DEPTHS OF TIME by Roger MacBride Allen
Humanity has spread out among the stars. Terraforming has enabled humans to live on other planets. But interstellar travel at sub-light-speed takes decades, even centuries. Crews and passengers are placed in cryosleep while their ships cross the interstellar void. But how do you recoup the travel time? That is the responsibility of the Chronologic Patrol and the timeshaft wormhole transport system. For example, a spacecraft having a one hundred year long flight plan before it reaches its destination will travel for fifty years towards its destination. Then the craft will enter a timeshaft wormhole and travel one hundred years into the past, thus arriving fifty years previous to its original departure date. The craft will then continue towards its destination for another fifty years and will eventually arrive only a few weeks or months past its original departure date. Therefore, our travelers will only have lost a few weeks of time even though they have been traveling for one hundred years. The Chronological Patrol has one mission, to preserve the causality of time at all costs. No information from the future may contaminate the past. Cpt. Anton Koffield is the commander of the C.P. ship "Upholder." He and his crew are stationed at the up-time, future, end of a timeshaft. When multiple unidentified spacecraft attack the "Upholder" to gain entry into the timeshaft to travel to the past, Cpt. Koffield must do the unthinkable. He has to destroy the wormhole thus stranding himself and his crew in the future. Additionally, Koffield's actions have severed the optimal route to Glister, a newly colonized and terraformed planet. The colonists are awaiting critical supplies which now will not arrive. Glister will continue in its debilitating climatic collapse and the colonists blame Koffield for their fate. This disaster at the timeshaft wormhole is only the beginning of all the bad luck and complex circumstances plaguing Anton Koffield's life.  DEPTHS OF TIME is an excellent sci-fi adventure. It took a few moments to completely understand and comprehend the need and mechanics for time travel. However, Allen's writing style is clear and understandable. His characters have flaws but use them to their advantage. This forecast of technological advances which Allen presents is plausible. I enjoyed this novel.

Dune: Butlerian Jihad by K. Anderson and B. Herbert

Millennia before House Atreides moved to Arrakis, before the Imperium existed, even before Dune's spice gained widespread use, the thinking machines ruled many planets. These planets and the remaining worlds of the future Imperium were divided into three groups, the League Worlds, the Synchronized Worlds and the Unallied Planets. How did humanity come to this impasse?  After colonizing many worlds, humanity's ambitions grew stale and dependant upon AI enabled machines. A few ambitious thinkers calling themselves Titans, added aggressive characteristics to the machines' programming and then managed to subjugate the Old Empire. A few planets fought this revolution successfully and became the League of Nobles. Meanwhile, the Titans became ageless by discarding their human shells, preserving their brains and employing mechanical bodies.   But the Titans, although mechanical, were still human and one day one of them carelessly lost control of his AI network. The sentient computers joined with other computers galaxy-wide, creating an "evermind" calling itself Omnius. And Omnius, controlling all the thinking machines, created the Synchronized Worlds.  Salusa Secundus, the capital world of the League of Nobles, has just repelled a devastating machine attack and Xavier Harkonnen became a war hero. His future fiancée, Serena Butler, lobbies other Nobles of the League to invite unallied planets to join the League. Serena is strong-willed and impetuous. When Giedi Prime falls to the machines, Serena organizes a covert raiding party to the planet. Unfortunately, she is captured and becomes an experiment in the home of Erasmus, the robot who wants to understand emotions.  At about the same time, the Sorceresses of Rossak are developing their telepathic abilities to combat the thinking machines. And Tio Holtzman, who eventually will be instrumental in developing the concept of foldspace, is playing with scientific ideas to aid the war effort.  Dune: Butlerian Jihad is the introductory volume of a trilogy detailing the genesis of the Dune saga. Throughout his books, Frank Herbert teased his readers with tantalizing tidbits regarding the holy war fought by humanity against the thinking machines. Additionally, readers were left to wonder about the beginnings of Mentats, the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, melange, the Imperium and other factors. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson have already proven themselves worthy to write Dune books and with DBJ, they devoutly increase the reader's pleasure of the Dune universe.

