Cyberstealth

ISBN: 0-441-13244-8 Order from: Amazon.com

A military/political thriller centering on a young pilot and the unexpected traps of anthropomorphizing (or xenopomorphizing).

Reviewed by David on August 19, 1998

Genre: Science Fiction (Military, War)

Synopsis: Rafael Mirabeau, call-sign Cargo, is a hot young pilot learning to use the classified stealth space/atmosphere fighters in the interminable war with the splinter worlds. While some on both sides seek for a peaceful resolution, it appears that a traitor is determined to ruin both Cargo and the chances for peace.

Full Review: Cargo, a young Gypsy boys has been adapted by the Bishop Mirabeau, one of the most influential men in the Collegium, the space federation waging a war with the terrorist-supporting secessionist Cardia worlds. After receiving a much better education than his poor family could aford, Cargo enlists as a pilot to fight Cardia. Struggling against suspicions of his loyalty, he relies on his partner, the alien Ghoster, a member of the other race in both the Collegium and the Cardia. While learning to pilot the secret Batwings, the stealth fighters, Cargo and his fellow pilots are disturbed by the suspicions of a leak.

As the lives of Cargo and the Bishop converge in a secret mission to explore the possibility of peace, the traitorous leaks become more obvious and more brutal. As some of Cargo's friends die, he finally gets close to the secret of the traitor—and the conspiracy to prolong the war.

The novel has some decent fighting scenes, using a computer-assisted mental gestalt between a pilot, a weapons officer and the fighter. However, the final answer seemed telegraphed, and the style is occasionally distracting due to somewhat slow and expositionary passages.

Overall: 4.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 4.5; Style: 4; World-building: 5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-441-13244-8 Order from: Amazon.com