Stardoc

Stardoc: 1

ISBN: 0-451-45773-0 Order from: Amazon.com

An exciting, if not entirely plausible novel of exotic medicine, this book is satisfying in its portrayal of dedication and conflict.

Reviewed by David on September 27, 2001

Genre: Science Fiction (Aliens, Medical, ESP, Intrigue, Romance)

Synopsis: In many respects, this is a novel reminiscent of the "Sector General" stories by James White (Mind Changer and many others).

A young, inexperienced but dedicated Terran doctor, Cherijo Grey Veil, leaves Earth for a frontier position. Despite the opposition of her famous and influential father, Cherijo throws her energy and talent into helping others. Despite the Terran reputation for arrogance and xenophobia, her colleague's skepticism or resentment, and her patients' distrust, Cherijo overcomes her inexperienced and makes a real difference in an understaffed and underequipped colony.

Cherijo's trials are far from being purely professional, though. Entanglements of the heart, deadly politics and secrets about Cherijo's own origins not only haunt the young doctor but threaten the lives of her neighbors and friends.

Full Review: The science of the novel is frequently suspect, and many attributes of world the author has built appear more for the sake of interesting adventures than rigorous exploration of technical trends.

However, taken as an adventure, the novel is both a fitting member of the enjoyable Space Medicine subgenre, and a formidable Romance entry. The young heroine is haunted by secrets, the undesirable attentions of members of her own species, as well as attraction to the others. The book is structured as a beginning of a longer saga, although most of the plot lines are concluded in this installment.

The pacing is excellent, engaging the reader's attention, and the main character is likable, if a bit victimized. However, her almost super-human competence (well-explained) and dedication compensate, producing a character strong enough for admiration, and vulnerable enough for sympathy.

A good, if not perfect, adventure full of exotic aliens and their problems, the human element of this story makes one welcome future novels in this series.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-451-45773-0 Order from: Amazon.com