This is the second book featuring Dominic Flandry, featuring three stories detailing the exploits of the Terran intelligence agent. Flandry has been described as an "interstellar James Bond", but since Flandry as a character predates Bond, I prefer to describe Bond as an earth-bound Flandry. The three stories here are all well-executed space opera tales, but seem to be somewhat dissatisfying when combined together.

Each of the stories features Flandry investigating some remote part of the Terran Empire, uncovering a secret threat, having to go on the run to avoid capture, and his eventual solution to the problem posed. Two are set on worlds where an abundance of water plays an element, which was a plot point in Ensign Flandry. Each of the stories is different enough to hold your attention, and are quite good, but strung together one sort of gets the impression that Flandry gets all the wet assignments, and could probably use some lessons on not running afoul of local law enforcement before you can contact Earth.

Still, Flandry is one of the great space opera characters, and these stories are great space opera despite the minor flaws. ( )

Dominic Flandry is an interstellar Agent of the Terran Empire. He is of the more flamboyant, James Bond not so secret variety, where quick wit, witticism, and raygun are more important than disguise. Good at the reading people and getting local help caper, he needs a bit of that here, particularly in the real excellent and lengthy last story.

Very fine superspyish space opera adventuring to be found here.

Flandry Of Terra : 1 The Game of Glory - Poul Anderson
Flandry Of Terra : 2 A Message In Secret - Poul Anderson
Flandry Of Terra : 3 The Plague of Masters - Poul Anderson

Flandry is on a dying man's trail and ends up on an outlying world where swimming is definitely necessary.

3.5 out of 5

Flandry investigates an out of contact planet, to find out they aren't out of contact with the Merseians. He ends up on the lam with a bunch of the resistance to try and get the word out.

3.5 out of 5

Flandry checks out a planet that is incommunicado. He finds out the place is deadly, the locals have to take a drug regularly or die. A local police force cum priesthood control this and get rather wealthy.

Flandry decides he'd like on contracting this action out elsewhere, but needs some underground allies to help.

4.5 out of 5

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