 

Dune: House Atreides (Dune Prequel #1)by Brian Herbert & Kevin Anderson
I'm psyched, I'm jazzed and I'm incredibly excited about Dune: House Atreides. I had heard rumors about D:HA about two years ago and I have been eagerly waiting for it since. Finally, D:HA arrived and I loved reading it. Dune: House Atreides is the best book I read in 1999. D:HA is filled with all the factors that made Dune such an outstanding work. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson captured the style, theme and spirit of Dune. D:HA takes place four decades before Dune and gives the reader wheels within wheels, plots within plots and conspiracies within conspiracies. D:HA is filled with political intrigue and family sagas and conspiracies. Baron Harkonnen hatches various nefarious schemes. The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood continue their secretive breeding programs which even the most advanced Mentat has not solved. Many of the Great Houses are jockeying for favors from the Emperor and the spice melange affects everybody's life. Melange is only found on Dune, also known as Arrakis. D:HA is as addictive as melange. I couldn't put the book down, but I also didn't want the book to end. It was great to revisit with House Atreides, House Harkonnen and the myriad cast of characters populating the Imperium. Dune: House Atreides is a superb addition to the Dune canon.

Dune: House Harkonnen (Dune Prequel #2) by B. Herbert & K. Anderson

It has been more than a dozen years since the Tleilaxu invaded the planet Ix, former home of House Vernius. Castle Caladan, home of Leto Atreides, still provides a hospitable refuge to Rhombur and his sister Kailea. They are the last survivors of House Vernius as far as they know. Duke Leto Atreides has been unsuccessful in diplomatically manipulating the return of House Vernius to Ix. As Leto matures, he realizes that he can't afford to remain complacent. Instead, he must execute decisions which will benefit House Atreides. Leto must even find a wife, always adhering to his father's advice that you marry for political advantage, not for personal preference.  Meanwhile, House Harkonnen, under the tyrannical rule of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, still subjugates and dominates the melange mining operations on Arrakis. Melange, the spice only found on Dune, is the currency and force which runs the Imperium. The Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, all the Houses of the Landsraad and the trading conglomerate rely on spice. And House Harkonnen directs the mining of melange.  Not all Harkonnens are morally corrupt. Abulurd Harkonnen, half-brother of Baron Vladimir, is governor on Lankiveil. He is an amiable and honorable leader and he enjoys his responsibilities. Unbeknown to Abulurd, Baron Vladimir has a secret concealed on Lankiveil. What is this mystery and how will it affect Abulurd's life?
The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood place one of their students, Jessica, with House Atreides. Leto soon discovers that Jessica can be a sounding board and confidant in addition to providing physical pleasures. How does this relationship fit into the conundrum of the Sisterhood breeding program?
I could go on and introduce more plot points but that would distract the reader from discovering the thrills of Dune: House Harkonnen. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson are again to be commended for developing the intrinsic themes of Dune. I relished D:HH as much as the first novel in this trilogy.

Empire of Dreams and Miracles edited by Orson Scott Card & Keith Olexa

Finely crafted and imaginative short stories are literary mini- masterpieces. And every story in Empire of Dreams and Miracles is a masterpiece! Phobos Books is a new science fiction imprint and Empire . . . is their first auspicious title. O.S. Card wrote an introduction to each story and gave this collection added value. But lets look at some of these ingenious and clever stories.  We read about Albert who has run afoul of the law and needs to serve some time. Prisons have changed over the years and "guests" can elect to shorten or lengthen their stay by the severity of the prison environment. Of course, there are always surprises.  We read about Julian the master criminal and his beloved Rebecca. Justice must be served but at what price?  We read about loving parents who are having a baby. Yet the Great Compromise which followed a devastating global war has affected all aspects of society and even parental responsibilities have changed.   We read about siblings who both enjoy traveling. However, only one of them will purposefully take the ultimate jaunt.   Additional stories tell of soldiers with the perfect camouflage, a human couple relocating to an alien world, a hunter and his prey traveling through the centuries, and more.   Empire . . . is a superb collection of short stories. Each story surprises the reader and introspectively offers the questions  "How ? , What if ? , What now?" Many readers may dwell on the Twilight Zone style endings and think about these stories for days.

 

ENCHANTMENT by Orson Scott Card
The story of Sleeping Beauty holds a few surprises in Card's telling. As a child, Ivan Smetski discovers a leaf-filled pit in the Carpathian forest. An evil presence frightens him and he doesn't try to reach a pedestal in the center of this pit. This experience haunts Ivan for many years. He returns to Russia as an adult to research ancient manuscripts. Inevitably, Ivan returns to the forest and the pit. He reaches the pedestal and awakens the sleeping princess Katerina. As Ivan and Katerina escape the beast guarding Katerina, they are transported back to Russia in the 9th century. Cultural differences, historic events and the witch Baba Yaga soon complicate both their lives.
ENCHANTMENT was a delight to read. O.S. Card brings the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale to life. Ivan and Katerina become real to the reader. Their combats against Baba Yaga cross the boundaries of time. O.S. Card keeps the story going and shares some historical facts in the process.
V

Entering Tenebrea (Tenebrea Tril. #1) by Roxann Dawson and Daniel Graham

When humanity traveled to the stars, the intrepid explorers discovered other space faring societies. Earth formed an alliance with three alien races, the Jod, the Chelle and the Artrix. Baltimore Harbor became an important space port. Another race, the Cor, are trying to expand their influence into the realms of the other races. The Cor are of human descent and their society makes extensive use of clones.  Andrea Flores has been happily married to her husband Steve for a few years. They both adore their daughter Glendon. But the fates, in the guise of Cor Ordinate Hunters, will change Andrea's life forever.  Andrea and her family are enjoying a pleasant family outing at Baltimore Harbor when a group of Hunters shatters their idyllic peace. Andrea survives the slaughter but Steve and Glendon do not.  Hal KRin, a Jod prince, witnesses the massacre. He uses his political clout to help Andrea in the aftermath. Eventually, Hal KRin offers Andrea a position on his planet in his service. Andrea accepts. She sees this twist in her life as a chance to seek revenge against the Cor. Andrea will train to become a Tenebrea, a member of the elite House Guard.  Entering Tenebrea uses an old theme and gives it a new twist. Other authors have written "fish out of water" stories but Dawson and Graham took extra care with their novel. The reader can live Andrea's life vicariously and experience the thrills of rebellion and triumph. I hated to see this book end but I can look forward to the continuation of this story in book two of the trilogy.

 

FIRES OF TIME by Barry Wilson
Time travel; the idea ignites the senses. Scott McLean, a fifth generation firefighter, will soon embark on a couple of time trips into the past. He just doesn't know it yet. Scott's long-time friend Brian Daniels is a physicist who has developed a working time machine. Brian just needs someone to try the machine. Scott will be the perfect "guinea" pig because of his love for history and his skills as a firefighter/paramedic. The San Francisco Earthquake and the Great Chicago Fire are two must see events for Scott. Time travel is fun; it also has it's moral dilemmas. Scott can change the past. Will he? What about his own immediate family's past? Scott love his wife Patty and their kids Casey and Melissa. If a calamity were to happen to any of them, would Scott change the event to preserve his family? Would you if you were in his place?
I quite enjoyed FIRES OF TIME. Barry Wilson brought events from a hundred some odd years ago to life. His book reminded me of an old TV show called, I think, "You Are There" in which historical events were "witnessed" by the viewer. Barry's writing style may not be perfectly polished but that just leaves room for improvement in future books. If you like history, if you like a good adventure, you want to read FIRES OF TIME.
V, L

Hitting the Skids in Pixeltown edited by Orson Scott Card, Keith Olexa and Christian O'Toole

