My approach to this novel was to lay back and enjoy an old fashioned space opera as previously designed by E.E. Doc Smith and others. There's something about space opera that separates it from other science fiction novels. Gone is the necessity for exact science, plausible circumstances and multi-dimensional characters. No, with space opera the goal is much more mundane - outrageous plots, enemies and conflicts, all with the goal of high energy entertainment.

Don't let the additional title, Legion Of Space, #4, mislead you. This is a stand-alone novel set in a previously established universe. The necessity to read any of the previous novels is nil. Your level of enjoyment will be the same.

Kudos to the author on a terrifying nemesis to the Legion. The shadow-flashers, though not unlike other creatures in their ability to take control of the mind and body of humans, come with an additional quality of not being physical in being but created of a type of energy making them unique. The additional aliens in the novel, the laser-makers, also provide a different design sure to make a reader ponder the possibilities.

The story built continually, with each chapter taking the intensity level to a new high. The final chapters were both emotional and apocalyptic. Quite simply, The Queen Of The Legion is one heck of a ride. I would strongly recommend this novel to any fans of space opera. ( )