Reunion

Flinx of the Commonwealth: 8

ISBN: 0-345-41867-0 Order from: Amazon.com

An entertaining adventure in this popular series, this light-weight space-opera gets back the feeling of the early installments, with limited development but lots of adventures.

Reviewed by David on January 11, 2002

Genre: Science Fiction (Space Opera)

Synopsis: In the Thranx-Human commonwealth, modification of human genes is a severe crime. Nevertheless, the temptation to create unusual abilities tempted a clandestine group to experimentation. The group long-since disbanded or dead, their experimental subjects—children—occasionally survived to maturity.

Flinx, a young man with unusual empathetic abilities has been tracing his parents through the well-hidden trails of the long-outlawed Meliorare society. The combination of skills, determination, and empathic talent allows him to pick up the scent of his parents. His search will take him far away from Earth, and bring him face-to-face with old enemies and allies.

Full Review: As in the early novels of this series, Flinx is a likable character, with flexible morals constrained by a humanitarian streak. His encounters with authorities, aliens, and other potential enemies show the author's skill with adventure. Many beings and species from previous books show up, and are as effective as ever.

While some progress is made towards finding Flinx's parentage, this progress remains frustratingly slow. And, since the hero has come of age, and the author is understandably reluctant to make him an all-powerful superhero by further expanding his talents, the progress in this book is practically miniscule.

Enetertaining as it is to be reunited with the old favorites of this series, it's very clear that the series lacks the overarching goal or story arc. Devoid of that, each succeeding adventure brings frustration along with entertainment.

Universe: The Humanx Commonwealth

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

ISBN: 0-345-41867-0 Order from: Amazon.com