This is the second science fiction short story anthology published by Phobos Books. The winning authors represented in these pages will most likely influence the slant of science fiction for years to come. Let's look at some of the stories offered here.  "Hitting the Skids . . . ," the namesake story of the anthology, provides readers with a new look at the art, perhaps even alchemy, of film making. What if Hollywood had advanced so far technically, and yet strayed so far from its original roots, that living actors were hardly needed for new films? Could there be a resurgence of less digital filming employing living actors who could flub their lines?  "Takers" proposes the idea of wars coming to an end when the best soldiers disappear. When military leaders have to start fighting in the field instead of directing actions from a command center, will conflicts end sooner?  "RUWattU8" is one of my favorite stories in this collection. Two robots, one more advanced than the other, face difficult choices while trying to survive. This story nicely alludes to a masterpiece by P.K. Dick.  "Beast of All Possible Worlds" is a morality play disguised as a hunting story. Is the hunter always in the right and the prey always in the wrong?   Keith Olexa, in his editor's note, voices his disappointment that the "21^st century is not shaping up to be the century [he] expected." This is quite true, wars still ravage countries and religious strive never seems to end. However, then Olexa remembers the ideas proposed by science fiction writers of the 1930's and on. Yes, flying cars and world peace aren't realities yet, but medicinal and technological advances have furthered the goals of mankind. And humanity has reached out to the stars. So it is with today's science fiction writings. Some of these stories provide a hope for the future. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy every story in this collection as much as the stories in the first Phobos anthology, but I'm only one reader. Overall, Phobos Books has again accomplished its goal of giving readers fresh exposure in science fiction ideas. Don't forget to read the biographical notes of the authors. You will be surprised.

 

HOLY FIRE by Bruce Sterling
A hundred years from now; not years of solitude; vegetables are bad for you, "dogs" can talk, and all your medical records are public knowledge. Traveling by train or plane has also become more comfortable because the seats have been replaced with beanbags. In 2095, "corrective lenses [are] a prosthetic device as dead as the ivory pegleg".
This is the world in which Mia, a 94-year old gerontocrat, lives. Mia has always taken exacting care of her body, and has always followed the polity rules and medical guidelines. Your medical rating determines how many life-extension treatments you may receive. Breaking the law, living haphazardly, and neglecting your body, all affect your medical rating adversely. Life for the young has been changed so that the world is save for the older class. Mia yearns to be young again, to live less carefully. She undergoes a controversial medical treatment to regain a youthful body. What happens to Mia........?
Bruce Sterling's concepts will make you think. What am I doing with my life? What type of future do I envision? How much should government controll my life? Read HOLY FIRE and decide for yourself.

LEGEND THAT WAS EARTH by James P. Hogan
Earth has been visited by the Hyadeans, a benevolent humanoid race. The Hyadeans are an orderly and methodical race. Their culture displays little interest in grand imaginative designs. Everything has a purpose and every Hyadean has certain responsibilities. Individualism and personal style are nearly non-existent in Hyadean culture. Shortly after the Hyadean's arrival, the countries of the world split into two distinct factions. The United States, western Europe and much of South America organize themselves into a Global Economic Coalition. China, the Arab states, and most of central and southeastern Asia organize themselves into the Alliance of Autonomous Nation States, or AANS. The U.S. and its allies look forward to establishing profitable economic links to the Hyadean home world in exchange for new technologies from the Hyadeans. These technological advances shatter many earth industries and thereby swell the unemployment and welfare lines. The AANS desire to protect their own economic strengths instead of giving in to the Hyadeans. Counter Action is a terrorist group fighting against the Hyadean incursion. Certain U.S. politicians are willing to hand over total control of the U.S. government to the Hyadeans in exchange for their technologies. Eventually, the rift between nations widens and war breaks out.
James P. Hogan allows xenophobic, societal and political commentary to be couched in this sci-fi story. Every reader must decide for himself whether or not he would welcome the Hyadeans. Hogan accomplished his purpose of getting the reader to think about the situation. I havent decided yet on whose side I would be.


LIGHT OF OTHER DAYS by A.C. Clarke and S. Baxter
Time:2030's Place:Earth Latest Technology:Wormcam! Hiram Patterson is the new Bill Gates. In fact, Hiram bought the Microsoft complex and now uses it for his company, OurWorld. Hiram's company specializes in providing computer advancements, mostly for entertainment. The stabilizing of wormholes is the next technological frontier. With Patterson's drive and desire, his scientists manage to stabilize wormholes. Their next achievement provides for a camera to be sent through the wormhole to observe events at the other end. Wormcams are expensive and secretive at first. The U.S. government uses this new technology to spy on other governments and their leaders. Eventually, wormcams become available to everybody and privacy ceases to exist. Neighbors spy on neighbors, friends even spy on friends, and nobody's privacy is honored anymore. Additionally, a group of amateur astronomers discover a huge comet which will collide with the Earth in 500 years. No more privacy and the end of the world in 500 years combine to create chaos and nihilism. Social taboos, such as public nudity, are destroyed. But more upheaval awaits. As wormcam technology advances, it becomes possible to observe the past. The truth of history now becomes evident; many historical events are discovered to be hoaxes. How will society cope with all these changes?
Good science fiction either gives the reader an excellent adventure or makes the reader think. LIGHT OF OTHER DAYS provides a captivating feast of introspection. How would I react to these societal changes? Would I embrace nihilism or would I continue to embrace the beauty and challenges of life?
L,S

