Career Night on Union Station (EarthCent Ambassador Book 15)

This 15th book in the Union Station series is yet another wonderful short novel. Every several pages offer a wise observation about life and being human, but always with a light hearted style that, no matter whether you agree or disagree, will leave you thinking and smiling at the same time. But more than that, it’s just a sparkling, fun-to-read, optimistic story, in the old fashioned, around the campfire sense of spinning tall tales. The cast has become so large that it’s amazing that the author manages to craft a plot that still brings them all into play without feeling crowded or rushed. And, among that cast, the most likeable couple in the galaxy, Samuel and Vivian, get to play a leading role. You’ll find them running into serious challenges not, as is common in many contemporary stories, via male-vs-female sniping, but due to bigger life issues that they face together. Perhaps a brief quote from the book illustrates that theme best. “You’ve never come to see me before, have you, Viv?” Dorthy observed. “Are you and Samuel having problems? “Never,” the girl said firmly. “I mean yes, but not with each other.” I highly recommend this book, though just as highly recommend reading these books from the beginning rather than starting with this one.

This 15th book of the series is somewhat better than the previous two. There are two main plot lines. The main storyline is that Kelly (coming back to work after her sabbatical) has decided to expand the embassy so that she could host meetings with the other ambassadors. The expansion turns tricky when the EarthCent president insists that the work be done by humans. The other storyline is that both Sam and his intended, Vivian, have decided to change their majors at the Open University. There are also various subplots which include an amusing poker game, a pregnant Dorothy and her ideas of adding expectant mother's fashions to the SBJ line, the mage Baa's contributions to SBJ, and of course the wily machinations of the Styrx Jeeves. It all adds up to a good time for readers.

This is the 15th book in the EarthCent Ambassador series by E. M. Foner. It carries on the tradition of character led science fiction where dialogue and common sense rule and the sense of humor is funny without swearing and violence is not the point. Definitely not your average space opera. As with all of the EarthCent Ambassador books there is more than one plot to enjoy. In book 14 Kelly McAllister went on a year long sabbatical but now she's back. She has the opportunity to expand the Human embasy on Union station but discovers that this is a political and diplomatic nightmare. How can some renovations be so complicated. The other plot concerns Kelly's son Sam and his girlfriend Vivian (who is the grand-daughter of Donna Doogal, the embassy manager. They are at the Stryx Open University but are finding that their degree choices might not be suitable. As their romance continues to blossom should they let their intellectual lives blossom too? I've read all of these books and some of them more than once. The principal characters may change but the wit and keen observation that supports it do not. The family relationships can be a bit complicated as the series matures (I keep a spreadsheet...) but the wry humor and pace keep these books fresh, readable and exciting.

As a teenager in the 70s I was in enamored with the works of Clifford Simak, Robert Heinlein, Harry Harrison, Ray Bradbury and Rod Serling for their unique eye-opening, thought-provoking commentary on the Human Condition through great story telling. I am indescribably enthusiastic about finding another author of this caliber in E.M.Foner's EarthCent Ambassador at Union Station Series. It is rare to find just one really great book that makes it to publishing, let alone seventeen, and each one of the books in this series are truly a great read. Thanks again to E.M.Foner and Please, Keep then coming!!!

Author E. M. Foner has a real knack for telling stories that are compelling and that promote “species” (read: anyone different from you) taking steps to work and live together in greater harmony. You won’t find dramatic battles in these books; what you will find is species of which some have historical issues, which the lead character Kelly helps to resolve - sometimes without prior knowledge, due to the subtle planning of the ancient AI species that runs Union Station. Kelly is the ambassador from Earth - a recent addition to this multi-species environment - and her husband Paul does his part for the cause by repairing different species’ space ships, teaching classes spy classes (every species has spies, whose identities are all well known by all other species - they end up operating as mini-ambassadors in a way), and brewing his own beer, which has become famous in its own right, and is an anticipated aspect of any public function to which the humans are invited - including Paul’s own weekly poker game…multi-species of course. The books are fun, interesting, and a friendly break from much of science fiction.

4 1/2 stars. The usual quality of writing and humor of all the Union Station series. A little YA with Kelly's son and girlfriend defining what careers they should pursue with help from the aliens. Kelly gets caught up in a construction project that gets way too complicated. Throw in Ba Ba witch, fasionistas, a pregnancy and the normal chaos abounds. I look forward to every new book in the series as a great change of pace, non-violent space opera!

I always enjoy these stories. However, if I hadn’t read the other books, I would need a scorecard to keep up with who all the bit players are, and sometimes even I get confused. This is a lighthearted tale about a mixed species group of oddballs who make up the diplomat staffs from various embassies on a space station. This story concerns how the various species select their staffs foe an embassy. It also catches up long time followers of the series as to what everyone else is doing. You won’t find any graphic wars or desperate causes here; the closest everyone gets to a war is a massive multi player role game fought in virtual reality. Good fun.

Are death, taxes, and that no remodeling job is ever done on time and as specified. Ambassador McAllister gets her wish, a conference room for EarthCent on Union Station. But of course, she has to hire humans to do the work, or the Grenouthians will lambast her in their news. Meanwhile, Dorothy gets advice from all and sundry about how to deal with her pregnancy. And Samuel and Vivian change majors. Kevin becomes a chandler. And the Stryx permit a civil service exam. What is Jeeves up to? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. So this was quite entertaining, and my only regret is that I’ll soon run out of new EarthCent Ambassador books to read.

At the end of this novel the lead character has lead an eventful career over many years that has spawned 3 generations of family. This series could go on for a long time.

These are fairly lightweight, fun stories - which is exactly what they set out to be. I have read all 15 books in this series and they are well written and enjoyable. The characters are engaging and likable as well as consistent. I definitely want a Cayl Hound!

Great if you like this sort of thing. I do

I enjoyed reading it. It was humorous and helped resolve some older plots. I agree with a prevous reviewer that it seems more like the original books. I highly recommend this series.

Easy to read, funny story lines. I recommend this series of books.