ISBN: 0-380-81329-7 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A likable but flawed protagonist, interspecies intrigue, and very human emotions combine in a pleasant, fast-moving space opera.
Reviewed by David on April 28, 2002
Genre: Science Fiction (Aliens, Coming of Age, Intrigue)
Synopsis: This is another novel in the universe first set up in Expendable. Humans have achieved interstellar flight, and discovered that the universe if full of sentient species, some much older and more sophisticated than Humanity. The very advanced League of Peoples, enforces only one rule: killing of other sentients is notallowed. While this rule is enforced absolutely, other crimes, including theft, slavery and torture, do not concern the League.
Years ago, a human explorer, Expendable Festina Ramos has visited the planet Melaquin, where she met a transparent woman called Oar.
Years later, as Oar recovers from her injuries, she suddenly becomes the target of multiple plots. It seems several parties are intent in capturing her—and the inexperienced Oar needs to learn quickly if she is to survive the intrugue. But despite these threats, it may be an internal malady that is Oar's greatest danger—one that afflicts her entire race.
Full Review: The universe that Gardner portrays is intersting, but somewhat simplistic, having attributes of both farce and classic space opera. However, the characters and their interactions are interesting, touching and sometimes poignant, and their fascination propels the story.
This novel partially explains some of the cartoonish nature of the interstellar politics, while documenting the maturation of an interesting character. It takes some time to warm and understand the nature of the protagonist, self-absorbed yet fiercely lonely, full of bravado and fear. The jorney is interesting, and Festina Ramos, the heroine of the first novel in the universe, is again used as a likable catalyst for others.
In general, this is an enjoyable and fast-moving adventure. While more satisfying after the previous novels in the loose series, it stands well by itself. Despite its entertaining value, however, this book lacks the freshness or emotional poignancy of some of Gardner's previous novels.
Universe: Expendable
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 2001, HarperCollins (Eos), November 2001, Mass market paperback, 361 pages
ISBN: 0-380-81329-7 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com