ISBN: 0-671-87784-4 Order from: Amazon.com
An engaging story of human evolution, told from the point of view of a "noble savage" hero, one of a new strain of talented mutants.
Reviewed by David on October 24, 1998
Genre: Science Fiction (ESP, Mutants)
Synopsis: In a relatively near future scarred by nuclear exchanges and terrified by human and animal mutations, the society regained order by tightly controlling, and in some cases killing, all paranormal humans. However, on the fringes of civilizations, outlaws continue to thrive, often using the help of rogue telepaths.
In a remote Turkish valley, still contaminated by nuclear and chemical poisons, a band of Talented criminals survive by theft, forgery, and swindles. But while the intelligent, ambitious and ruthless leader of the band plots to increase his influence, a naïve and seemingly slow young man is utilizing his unique talent to transform the valley from hell on earth to his own version of paradise. If his compatriots don't kill him first, the international police will destroy Saulus because his talent is too strong to be controlled. All Saulus wants is happiness for himself and his friends. All it would take is to change the world...
Full Review: The story of Saulus is mostly told from his own point of view, starting with a childishly naïve savage, and progressing to a shrewd, but still very straightforward and childishly stubborn manipulator. Ignorant and devoid of social veneer, Saulus is used to expose the superficial and destructive mores of the international society in the 23rd century, which resembles ours to an uncanny degree. Combined with the age-old issues of love, lust, jealousy and fear, Saulus' struggles for happiness and fairness are helped by his impressive paranormal talent, as well as his unswerving determination.
Some of the too politically correct views exhibited by Saulus jar the otherwise pleasant tone of pragmatic, even humorous dealing with the puzzling society. On the whole, Dance is a good first novel.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1997, Tom Doherty Associates (Baen), June 1997, Mass market paperback, 278 pages
ISBN: 0-671-87784-4 Order from: Amazon.com