Rinn's Star

ISBN: 0-345-36919-X Order from: Amazon.com

Reviewed by David on August 30, 2000

Genre: Science Fiction (ESP, Aliens, Intrigue)

Synopsis: In the future, the Earth nations have extended their rivalries across interstellar distances. While vying with each other on ideologies and trade roots, they are usually of one mind when it comes to the dangerous mutation on Ikanos, one that allows its inhabitants to detect, and even control, the thoughts of others.

Ruthlessly exterminated across space, a small number of them is tolerated by the Chinese colonies in return for their service during scouting.

Rinn McRae, a young telepath dispised and distrusted by the communists on the Chinese scout ship, fails to detect a vicious attack by the well-armed aliens who appeared to be potential trading partners. On the run in a strange jungle, Rinn has to use her telepathic gift to its fullest extent to reach the only other human ship on the planet. Unfortunately, the ship belongs to the Russians—where tellepathy is a capital offense.

Full Review: Paula E. Downing (a.k.a. Paula King) has written several novels featuring harried, vulnerable protagonists in the midst of complex, politically tense human and alien civilizations. Occasionally resembling the better of Cherryh's novels, Downing's works are somewhat more streamlined and less agonizingly anxious that Cherryh's; and regrettably much less well-known and available than they deserve.

Downing's Fallway is perhaps her best and Cherryh-like novel. Rinn's Star is not as good, although still quite enjoyable. For the most part, the characters are well described, and the aliens and some of the perfidious Russians are solid, rational, and devious.

Rinn's world is regrettably anachronistic, with the Soviet empire alive and well and extending to other stars. The main character is shown with the rare skill of being vulnerable and sympathetic, while in posession of almost overwhelming ability.

In general, this is an anjoyable science fiction novel, which despite some flaws makes one want a sequel. Alas, the book is out of print and the author doesn't appear to be writing any more.

Art:

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-345-36919-X Order from: Amazon.com