From Publishers Weekly
In this sequel to Powers That Be , the hardworking inhabits of the sentient planet Petaybee continue their struggles with the magnates controlling Intergal Company. While chairperson Dr. Whittaker Fiske has been convinced of the planet's intelligence--and the necessity of negotiating with it--other members of the board believe that he and the Petaybeans are suffering from a collective delusion. Two representatives arrive to investigate: the first, Marmion de Revers Algemeine, maintains an open mind, but cultural anthropologist Matthew Luzon uses his training to cheat non-technical cultures out of their heritage. A group of Petaybeans and sympathizers set out for other villages to win over those willing to continue mining despite the planet's requests to stop. After numerous convoluted plot turns, a Petaybean resistance leads to a satisfactory conclusion. This lackluster tale suffers from excessive sentimentality, while characters are no better developed than in the first volume. Both independently and together, these collaborators have displayed their gifts to better advantage elsewhere.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Former Intergal officer Yanaba Maddock allies herself with the residents of her adopted planet Petaybee against her one-time employers to prevent the mineral rape of a sentient world. Shortsighted opportunists clash head on with stubborn defenders of a world and a way of life in this sequel to Powers That Be (LJ 5/15/93). McCaffrey and Scarborough collaborate seamlessly to tell a first-rate sf adventure with strong male and female protagonists and a life-affirming theme.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.