This novel discusses a number of arguments related to the issue of global warming. In some ways, it is a departure for Crichton from his typical style. Novels like "Prey" and "Jurassic Park" tend to show how a new innovation in technology can go badly wrong, resulting in a plot in which a lot of people get killed and a few barely escape with their lives.
"State of Fear" has some similar elements, featuring a small group of people trying to avert a disaster. But, ultimately, "State of Fear" shows people who believe in global warming to be more dangerous than global warming itself. Indeed, this book tries to make the reader question global warming, and whether it really is the threat some people believe it to be.
I realize that some people feel very strongly about this isssue. Please remember, this is just a book review, I'm simply relating and commenting on what Crichton has written - I'm not saying he's right or wrong, or that you should agree or disagree.
Characters in the story include Nicholas Drake, head of an environmental organization trying to raise awareness about global warming. George Morton, a very wealthy man concerned about environmental issues, is prepared to donate a significant amount of money to Drake's organization. Peter Evans is a lawyer who works for Morton.
The plot shows how Morton disappears, and is presumed dead, shortly after announcing that he would be withdrawing some of his funding from Drake's organization.
Evans finds himself in the middle of something big when he realizes that Morton was onto something, and had evidence some people very much wanted to keep hidden. This turns out to be connected to ecoterrorism. Extreme environmentalists are planning something big, to convince the world of the dangers of global warming in a way that will be spectacular.
John Kenner, an international law enforcement officer, is investigating Drake's organization and eventually hooks up with Evans, and they, along with some supporting characters, travel to various locations, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
In some ways, the plot serves as a backdrop for the dialogue. Kenner questions the arguments about global warming, and can back up his arguments with many references. Some readers criticize this aspect of the novel, finding that it makes it seem very preachy or like a textbook more than a novel. That may be true to some extent, but I really didn't mind.
Whether you agree with Crichton or not, you have to give him credit for presenting a reasoned argument, backed up by references. There's a whole bibliography at the end of the book for those who want to find out more.
Some of the characterization seemed a little weak, a lot of the people arguing for global warming aren't nearly as well informed as Kenner. In reality, there are people who would give Kenner a much tougher time.
The book ends with an author's note in which he gives historical examples of ideas that have become widely excepted, despite questionable evidence. This emphasizes the importance of applying the scientific method properly.
And, despite all this, Kenner ultimately does say he believes in protecting the natural environment, and that it makes sense. Maybe focusing on the solutions is a more constructive use of everyone's energy than the ongoing debate about global warming and whether or not it's happening, or how severe it is?
I have my own thoughts on the subject, but this is a book review, not my personal soapbox, so I'll refrain from getting into that for now.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
"See How They Run" by James Patterson(Thriller, spoiler warning)
This is an early Patterson thriller from the late seventies, published before his large successes with the Alex Cross series or Women's murder club series. It was originally published under the title "The Jericho Commandment."
The story follows a number of characters. One of the main characters is Doctor David Strauss. Strauss is propelled into danger when several members of his family are violently murdered. Investigation reveals a possible connection to neo-Nazis, and this is unfortunately a possibility since Strauss and his family are Jewish, as well as quite wealthy.
Strauss and his former sweetheart, Alix Rothchild, try to piece together what's happening, with help from the authorities and an experienced Nazi hunter.
But all is not as it seems.
Parts of the story follow the villains, showing them preparing their plot. This introduces an almost science fictional element to the plot, since it involves some hi-tech techniques that could be used to commit mass murder.
The trail eventually leads to the Olympic games in Moscow, 1980.
One thing I liked about this book was a twist that's revealed near the end, which I hadn't guessed at. Stories have been done before about neo-Nazism, and the idea of some attempt by former Nazis to rise again. When this book was written in the seventies, many high-ranking Nazis may well have still been alive.
But it turned out that it wasn't quite as straight-forward as that. I don't want to give away what actually happens, though, but I did find it to be a good twist and variation on this type of story.
As is usually the case with Patterson, the story is very intensely plot-driven. There is some characterization and development, and it works, but it's almost always within the context of the fast-moving plot.
Anyway, it's an enjoyable read, exciting and entertaining. I guess I wouldn't keep reading so many Patterson novels if I didn't like his style, would I? And if the bestseller lists are any indication, I guess a lot of people agree with me.
The story follows a number of characters. One of the main characters is Doctor David Strauss. Strauss is propelled into danger when several members of his family are violently murdered. Investigation reveals a possible connection to neo-Nazis, and this is unfortunately a possibility since Strauss and his family are Jewish, as well as quite wealthy.
Strauss and his former sweetheart, Alix Rothchild, try to piece together what's happening, with help from the authorities and an experienced Nazi hunter.
But all is not as it seems.
Parts of the story follow the villains, showing them preparing their plot. This introduces an almost science fictional element to the plot, since it involves some hi-tech techniques that could be used to commit mass murder.
The trail eventually leads to the Olympic games in Moscow, 1980.
One thing I liked about this book was a twist that's revealed near the end, which I hadn't guessed at. Stories have been done before about neo-Nazism, and the idea of some attempt by former Nazis to rise again. When this book was written in the seventies, many high-ranking Nazis may well have still been alive.
But it turned out that it wasn't quite as straight-forward as that. I don't want to give away what actually happens, though, but I did find it to be a good twist and variation on this type of story.
As is usually the case with Patterson, the story is very intensely plot-driven. There is some characterization and development, and it works, but it's almost always within the context of the fast-moving plot.
Anyway, it's an enjoyable read, exciting and entertaining. I guess I wouldn't keep reading so many Patterson novels if I didn't like his style, would I? And if the bestseller lists are any indication, I guess a lot of people agree with me.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
"A Case of Conscience" by James Blish
This novel was originally published in 1958. It was different for its time, because it was a science fiction novel that dealt with religious characters and perspectives. This wasn't something that had been done in science fiction very much at the time.
Originally a novella, the novel is an expansion of the original work. The first part is the original novella, with a second part of the story added. At least, that's what I've found out with a little bit of Internet-surfing, hopefully the sources I've looked at are correct.
Father Ramon Ruiz-Sanchez is a Jesuit and a scientist, and one of a four-member team exploring a planet called Lithia. They have had some interaction with the Lithians, intelligent, bipedial reptilian creatures.
Ruiz-Sanchez and his group have the task of making recommendations about how Lithia is to be dealt with - how openly should Earth trade with Lithia, or should they not have formal relations with this planet at all, is something the characters have to discuss.
The first part of the novel doesn't actually have a lot of action - what plot there is seemed, to me, like more of a backdrop for the characters to have discussions. I'm not sure if that's common within the subgenre of science fiction crossed with religion, but you I could make similar comments about other such books I've read, like Robert J. Sawyer's "Calculating God" or Mary Doria Russell's "The Sparrow." These books have some action, but quite a lot of pages consist of long discussions - which isn't a bad thing. Far from it, I think it's wonderful when an author writes a novel that's very compelling and a good read, even without a lot of action or violence or anything. Heh, in my own attempts to write, I've often been given comments that my stories need more action, which I've tried to provide - my stories are much more brutally violent and action-packed than they used to be.
Anyway, back to "A Case of Conscience" -
Ruiz-Sanchez and his colleagues discuss the various options. Ruiz-Sanchez has had a unique opportunity to enter the home of a Lithian, and has learned more about the Lithians than anyone else. The Lithians are actually a very peaceful species, apparently without crime, violence, war - or religion. They have no concept of a God or creation at all, apparently never developed it.
Now, I don't want to give away exactly what happens or what Ruiz-Sanchez recommends, since that's one of the main points that's supposed to be a surprise for the reader.
But it's not what you might have guessed.
