Bone Wars

ISBN: 0-671-87880-8 Order from: Amazon.com

An interesting, new take on some of the Indian legends during the settlement of the American West, this entertaining novel does well on human interest and humor and less on excitement or ideas.

Reviewed by David on May 08, 2000

Genre: Science Fiction (Aliens, Historical, Western, Humor)

Synopsis: Two well-regarded and ambitious paleontologists, Drs. Marsh and Cope, have decided to explore the same patch of Montana in 1876. Lured by the prospects of Dinosaur bones, each is digging furiously in the hopes of beating his rival to a sensational monograph. However, their competition is complicated by barely peaceful Indians, duplicitous helpers, and not the least, some foreign scientists who apear a lot stranger than most Europeans.

Full Review: The history, palentological and otherwise, seems well-researched and solidly human in this interesting twist on a Westers adventure story. While providing an interesting explanation of some events in the American history, this novel stumbles on the tone. At times tediously drawn, and at others fevereshly fast, the pace leaves something to be desired; and (assumed intentionally) humorous portrayal of SF themes jars with more serious, even touching, subplots.

An entertaining and at times original story, this novel suffers from some inconsitencies. One hopes that the author will make up his mind and present a more uniform plot and style in his next offering.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 7.5;

ISBN: 0-671-87880-8 Order from: Amazon.com