The Sapphire Solution by M.H. ThaungMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Sapphire Solution follows right after the events of The Diamond Device. Lord Richard Hayes is still riding out the aftereffects of his previous adventure - including a hearing about whether he will retain his seat. But whilst Hayes is important to the many misadventures in this story, Iggy Arragore is the main protagonist.
Like Rich, Iggy is an immigrant to Ironfort. She's working as an apprentice for her uncle, but starts taking matters into her own hands when he refuses to let her graduate. Luckily, there's a new programme that will allow her to do just that...
In a way, The Sapphire of Solution is a comedy of errors, and could also have been a somewhat amusing heist story, but where Thaung loses me is with the resolution. There is a lot of build up and convoluted plot happening (maybe too many?) and in the end they're all connected in a way. But at the risk of being spoilery, (view spoiler). Everything comes down to... multiple misunderstandings. On many sides. And correcting those misunderstandings leading to new misunderstandings, until... well, arrests happen and things get resolved.
Sally and Rich's parents are again used as some kind of deus ex machina, but not really. I'm not sure at this point why they're even mentioned, except to make sure that we know they're still around and deliberately not being helpful, while spying on things.
Despite all that, The Sapphire Solution is an enjoyable read - there's much to laugh about and shake your head over, especially since the blunders and mishaps are comedic both in timing and execution. There's a lot about social navigation, and the butting of heads between tradition vs modernity, social classes, race, and expectations (or maybe prejudices).
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