The Truth of Valor: A Confederation Novel    by Tanya Huff Order:  USA  Can Daw, 2010 (2010) Hardcover, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson The Truth of Valor follows Valor's Trial, Valor's Choice, The Better Part of Valor, and The Heart of Valor in Tanya Huff's deservedly popular Confederation military SF series starring space Marine Torin Kerr. Up until this episode it featured humans allied with weird and wonderful alien races in a life and death struggle against mysterious bug-like Others. Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr became a military legend through these adventures. She also discovered organic plastic aliens influencing events and developed a serious relationship with salvage operator Craig Ryder. During Torin's previous exploits in Valor's Trial, she escaped a prison planet, in alliance with Others and aided by Craig and his friend, the singleminded feline journalist Presit. After learning that the war with the Others 'had been a social experiment by sentient, polynumerous molecular polyhydroxide alcoholydes', she left the Marines and joined Craig on his salvage ship, the Promise. However Torin is not destined for a quiet life. After pirates secure a prize - an 'undamaged Marine Corps armory' - that might be used to change the balance of power across the Confederation, they require a salvage operator's codes to open it. Their trap nets Craig and leave an injured Torin spinning through space, surrounded by debris, and with an air leak in her suit. Her training - and luck - get her through that crisis, determined to rescue Craig. Without the resources of the Corps behind her, Torin signs up three old comrades (who resigned when she did), along with ace reporter Presit a Tur durValintrisy. Long odds against their success? Indeed they are, but Gunny and her team manage to infiltrate the pirate lair and extract Craig, after which they receive an offer they can't refuse from the Wardens. Tanya Huff writes the best space opera around and I can't wait to see what explosive action will follow for ex-Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr and her crew. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more SF books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews