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A skilled novel with occasional flashes of emotional tension, but as a whole lacking excitement and focus.
Reviewed by David on November 22, 1998
Genre: Science Fiction (Cyberpunk)
Synopsis: Once the deeply religious sect dominating the planet Eden was part of the interstellar association called the Territories. However, when its computer-based prophet turns a doctrine of evangelization and intolerance to genetic meddling into a campaign of interplanetary terrorism, The Territories quarantine the planet, relying on the firepower of their Patrol, and the strength of their firewalls. However, when a religious convert penetrates the quarantine to detonate a bomb on Jericho, Anton Tso, a chemist with ties to the underworld on that planet is forced to come to Eden, the source of the terrorism and the home of the unique AI, known as the Mind of God.
Full Review: Anton's arrival on the quarantined Eden stirs the tensions already in existence. Both the computer networks and the human society erupt in violent conflict. Anton and his gene-engineered bodyguard, the attractive and deadly DaSilva, are plunged into peril, as both humans and programs struggle for power and ideology.
As in her many previous novels, Scott creates a society full of complexity and tensions, as believable, frequently marginal characters struggle for survival, and occasionally, decency. The struggle of faith and honor is especially intriguing.
Scott also continues to delve into the concept of artificial intelligence, as something which combines both mundane technology and the sublime exploration of the nature of sentience.
Unfortunately, in this book this promising material is not well utilized. Due to the many shifting viewpoints, the focus and excitement are lacking throughout much of the book. While sympathetic, most characters are sketched too lightly to be emotionally involving. The major conflicts have fairly minor causes; this, combined with lack of truly fascinating characters result in a book which rarely achieves the excitement of Scott's excellent Roads of Heaven trilogy (Five Twelfth of Heaven, Silence in Solitude and Empress of Earth).
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1998, Tom Doherty Associates (Tor), June 1998, Cloth, 301 pages
ISBN: 0-312-85877-9 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com