Fun. Four linked novellas in the Sons of Destiny world, just after that series. They're linked by secondary characters - that is, a secondary character in the first novella is the hero of the second, a secondary on the second is the heroine of the third...and so on. And the hero of the first novella was a secondary character in a couple of the Sons of Destiny books - Wolf and Master. He's the younger son of the Mandarian lord who led the expedition against Nightfall - we find him as he manages to gain his freedom from the slavery he ended up in the last time we saw him. I like that novella best - Eduor is a nice guy, and Chanson is smart, capable, and as nice as he is. The ending is just a trifle convenient, but it works. Medium erotic - explicit and somewhat detailed, but not as much as most Jean Johnson stories. Though probably as much in proportion to the length of the story. The next one is...good, but not quite as good as the first. Mostly, I think because things feel rather rushed - it takes place over the course of weeks, not months, and it's just a little unrealistic. The third novella is the worst - the rush is ridiculous. She literally arrives in time for her (unexpected) wedding. That's quite a sacrifice for peace for her country. It ends happily, of course, but she didn't know that when she agreed - it feels a bit weak and weak-minded to me. The fourth one is better - as good as the second. Two strong people join on their own terms. It's still way too rushed, but while they become lovers literally the first night after they meet, it takes longer for them to arrange things so they can be more. There's a decent amount of time for them to get to know one another - to talk while separate so that they get to know each other's minds as well as bodies. Overall, pretty good. Quite explicit, which is good if you like that - it's well-done and not obtrusive. And nice to see more of that world, and how the various lands are dealing with the aftermath of the Convocation. ( )