Or maybe you would, who knows?
Anyway, the second part of the novel focuses on what happens when Egtverchi, a Lithian born and raised on Earth, becomes a well-known public figure. Not being raised on Lithia, Egtverchi turns out to be a very different sort of character, and actually encourages violence and rioting. The story becomes increasingly violent as it continues.
In the end, Ruiz-Sanchez witnesses events that bring the action back to Lithia - well, he indirectly witnesses what happens. The climax, right at the very end of the story, brings several characters together and combines the scientific with the religious, in a way that could be seen as mere coincidence, or not - I suspect Blish meant for that question to be left open for the reader to wonder about.
Which I think is good, I often like it when a story resolves some points, but leaves ideas and questions in the reader's mind afterwards, and this novel does plenty of that.
It's a little hard to say just who I'd recommend this book to, because the first and second halves are quite different, so some people might prefer one or the other. Taken together, though, they make a whole that presents a fascinating contrast - seeing what happens to the characters in different situations allows the story to explore different sides of ideas.
Some things seemed, to me, to be clearly influenced by the times the story was written in, like how Earth has a culture in which people are used to living in underground shelters. The fifties was the era of bomb shelters, after all, and I guess it was the early sixties when the Cuban missile crisis happened.
Despite, that, though, I'd say this book stands up well over time, and is still a good read today.
Originally a novella, the novel is an expansion of the original work. The first part is the original novella, with a second part of the story added. At least, that's what I've found out with a little bit of Internet-surfing, hopefully the sources I've looked at are correct.
Father Ramon Ruiz-Sanchez is a Jesuit and a scientist, and one of a four-member team exploring a planet called Lithia. They have had some interaction with the Lithians, intelligent, bipedial reptilian creatures.
Ruiz-Sanchez and his group have the task of making recommendations about how Lithia is to be dealt with - how openly should Earth trade with Lithia, or should they not have formal relations with this planet at all, is something the characters have to discuss.
The first part of the novel doesn't actually have a lot of action - what plot there is seemed, to me, like more of a backdrop for the characters to have discussions. I'm not sure if that's common within the subgenre of science fiction crossed with religion, but you I could make similar comments about other such books I've read, like Robert J. Sawyer's "Calculating God" or Mary Doria Russell's "The Sparrow." These books have some action, but quite a lot of pages consist of long discussions - which isn't a bad thing. Far from it, I think it's wonderful when an author writes a novel that's very compelling and a good read, even without a lot of action or violence or anything. Heh, in my own attempts to write, I've often been given comments that my stories need more action, which I've tried to provide - my stories are much more brutally violent and action-packed than they used to be.
Anyway, back to "A Case of Conscience" -
Ruiz-Sanchez and his colleagues discuss the various options. Ruiz-Sanchez has had a unique opportunity to enter the home of a Lithian, and has learned more about the Lithians than anyone else. The Lithians are actually a very peaceful species, apparently without crime, violence, war - or religion. They have no concept of a God or creation at all, apparently never developed it.
Now, I don't want to give away exactly what happens or what Ruiz-Sanchez recommends, since that's one of the main points that's supposed to be a surprise for the reader.
But it's not what you might have guessed.
Or maybe you would, who knows?
Anyway, the second part of the novel focuses on what happens when Egtverchi, a Lithian born and raised on Earth, becomes a well-known public figure. Not being raised on Lithia, Egtverchi turns out to be a very different sort of character, and actually encourages violence and rioting. The story becomes increasingly violent as it continues.
In the end, Ruiz-Sanchez witnesses events that bring the action back to Lithia - well, he indirectly witnesses what happens. The climax, right at the very end of the story, brings several characters together and combines the scientific with the religious, in a way that could be seen as mere coincidence, or not - I suspect Blish meant for that question to be left open for the reader to wonder about.
Which I think is good, I often like it when a story resolves some points, but leaves ideas and questions in the reader's mind afterwards, and this novel does plenty of that.