Machine Nation by Richard Evans

What is the Holy Grail of robotics? It is to create a humanoid sentient robot. When the Kali computer virus crashed computer networks worldwide six months ago, Dr. Alex Sorber feared that even his future research would be affected. But the Baker Institute weathered the social confusion and financial disasters caused by Kali. And now, in the November of 2027, the day has finally arrived for the final step in a most secretive project involving robotics. Sorber's doctorate deals with the human psyche but he can't erase the emotional pain he harbors for the loss of his wife. However, Sorber's new project will demand all of his attention and skills if a robotics breakthrough is to be completed successfully. Alex Sorber, a mere human, will guide a humanoid robot through the infantile steps of learning emotions and acquiring feelings. The robot called Kim Fox is a perfect machine, resembling and acting like a beautiful woman, a synthetic Venus. From the moment Kim is activated, her data banks soak up all impulses and try to find meaning in the ferocious onslaught of aural, tactile and olfactory stimuli. Kim literally is a newborn and Sorber is mildly amused at her childlike enthusiasm for learning and living. Scientific research never follows an accident-free course and Kim is no exception. While Sorber runs an errand, Kim assimilates data which seems to threaten her very existence. Confused and dismayed, Kim seeks guidance in the city and leaves the safety of Sorber's home. Unfortunately, Kim's flight leads her to an unsavory part of Boston where two men attack Kim. Instinctively, Kim defends herself, killing one man and seriously hurting the other. Aghast at her actions, Kim flees. Meanwhile, Sorber tries to find Kim and help her. But Sorber's bosses have other plans. Sorber and Kim are simply pawns in a complex endeavor.  Evans' book freely follows and builds upon the precepts established by earlier novels and movies such as Asimov's Robot novels and Westworld. It was fun to note Evans' English influence on his terminology and spelling for a story taking place in Boston. He even pays homage to Martin Caidin. Machine Nation will surprise readers and also provide mental stimulation. What if robots could become sentient? How would society change? Would you be willing to interact with synthetic humans?   L

 

Mojo Conjure Stories edited by Nalo Hopkinson

Each imaginative story in this anthology capitalizes upon the idea of spiritualism and/or voodooism as presented in Creole, Caribbean, and African cultures. Magic freely mixes with possible religious beliefs in these stories. Remember, mojo is often known as personal magic. The skilled authors of this collection offer stories varying in subject matter from a prisoner who talks to a crocodile, to a new definition of "a pound of flesh," to a girl who curses her father, to a man's recollection of a century of history and more. All the authors of these stories appear to be quite talented as evidenced by their biographical sketches.  However, Mojo Conjure Stories did not appeal to me.  It just wasn't my bowl of gumbo.   L

 

Princess of the Aerie by John Barnes

Fame and notoriety usually come with a price. Jak, a human, and Dujuv, a panth, learn that lesson when they visit the Dean of Students office at the Public Service Academy. Their previous adventure ended with the rescue of a princess and now that same princess has asked for help. Jak and Dujuv will travel to Greenworld where Princess Shyf is apparently in some kind of danger.   The trip to Greenworld isn't without difficulties but Jak and Dujuv arrive and join the Royal Palace Guard. However, their mission to rescue the princess quickly becomes a farce. Princess Shyf isn't in danger. In fact, she causes hardship and peril for her servants. Shyf also subjugates her Royal Palace Guards and forces them, through chemical and psychological conditioning, to participate in sexual games. Although Jak enjoys a good romp, he does not enjoy being commanded to perform. To escape Shyf's circus, Jak and Dujuv accept a hazardous mission to Mercury to quell a revolution. Will Jak and Dujuv fulfill their mission successfully and return to their less hectic and dicey lives at PSA?   Princess of the Aerie is John Barnes' second volume featuring Jak and Dujuv. However, this book can be enjoyed by itself. Barnes creates a far future and imitates a space opera style in his book. This book is filled with plenty of action, humor and sex. Readers will also enjoy the commentary about interaction among alien races.  L, S

