which Dalton describes as “the bastard child of a tarantula and a velociraptor.” But while Dalton tries to make his pitch on behalf of Unity, the representative of a competing federation called the Assembly advances the cause of that collective.

The plot of The Fourth Consort is complicated, but should be fairly easy for readers to follow. The minarchs are a female-dominant society, similar to praying mantises, and Dalton impresses the Queen so much that she names him her titular Fourth Consort. That might not be as great an honor as it seems, since, like praying mantises, male minarchs eventually “ascend,” never to be seen again. Dalton also makes friends, after a fashion, with the Assembly’s representative on the planet, a member of an extremely tall, skinny species Dalton dubs “stickmen.” The stickman enjoys lecturing Dalton on how the universe is filled with predators and prey. Stickmen and minarchs are apex predators; humans are clever, sneaky prey.

This last discussion is an example of the author’s playfulness that occurs throughout The Fourth Consort. Discussions between Dalton and the various minarchs are also filled with conversations like this that offer readers some entertaining food for thought. The minarchian society is a cross between the Knights of the Round Table and the Roman Colosseum. Those who enjoy science fiction action more than sociological dialogue will probably prefer the book’s second half. It features lots of palace intrigue involving a potential coup against the Queen. Ironically, Dalton becomes the Queen’s best hope for survival, having to fight a duel against the coup’s leader. The duel involves primitive close-quarter weaponry, and Dalton seems hopelessly outmatched against the larger, more powerful minarch. However, the duel’s resolution involves a great twist readers will really enjoy. (The duel raised my rating for the book.)

 Edward Ashton’s writing style is not for everyone. The Fourth Consort has several flashbacks involving Dalton’s history and background on Earth and earlier on the mission. Most of these are needless and break up the flow of the story. The author could have provided the necessary information in a couple of paragraphs rather than a chapter. By taking readers away from the interplanetary setting and repeatedly returning to Dalton’s backstory on Earth, the author loses much of the atmosphere he has carefully established. One flashback potentially spoils one of the book’s great plot points for those who paycareful attention.

Dalton’s duel is the emotional highlight of The Fourth Consort, but the book does not end there. Instead, the story continues for a few listless chapters, which allow for a “surprise” ending that falls completely flat. This wobbly finish ruins some of the goodwill the author provided several chapters earlier.

The Fourth Consort is a flawed but entertaining book. Its social commentary is humorous and provocative. Readers won’t get much of a primer in advanced diplomacy, but the author creates three distinct social structures for the three main species and contrasts them well. There aren’t many laugh-out-loud moments here, but readers will probably smile and appreciatively nod their heads. Science fiction fans will enjoy consorting with The Fourth Consort.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.