The crew decide to investigate the strange psychological repulsion in the area of the Tristar and find a powerful and deadly insane machine is causing it on a paradise world.

Two books from the Flight of the Maita that were nominated for awards.After the Old GodsKroon (Book two) is experiencing a plague that could destroy the entire population – and they can't contact the empire.This was not meant as a part of the Flight of the Maita series, but was added by request of several readers.

Maita wants to make some overhauls and changes so Z goes to a world in a pre-industrial stage for a vacation.As one would expect, it's a working vacation. There is something very wrong on this world – something that could prove disastrous in a century or so.Critic commentInteresting concept about how a racial psychological trait can be manipulated – either for the positive or negative.I see what P means about the golems. Hilarious

Kurk takes a vacation on Hades, his home world in another planal. Thing goes along.C'mon, Kurk! You should know better by nowCritic commentThis was as funny as anything I've ever read. There is a great deal of humor in most of Moulton's work, but this one is the pinnacle. Definitely. Thing is a delightful character.– IA Rtng:*****

The crew investigate a world where there seems to be a cyclic growth, then destruction.Critic commentLately Moulton seems fixated in what he calls social dynamics and imperatives. This type of thing would be off-putting to me when looking for a work to read. Such works are most often rather boring and tend to preach.Not the case with Moulton. The story is rather nicely connected and very humorous at times. There is a sense of fun shared between the...

Tab and Kit go to Grandish to investigate possible cultural interference. They discover an intelligent fungoid with psy powers that could do enormous damage to the empire.Critic commentRather a strange tale. It has elements I generally don't care for, such as psy powers. I do like the exploration of how a plant might think and the secondary story is fair if a bit too goody-goody. Despite its faults it is a good book.– IA Rtng: ***½

A vacation on Tlorg results in the discovery of a scheme that could destroy the universe? Kurk joins the crew.Critic comment: 2016I like this one, because of the fantasy parts. They are explained and are consistent with the basic theory of the series.I have always liked the golems. They are hilarious, and remind me of some of the people I know. By the end, I liked Kurk. A lot!The story is good, and is not dependent on having read the former book concerned...