It's a little hard to say just who I'd recommend this book to, because the first and second halves are quite different, so some people might prefer one or the other. Taken together, though, they make a whole that presents a fascinating contrast - seeing what happens to the characters in different situations allows the story to explore different sides of ideas.
Some things seemed, to me, to be clearly influenced by the times the story was written in, like how Earth has a culture in which people are used to living in underground shelters. The fifties was the era of bomb shelters, after all, and I guess it was the early sixties when the Cuban missile crisis happened.
Despite, that, though, I'd say this book stands up well over time, and is still a good read today.
"Forever Peace" by Joe Haldeman (Military Science Fiction, Spoiler Warning)
This book won the Nebula and Hugo awards for best novel in 1998. That's quite an impressive accomplishment.
Joe Haldeman was already a well-known figure in science fiction publishing, mainly for having published "The Forever War" in 1974, which also won the Nebula award in 1975 and the Hugo award in 1976. Despite what you might think from the title, though, "Forever Peace" is not a direct sequel to "The Forever War." It does, however, explore issues about war and its effects on soldiers from a different perspective.
In "Forever Peace," Julian Class is one of a group of soldiers who fight by operating "soldierboys." These are remote controlled battle machines, which allow the war to be fought by soldiers who remain safely in their homeland, hundreds of miles away from where the action is taking place.
The nanotechnology and other advances that make this possible are, however, not shared by everyone. Some countries have it, and fight against less technologically advanced nations whose people have to confront the soldierboys the old fashioned way, and fight and die themselves.
The soldiers who use the soldierboys are able to see what's happening during a battle as if they were really there, and the experiences they go through can still take an emotional toll. These experiences also tend to make soldiers bond closely between themselves, in a way that civilians can't understand.
War is also depicted as a form of entertainment. Video taken from battles is distributed for people's viewing pleasure. Some groups of soldiers even have fans who closely follow all of their battles.
In order to be able to connect to a soldierboy and work with a squad of soldiers, each individual soldier has to undergo an operation on their brain so they can "jack in." The procedure doesn't always work, though, with potentially serious consequences if it goes wrong.
(I'm going to re-iterate my spoiler warning here).
This technology, which enables one to jack in, turns out to have an ironic effect. Julian and some of his friends discover that, while it allows soldiers to communicate and literally be inside each other's heads, prolonged exposure to this linking with others can permanently make one more empathetic. And that could make it harder for a person to harm another human being. That makes them realize they may have found a tool that could bring about peace and end war at last.
That makes it a good example of a theme that runs through much of the science fiction genre. A lot ot scientific discoveries and technological innovations aren't necessarily good or evil all by themselves, but how human beings choose to use them is always the vital question.
There's another, parallel plot involving some physics experiments and an attempt to re-create the big bang, but which might have hugely destructive consequences. This threat adds more ugency to the characters' quest to change the world.
Many of the issues Haldeman brings in to this story are very real and relevant today, even though this novel is set in the future. It's a nice example of the way science fiction can show what can happen if we continue on the course we're on. The stark difference between have and have-not nations, highlighted by the way wars are fought is one example. War as a form of entertainment is something all too true - how many people are glued to their T.V. sets when a war is on? It's been that way since the Vietnam war, hasn't it? And the fact is, there is technology available today that is coming closer to making remote control war possible. Or even beyond that, automated war - there have been stories in the news recently about the use of armed robot drones in Iraq.
That's the sign of a good novel - no matter where or when it takes place, it shows us something relevant to the world today.
Joe Haldeman was already a well-known figure in science fiction publishing, mainly for having published "The Forever War" in 1974, which also won the Nebula award in 1975 and the Hugo award in 1976. Despite what you might think from the title, though, "Forever Peace" is not a direct sequel to "The Forever War." It does, however, explore issues about war and its effects on soldiers from a different perspective.