 

The Rosetta Codex by Richard Paul Russo

"Never mention the name ‘Alexandros’, not until I see you again." Such were the last words Cale ever heard from his father. At only five years of age, Cale quickly learns the cruelty of strangers. Throughout many years of forced labor, Cale hides his true identity and fosters a plan to escape his enforced surroundings. Eventually Cale succeeds and embarks on a new adventure of discovery and relearning his true destiny.  But all journeys of discovery and worth exact a price, wether it be hardship, loss or mystery. While seeking a better place called Morningstar, Cale finds an enigmatic book. This book includes possibly sacred writings from a long lost race and translations of these writings in several different languages including human tongues. Although Cale lacks formal education, he recognizes the translation value of this book. He plans to retrieve his treasure at some future date. Of course, Cale continues his quest for family and his true identity.  Russo’s book paints a believable landscape of futuristic society abutting desperately poor all mixed together with alien interests and possibly future human development. Cale grows through experiencing true love and loss, friendship, hardship, treachery and galactic awe. Although The Rosetta Codex was entertaining to read, I would have liked additional material concerning the alien race which created the codex.   L

 

Running With the Demon by Terry Brooks
Nest Freeman is not your usual Illinois teenager. Certain women of her ancestry have had unique powers such as recognizing the different incarnations of evil. Nest lives in Hopewell, Ill., a steel town that has seen better days. She visits with her friend Pick, a sylvan who takes care of the park, and avoids the Demon and his Feeders. This July 4th weekend, the steel company is planning a big employee barbecue. However, several striking employees are plotting to liven things up with a bomb. Additionally, Nest is being stalked by a surly classmate. The steelworkers and the boy are being manipulated by the Demon. John Ross is a visitor in Hopewell. His mission is to determine if Nest has been compromised by evil. John is a Knight of the Word and as such, he fights evil as often as he can. This Fourth of July weekend will be remembered forever in Hopewell. Several lives will be changed irrevocably. 
Running With the Demon is the first book I've read by Terry Brooks. I'm usually not a fantasy fan, but this fantasy set in contemporary times appealed to me. Brooks has a readable writing style. He doesn't weary the reader with excessive adjectives or lengthy scenic descriptions as some fantasy writers do. Brooks has written two additional books in this series and they are both worth reading.
V

 

Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars #1- The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh by Greg Cox

It has been 300 years since the Eugenics Wars nearly wiped out all life on Earth. Now Kirk and his crew have been dispatched to the planet Sycorax. This inhospitable planet hosts the Paragon Colony which is home to thousands of bio-engineered humans who have requested to join the Federation. Kirk and crew only remember too well all the trouble caused by Khan and his minions just four years ago. Before Kirk can make any decision regarding Paragon, he rereads the historical accounts leading up to the Eugenics Wars.  Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln have shared many adventures and hazardous assignments since they first met in New York in the late 1960's. Their current task has taken them to East Berlin in 1974 to retrieve some secret Russian documents. They successfully complete the job but more mysteries present themselves upon review of the pilfered papers. Many scientists specializing in genetic engineering have disappeared throughout the world.  Seven and Lincoln continue their search and eventually discover the Chrysalis Project. At Chrysalis, scientists manipulate human genes to breed a race of super humans, men and women who will be far superior to their inferior ancestors. Hundreds of children with improved capabilities have already been born at Chrysalis. Khan Noonian Singh is one of these children.  I could tell you more about this book, but I don't want to give away the whole plot. Greg Cox deftly intertwines historical events with the exploits of Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln. ST:EW transports the reader to the threshold of genetic meddling and pivotal points of history. This terrific novel fills a void in the Star Trek time line.

