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The Wound That Has No Healing (The Termite Queen, #2)

Lorinda J. Taylor

Why we're reading this: Vol. 2 of a two-volume novel, The Termite Queen - first contact with a species of extraterrestrial intell…more
[close] Vol. 2 of a two-volume novel, The Termite Queen - first contact with a species of extraterrestrial intelligent termites, plus an intense love story and a great off-world adventure.

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Mar 24, 2013 Marva rated it really liked it

See my review for Volume 1 which encompasses both parts in general.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

As for volume 2, the termites have more depth and become very interesting with heroics, kindness, evil intentions, and all the other human emotions but with an imaginative twist on all of it. Yes, we've got to know them far better as they interact with Kaitrin. This new level of interaction comes from Kaitrin's development of the termite language (sort of like radio waves, not sound). By i See my review for Volume 1 which encompasses both parts in general.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

As for volume 2, the termites have more depth and become very interesting with heroics, kindness, evil intentions, and all the other human emotions but with an imaginative twist on all of it. Yes, we've got to know them far better as they interact with Kaitrin. This new level of interaction comes from Kaitrin's development of the termite language (sort of like radio waves, not sound). By interpreting patterns in the wavelengths, various repetitions, and lots of smart guesswork, Kaitrin prepares to study the termite race at their very core--within the termite palace.

I love all Kaitrin's interactions with the Seer, the Warrior, the Remembrancer, several of the Worker chiefs, and, at last, the Queen in her prison of reproduction. The sections with the termites only as the evil Chamberlain plots to overthrow the Seer are well done. I especially like the blocking notes (theater talk for non-verbal movements on stage) which add to the termite language. The various posturing tells us a lot about the personalities of the individuals.

The story ends, however, a couple of chapters into Part IV. This is where the book should end: Kaitrin's return to earth, a chapter spent with her mother grieving, a brief email correspondence with Rianna sharing Griffin's communications, Kaitrin's return to the termite world and her final visit with the dying Seer.

The long piece on Kaitrin's return to earth and what she does in detail is not needed in any way. It becomes an entirely different story. We're ripped from the wonder of the alien termite world into a maudlin romance with dead spouse. Unnecessary and, I'm sorry to say, boring. I started skipping large chunks when Kaitrin goes to Afrik. It was if another book was accidentally inserted into this one. Not a bad book, but a huge letdown for those of us who love SF and aliens, but sort of gag at otherwise intelligent woman's protracted whining over a doomed romance. Much of what happens on the termite planet is repeated via conversations. We simply didn't need it.

Because of the problems I had with this one section, I pondered whether to give this book 3 stars instead of 4. I went with the 4 because all the parts on the alien planet are really a great read, although I could have easily done without Griffin entirely.

But I still believe the two-volume Termite story is a wonderful read, and I recommend it. Be prepared to do some skimming in Part 4. On the other hand, maybe it's just me.
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