while realistic in portraying the complexities of familial relationships, does occasionally become frustrating. His actions feel a little convenient in propelling the plot forward. The issue raised regarding germ theory and Ryn's exposure to unknown pathogens in other worlds is a valid point – a small suspension of disbelief is needed for this element of the story. It's a minor quibble, however, considering the overall enjoyment the book provides.
Despite these minor criticisms, "Gold, Gangs, and Glory" is a captivating read. Dahners' writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. The pacing is mostly excellent, building tension effectively and leaving me eager to see what awaits Ryn in the next book. The character development is strong, and the overall tone is optimistic, even amidst the dangers and challenges Ryn faces. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of Ryn's adventures and highly recommend this book to fans of science fiction, medical thrillers, and anyone who enjoys a well-written story with a strong female lead. It’s a five-star read for me, leaving me both satisfied and wanting more!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.69 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 306
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