 

Star Trek Next Generation: Genesis Wave Book One by John Vornholdt

The Genesis Device was the Federation's greatest hope for terra-forming.  Dr. Carol Marcus developed this awesome technology 90 years ago.  But there was a flaw.  Since it re-arranges matter, the Genesis Device also has the potential to become a most destructive weapon.  After rogue Klingons attempted to steal the device, and the accidentially created Genesis planet eventually exploded, Starfleet decided to burry Project Genesis.  All data and records were expunged and Dr. Marcus accepted voluntary exile under Starfleet security on a hinterland planet.  For 90 years, Dr. Marcus has hidden to protect her knowledge of Project Genesis.  Now Dr. Marcus has been kidnapped.

Leah Brahms and her husband have been living on Seran developing a new experimental environmental suit.  While Leah is inside the suit, an apocalyptic disaster strikes Seran and recreates the planet.  Leah transports to her orbiting research station.  From there, she and an assistant barely manage to escape in a shuttle craft before the research station also is destroyed.  Leah is distraught and devastated.  She just witnessed the death of a whole planet and the death of her husband.  The destructive energy wave continues on its course and other worlds fall prey to its wrath.  Starfleet is alerted and the Enterprise is the first command vessel to encounter the wave.  All evidence points to a recurrence of the Genesis Wave.  This was a great Star Trek adventure.  John Vornholdt allows his talents free rein and created a fascinating story.  Of course, this is book one of the Genesis Wave trilogy and the ending presented an amazing cliff-hanger.

 

Star Trek Next Generation: The Valiant by Michael Jan Friedman
In 2069, the S.S. Valiant encountered the Galactic Barrier with catastrophic results. The ship was destroyed shortly after the encounter. All personnel were believed to have perished. But that wasn't so. Three hundred years later, a pair of unusual humanoids arrive at Starbase 209. This man and woman claim to be descendants of survivors of the S.S. Valiant. These visitors bring the warning that a hostile species, the Nuyyad, are preparing to invade our galaxy. Starfleet doesnt know what to believe, but the U.S.S. Stargazer is ordered to investigate. The Stargazer is ambushed, her captain is killed, and her first officer is in a coma. That leaves Lieutenant Commander Jean-Luc Picard to command the ship. Picard has to deal with mutinous crew members, alien allies whom he can't trust, and the superior fire power of the Nuyyad. These tough situations are what Picard thrives for. Will Picard save the Stargazer, Starfleet and the galaxy? Read the book. M.J. Friedman is one of my favorite Star Trek authors. He brings the characters more to life than other authors. I also enjoy any Star Trek stories that add to the lore of the characters. The title of this book may be slightly misleading, since the story is mostly about Picard and the Stargazer, but this book was fun to read.

 

 

Star Trek Starfleet Academy:#3 - Cadet Kirk by Diane Carey

Three heroes of Star Trek lore first meet and work together while attending Starfleet Academy. Long before he became Captain Kirk, Cadet Kirk was a hard-nosed follower of regulations. His strained first encounters with Bones and Spock provides Trek fans with laughter.  It was a simple assignment, shuttle Dr. Daystrom to a nearby planet for a lecture. But then all goes awry. Kirk’s shuttle, his first command, becomes ensnared by a tractor beam. Kirk, Spock and Bones are kidnaped. How will following regulations help the academy students escape and warn Starfleet?  Carey’s juvenile adventure is pure fun. I laughed as I read about the three future friends trying to mesh regulations and initiative and solve their dilemma. And to think that the future often unpredictable Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise was this straight laced cadet at one time.

 

Stealing the Elf-Kings Roses by Diane Duane

"My name is Enfield, Lee Enfield. I'm a forensic lanthanomancer. My partner Gelert, a fayhound, and I work in the Los Angeles judicial system. As a prosecutor, I See the Truth and act as a conduit for Justice. Gelert's skills deal more with physical evidence and his sense of smell is extraordinary. Our latest case has us investigating the murder of an Alfen executive, dilSorden. I could See the crime and two possible perpetrators, one human and one Alfen. Unfortunately, Gelert lost the scent and both the human and Alfen seem to have disappeared. Upon further investigation, I've found that Fairy Gold futures also apparently play a part in this murder case. In fact, some evidence even points in the direction of the Alfheim government and the Elf-King himself. Without Fairy Gold, the accelerator rings producing the gating mechanism which allows travel between the seven worlds of the multiverse, would not function properly. This case is quite baffling and even Lady Justice doesn't have any answers, yet. And what does the myth of the Elf-King's roses have to do with this murder?"   The idea of multiple universes, and travel between them, is a popular theme in science fiction. Diane Duane treats her reader to an Earth that ever so slightly, but in some aspects quite blatantly, differs from the Earth the gentle reader inhabits. Succinct details, such as Lee's vehicle and Gelert's home life, add to the thrill of this enticing fantasy novel. Other worlds of the multiverse are also described, with Alfheim holding many secrets, and the reader will be quite surprised by the description of a familiar world. Duane's book will appeal to both fantasy and science fiction readers.

