ISBN: 0-441-01217-5 Order from: Amazon.com
A low-key but surprisingly effective adventure with aliens and starships, but truly focusing on human nature.
Reviewed by David on August 14, 2005
Genre: Science Fiction (War, Aliens)
Synopsis: Alex Benedict is neither a hero nor a scientist. A successful antiques dealer, he has always avoided quests. However, when his uncle Gabriel dies, Alex reluctantly follows Gabe's request. After all, despite their disagreements, Gabe was the one who raised Alex.
Gabriel was an avid amateur historian. Mostly discounted by the professionals, Gabe was following up on the last days of the legendary war hero—Christopher Sim.
Alex's attempts are made more difficult by those determined to stop him, however. But, despite his misgivings, Alex perseveres, for takes the obstacles as signs that there is something to Gabe's speculations.
Full Review: Much of the novel reads like a mystery. Despite futuristic setting, Alex, not a prticularly heroic figure, spends his time asking questions and making guesses. Despite the slow start, Alex's persistence and intelligence engage the reader's attention, and the historical puzzle becomes an adventure.
Much of the book really exposes the human behavior: courage, persistence, the ingenuity, fear and guilt under stress, and ultimately the decency most characters have despite their flaws.
With a number of twists, and a spot or two of melodrama, the novel comes to a satisfying conclusion. On the whole, the solid characterization, and steadily accelerating pacing keep the reader's attention and provide for a solidly pleasant reading experience.
Copyright: 1989
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 7;
Berkley Publishing Group (Ace), February 1989, Mass-market, 339 pages
ISBN: 0-441-01217-5 Order from: Amazon.com