In "Forever Peace," Julian Class is one of a group of soldiers who fight by operating "soldierboys." These are remote controlled battle machines, which allow the war to be fought by soldiers who remain safely in their homeland, hundreds of miles away from where the action is taking place.
The nanotechnology and other advances that make this possible are, however, not shared by everyone. Some countries have it, and fight against less technologically advanced nations whose people have to confront the soldierboys the old fashioned way, and fight and die themselves.
The soldiers who use the soldierboys are able to see what's happening during a battle as if they were really there, and the experiences they go through can still take an emotional toll. These experiences also tend to make soldiers bond closely between themselves, in a way that civilians can't understand.
War is also depicted as a form of entertainment. Video taken from battles is distributed for people's viewing pleasure. Some groups of soldiers even have fans who closely follow all of their battles.
In order to be able to connect to a soldierboy and work with a squad of soldiers, each individual soldier has to undergo an operation on their brain so they can "jack in." The procedure doesn't always work, though, with potentially serious consequences if it goes wrong.
(I'm going to re-iterate my spoiler warning here).
This technology, which enables one to jack in, turns out to have an ironic effect. Julian and some of his friends discover that, while it allows soldiers to communicate and literally be inside each other's heads, prolonged exposure to this linking with others can permanently make one more empathetic. And that could make it harder for a person to harm another human being. That makes them realize they may have found a tool that could bring about peace and end war at last.
That makes it a good example of a theme that runs through much of the science fiction genre. A lot ot scientific discoveries and technological innovations aren't necessarily good or evil all by themselves, but how human beings choose to use them is always the vital question.
There's another, parallel plot involving some physics experiments and an attempt to re-create the big bang, but which might have hugely destructive consequences. This threat adds more ugency to the characters' quest to change the world.
Many of the issues Haldeman brings in to this story are very real and relevant today, even though this novel is set in the future. It's a nice example of the way science fiction can show what can happen if we continue on the course we're on. The stark difference between have and have-not nations, highlighted by the way wars are fought is one example. War as a form of entertainment is something all too true - how many people are glued to their T.V. sets when a war is on? It's been that way since the Vietnam war, hasn't it? And the fact is, there is technology available today that is coming closer to making remote control war possible. Or even beyond that, automated war - there have been stories in the news recently about the use of armed robot drones in Iraq.
That's the sign of a good novel - no matter where or when it takes place, it shows us something relevant to the world today.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
"The Snow Queen" by Joan D. Vinge (Science Fiction, some spoilers)
This book won the best novel Hugo award in 1981.
It's certainly science fiction, and discusses a number of scientific points in the setting. At the same time, the style of the writing and story is kind of like a fantasy novel, and according to some sources, the novel was in fact influenced by the fairy tale of the same title by Hans Christian Andersen.
The story starts on a planet called Tiamat. This planet's culture is divided into two main groups, Summers and Winters. The planet's orbit causes dramatic changes in climate to occur every 150 years, and when that happens, the Summers and Winters trade places as the ruling group, so they take turns. A queen rules the world, so there is always either a Summer Queen or a Snow Queen.
The Snow Queen, Arienrhod has some of her genetic material used to impregnate a number of Summer women. By doing so, she hopes to orchestrate the rise to power of a Summer Queen who will be her clone, not just physically but also in spirit. This is, however, done in secret, since it would be considered unethical even for the Snow Queen.
The story follows Moon, a girl, and her cousin Sparks, a boy, both Summers. The Summers are less interested in technology and progress than the Winters, and tend to live in a way more based on old traditions. Moon and Sparks are lovers. But, when Moon starts training to be a sybil, it separates her from Sparks. A sybil is someone who can enter a trance-like state that allows them to access information accumulated throughout the galaxy, and answer questions.
