ISBN: 0-756-40180-1 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A tense interstellar adventure with interesting aliens and convincing biology, strongly benefitting from a sympathetic protagonist and clearly requiring sequels.
Reviewed by David on February 03, 2004
Genre: Science Fiction (Aliens, Biology)
Synopsis: Dr. Mackenzie Connor is a good scientist. Endlessly fascinated by her work on salmon genetics, she mentors her students, supports her colleagues, and struggles with bureacracy to prevent interruptions to her first and enduring love—hands-on research. The intrusion of politics is an annoyance enough when dealing with local trusts. When it comes from the Ministry of Extra-Sol Affairs, it's a disaster, even if accompanied by a fascinating alien. Dr. Connor—or Mac—studies salmon, not aliens.
Unfortunately politics won't leave her alone. From insistent diplomats to secretive aliens, everyone seems determined to drag Mac into important affairs, claiming high stakes. Alas, everyone seems to keep secrets from Mac, and Mac needs to research in unfamiliar fields of intrigue and survival.
Full Review: The book begins like a movie with a tight focus on our heroine. Mac's life is concentrated on her research in the Pacific Northwest. Except for some minor electronic wonders, the life is not different from any modern field scientist, surrounded by mud, water, fish, and funding committees. Slowly, the camera backs away, showing hints of interstellar commerce, and of course politics. The frame shows star systems, cloak-and-dagger affairs, and desperate and deadly priorities.
Mac is a very satisfying character. Intelligent, decent, focused—or is obsessed—on her work, she reluctantly discovers the necessity to explore other fields. As her journey of discovery turns increasingly important and dangerous, she explores human relations along with alien cultures. Mac is an introvert that has a hard time extending trust, affection or love. But once given, Mac's trust will survive many trials, much like herself.
Mac's point of view is refreshingly straightforward. Her loyalty and compassion serve as a spotlight in a murky universe of secrets and melodrama. By the end of the book Mac learns a lot, but loses none of her straightforward qualities, or her compassion. She remains an unequivocal good guy—in a down-to-earth fashion.
The aliens in the book are highly detailed, with a distinctive culture, society and, of course biology. They are far more than humans in funny costumes, and become sympathetic despite their very foreignness.
There are a few minor issues in this generally excellent book. While the story contains several twists, one of them may become apparent to the reader, denying some suspense. There are several passages which detail Mac's sometimes painful discovery of alien mores and habits which seem overly extended and slow the plot—perhaps the price for crafting a really solid alien culture without expositionary lumps. Finally, while not a cliff-hanger, the ending clearly demands a sequel.
In all, this is an enjoyable novel, with well-thought-out aliens, wonderful viewpoint character and solid supporting cast, and twisty and at times breathless plot.
Overall: 7; Plot: 6.5; Characters: 7; Style: 6; World-building: 7; Originality: 7.5;
Copyright date 2004, DAW Books, May 2004, Cloth
ISBN: 0-756-40180-1 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com