Review: Good Prequel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 16, 2014
This short story tells about the first days of Clem and his friends doing their Kaxian duty.  To understand the story well, I suggest reading the first book- "Raffle's Name".  Then come back to this story.Clem really wanted to be assigned to guard duty, but on his first day he, like so many puppies ignored parental advice about ignoring distractions (like the treacherous Nikes) and reporting immediately.  20 puppies were selected for the desired duty, but Clem is stuck learning to mine jex.  Why?  Sentries have to obey orders- like showing up at a certain time.  So the first 20 to arrive get the coveted positions.One thing I like about these books is that the author doesn't make the mistake of beating children over the head with facts that are self-evident.  Most would have had the adult dogs lecturing about, "You see, if you'd listened to your father you'd have been here in time ... yak, yak, yak."Instead, Clem sadly realizes that he blew it, and that one morning of irresponsible behavior is going to have a definite impact on his life.  While he's sad,he doesn't go on about it ad nauseum . It simply is what it is- foul up once and you may shaft yourself.At the same time, he does make come good friends, as he pursues his new career, so the children can see that they can have happy lives, even if they fall short of their hopes and expectations.