Sparks goes to Carbuncle, Tiamat's capital, where he ends up being found by Arienhrod - not entirely by accident - and becomes the "Starbuck," the Queen's lover. He first has to fight the old Starbuck, and win. He also has to lead the hunt for mers, creatures whose blood hold a chemical that can hold off the effects of growing old and extend life for decades.
Moon, not knowing that she is a clone of Arienrhod, finds out more about how Tiamat is being manipulated by other worlds in the galactic Hegemony. She realizes this has harmed Tiamat and wants to change it.
One thing I liked about this novel was the prose, I found it very vivid, and it made me feel like I was right there with the characters, seeing and hearing and feeling everything they did.
I found it fascinating to see how of the two characters, Moon and the Snow Queen turn out to be very different people, despite Moon being a genetic clone of Arienrhod. Raised in the summer culture, Moon has different values and does not think the same way as Arienrhod. Maybe Vinge was trying to venture an opinion on the the nature versus nurture debate, a question that's never been definitively answered.
Arienrhod seems to come across as far more selfish and manipulative. Moon seems like a person more sincerely interested in helping others and doing what she can for the greater good of everyone.
Although, there's an ironic twist in what does happen to Moon in the end - spoiler warning - just as Arienrhod wanted, Moon does become the Summer Queen. So despite their differences and Airenrhod's realization that Moon isn't the same as her, part of Airenrhod's plan does come to pass.
I also noticed how much of the behavior of the characters was defined by the setting and culture, to the point where some people are expected to make considerable sacrifices in the name of their culture. This is especially true of people who work in government, which is ironic as well because such people are often perceived as having a lot of power. But in this book, many of them come across as being very bound by customs and rules, and what the public perception of their actions will be.
This novel certainly has some strong themes, but they're explored subtly, which makes it a good read. Intelligent and thoughtful, with good characters. I found the pace to be a little bit slow, which isn't a criticism - but if you prefer more intense, fast-paced material, this might not be your favorite type of book.
There were a few things that made it seemed little dated - some things about the characters' attitudes and interactions seemed like they were influenced by the late seventies type of thinking, but not too much.
All in all, a good read.
It's certainly science fiction, and discusses a number of scientific points in the setting. At the same time, the style of the writing and story is kind of like a fantasy novel, and according to some sources, the novel was in fact influenced by the fairy tale of the same title by Hans Christian Andersen.
The story starts on a planet called Tiamat. This planet's culture is divided into two main groups, Summers and Winters. The planet's orbit causes dramatic changes in climate to occur every 150 years, and when that happens, the Summers and Winters trade places as the ruling group, so they take turns. A queen rules the world, so there is always either a Summer Queen or a Snow Queen.
The Snow Queen, Arienrhod has some of her genetic material used to impregnate a number of Summer women. By doing so, she hopes to orchestrate the rise to power of a Summer Queen who will be her clone, not just physically but also in spirit. This is, however, done in secret, since it would be considered unethical even for the Snow Queen.
The story follows Moon, a girl, and her cousin Sparks, a boy, both Summers. The Summers are less interested in technology and progress than the Winters, and tend to live in a way more based on old traditions. Moon and Sparks are lovers. But, when Moon starts training to be a sybil, it separates her from Sparks. A sybil is someone who can enter a trance-like state that allows them to access information accumulated throughout the galaxy, and answer questions.
Sparks goes to Carbuncle, Tiamat's capital, where he ends up being found by Arienhrod - not entirely by accident - and becomes the "Starbuck," the Queen's lover. He first has to fight the old Starbuck, and win. He also has to lead the hunt for mers, creatures whose blood hold a chemical that can hold off the effects of growing old and extend life for decades.
Moon, not knowing that she is a clone of Arienrhod, finds out more about how Tiamat is being manipulated by other worlds in the galactic Hegemony. She realizes this has harmed Tiamat and wants to change it.
One thing I liked about this novel was the prose, I found it very vivid, and it made me feel like I was right there with the characters, seeing and hearing and feeling everything they did.