 

Those Who Walk in Darkness by John Ridley

Throughout the history of humanity, gene mutations have existed and even been noticed once in a while. And a few years from now, more and more of these mutations surface and meta-normal humans mingle with the regular population. At first, these meta-normals only exhibit good traits and powers. In fact, many M-normals become bonafide superheroes. But opposites always exist. Soon enough, M-normals who use their power for troubling purposes make their appearances. Then a M-normal called Bloodlust destroys most of San Francisco and the U.S. President issues an executive order banning all M-normals. Any remaining M-normals will be arrested or killed. At first, regular police officers try to deal with M-normals but after much trial and error, and  quite a few dead officers, specialized enforcement teams called MTacs are developed.  Soledad is on her first call as the newest member of one of LA's MTac teams. She knows that her new job has a low survivability rate depending mostly upon what kind of M-normal the MTac team is pursuing. Unfortunately for Soledad, she and her group have been activated to arrest/kill a M-normal with pyrotechnic powers. However, Soledad has a specialized gun which she specifically designed for her new job. She barely survives her first mission and then faces an internal affairs inquiry because of her unauthorized gun.   During the investigation, Soledad works as a regular street cop and manages to rid LA of another M-normal with just her standard police issue gun. But this dead M-normal was married and her husband swears revenge against Soledad.   Ridley's book opens explosively and transports the reader to everyday life in LA of the near future. But then Ridley forfeits his momentum as he continues his story and preaches, albeit indirectly, about personal freedoms and society's prejudice. Soledad's actions and desires easily parallel the goals of misguided historical figures whose actions included genocide. One character even mentions that humans formerly employed racial profiling to separate the "good" from the "bad" citizens and that now genetic profiling is the clarion call of humanity. Those Who Walk in Darkness is well written and does provide readers with food for thought.    L

 

Watch by Dennis Danvers

Peter Kropotkin, the "Red Prince of Anarchy, died in Russia in 1921. But Peter Kropotkin now lives in Richmond, Virginia, in 1999. How did Peter get reborn? While on his deathbed, having lived to the ripe old age of seventy-eight, Peter was visited by Anchee Mahur, a visitor from the future. Anchee promised Peter a new life, in a younger body, in a different country and in a future time. Considering this offer to be a lark, Peter accepted. And then his life changed irrevocably. Before Peter realized what was happening, Anchee transported him to the Moscow airport where Peter boarded a plane bound for America. At the end of his bewildering journey, Peter arrived in Richmond as a traveler lost in time.  Anchee didn't prepare Peter for this trip. Peter has no money, no job and no place to live. Additionally, Peter is bewildered by his surroundings. However, since Peter has already lived seventy-eight years and experienced many difficulties, he is resourceful and soon finds work and lodging. Why did Anchee direct Peter to Richmond? While studying in the university library, Peter is amazed at the technological advances and the history of Richmond. Peter's newfound friends also influence his views of his new life. Of course, Peter's past political views were often provocative. But Peter was always strong-willed and opinionated, remember his nickname. Does Anchee have some political plans for Peter and will history be re-written? And what about the mysterious watch Anchee gave Peter?   Danvers' book starts out quite entertainingly. I can imagine myself as a traveler out of time, experiencing new technologies, learning new history and accepting new social parameters. Peter is well educated and this surprising adventure gives him many opportunities to make social commentaries, including talking about America's richness and America's poor. Unfortunately, Danvers' story bogs down halfway through the book and the narrative never regains its original momentum in my opinion.  L