I found it fascinating to see how of the two characters, Moon and the Snow Queen turn out to be very different people, despite Moon being a genetic clone of Arienrhod. Raised in the summer culture, Moon has different values and does not think the same way as Arienrhod. Maybe Vinge was trying to venture an opinion on the the nature versus nurture debate, a question that's never been definitively answered.
Arienrhod seems to come across as far more selfish and manipulative. Moon seems like a person more sincerely interested in helping others and doing what she can for the greater good of everyone.
Although, there's an ironic twist in what does happen to Moon in the end - spoiler warning - just as Arienrhod wanted, Moon does become the Summer Queen. So despite their differences and Airenrhod's realization that Moon isn't the same as her, part of Airenrhod's plan does come to pass.
I also noticed how much of the behavior of the characters was defined by the setting and culture, to the point where some people are expected to make considerable sacrifices in the name of their culture. This is especially true of people who work in government, which is ironic as well because such people are often perceived as having a lot of power. But in this book, many of them come across as being very bound by customs and rules, and what the public perception of their actions will be.
This novel certainly has some strong themes, but they're explored subtly, which makes it a good read. Intelligent and thoughtful, with good characters. I found the pace to be a little bit slow, which isn't a criticism - but if you prefer more intense, fast-paced material, this might not be your favorite type of book.
There were a few things that made it seemed little dated - some things about the characters' attitudes and interactions seemed like they were influenced by the late seventies type of thinking, but not too much.
All in all, a good read.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
"Fossil Hunter" by Robert J. Sawyer (Science Fiction, some spoilers)
This is an early Sawyer novel, originally published in the early nineties. It is the second book of the Quintaglio Ascension, a trilogy of books. These stories take place on an alien world inhabited by a race of intelligent dinosaurs, descended from dinosaurs from Earth.
The novel follows Toroca, son of Afsan. Afsan was the central figure in the first novel, "Far-Seer," and is also an important character in this novel. Toroca is a geologist who has made some fascinating finds in the fossil record. He also embarks on a journey that takes him to places no Quintaglio has seen before, and he finds forms of life previously unobserved.
While this is happening, Afsan must cope with the deaths of two of his children, who are found violently murdered. This is a very unique situation for two reasons. All of Afsan's children were allowed to live, which is unusual. Normally bloodpriests kill all but one hatchling from each clutch of eight eggs. Secondly, murder outside of territorial challenges is very uncommon in Quintaglio society.
But it turns out that Afsan isn't the only person whose children escaped the culling. His friend, Emperor Dybo, has living siblings. The scandal that erupts when this is exposed results in a call for a new culling, but something appropriate for adult Quintaglios, rather than the usual bloodpriest.
These three plotlines - Toroca's discoveries and the theories he develops, Afsan's investigation of the murders, and Dybo facing the culling, are all interwoven in ways that support the main theme. It's all about evolution, but more than one kind. There's natural selection, of course, but the story also grapples with the issue of deliberately guided evolution, when a society tries to steer its own direction. The ethics of this raise huge issues, difficult to contemplate. The novel shows some of the positive and negative things about the Quintaglios' particular methods of selection, but also shows why they may need to change.
The book also has some comments on other issues. Like, there's a paragraph at the end of a chapter that talks about how a leader has to do the right thing, and not just have brains and brawn. There is a lot of truth in this. Some societies throughout human history have had some of the greatest intellects and power, through superior technology. Sadly, some such societies have also been some of the most brutal and inhumane. We all marvel at ancient Roman engineering - yet this was a society that practiced crucifixion and decimation. Or consider World War II. The Nazis had technology nobody else had, because they had the engineering prowess to develop it. But what did they use it for?
Or, near the end of the book, Afsan's son Toroca is to be appointed by the emperor to a special position, which Afsan and Dybo know Toroca probably won't want. And there's a comment about how that makes him particularly qualified for the job. There's a lot of truth in that, too. Some jobs, especially those involved in serving the public, are sometimes sought by those who only want power and prestige for themselves. Those who wouldn't want such a job as much, may well be better choices, because they will try to do the job properly for the common good, not personal gain.
This book also has some nice, small touches that reflect the larger themes, like Toroca's relationship with a colleague that he hopes will become more than professional. But this proves difficult because her feelings about herself, and being different. Toroca, however, is different himself, and has come to understand the evolutionary value of genetic variability.
Obviously, genetic variability would be severely restricted by the culling. See, all the main ideas in the novel tie together so neatly, and that's one thing I always like about Sawyer.
So, once again, I read a Sawyer novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended!
The novel follows Toroca, son of Afsan. Afsan was the central figure in the first novel, "Far-Seer," and is also an important character in this novel. Toroca is a geologist who has made some fascinating finds in the fossil record. He also embarks on a journey that takes him to places no Quintaglio has seen before, and he finds forms of life previously unobserved.
While this is happening, Afsan must cope with the deaths of two of his children, who are found violently murdered. This is a very unique situation for two reasons. All of Afsan's children were allowed to live, which is unusual. Normally bloodpriests kill all but one hatchling from each clutch of eight eggs. Secondly, murder outside of territorial challenges is very uncommon in Quintaglio society.
But it turns out that Afsan isn't the only person whose children escaped the culling. His friend, Emperor Dybo, has living siblings. The scandal that erupts when this is exposed results in a call for a new culling, but something appropriate for adult Quintaglios, rather than the usual bloodpriest.
These three plotlines - Toroca's discoveries and the theories he develops, Afsan's investigation of the murders, and Dybo facing the culling, are all interwoven in ways that support the main theme. It's all about evolution, but more than one kind. There's natural selection, of course, but the story also grapples with the issue of deliberately guided evolution, when a society tries to steer its own direction. The ethics of this raise huge issues, difficult to contemplate. The novel shows some of the positive and negative things about the Quintaglios' particular methods of selection, but also shows why they may need to change.
The book also has some comments on other issues. Like, there's a paragraph at the end of a chapter that talks about how a leader has to do the right thing, and not just have brains and brawn. There is a lot of truth in this. Some societies throughout human history have had some of the greatest intellects and power, through superior technology. Sadly, some such societies have also been some of the most brutal and inhumane. We all marvel at ancient Roman engineering - yet this was a society that practiced crucifixion and decimation. Or consider World War II. The Nazis had technology nobody else had, because they had the engineering prowess to develop it. But what did they use it for?
Or, near the end of the book, Afsan's son Toroca is to be appointed by the emperor to a special position, which Afsan and Dybo know Toroca probably won't want. And there's a comment about how that makes him particularly qualified for the job. There's a lot of truth in that, too. Some jobs, especially those involved in serving the public, are sometimes sought by those who only want power and prestige for themselves. Those who wouldn't want such a job as much, may well be better choices, because they will try to do the job properly for the common good, not personal gain.
This book also has some nice, small touches that reflect the larger themes, like Toroca's relationship with a colleague that he hopes will become more than professional. But this proves difficult because her feelings about herself, and being different. Toroca, however, is different himself, and has come to understand the evolutionary value of genetic variability.
Obviously, genetic variability would be severely restricted by the culling. See, all the main ideas in the novel tie together so neatly, and that's one thing I always like about Sawyer.
So, once again, I read a Sawyer novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
"Four Blind Mice" by James Patterson (Thriller, spoilers)
This is another James Patterson thriller featuring detective Alex Cross.
Heh, I'm getting close to having read all of the Alex Cross books. There are thirteen of them so far published, with a fourteenth to come out some time next year. I've read ten of them now.
There are some things I noticed about this novel that are different, compared to the other Cross novels. It is typical for a Cross novel to be told from two points of view. Chapters told from the point of view of Cross are told in the first person. Other chapters are told in the third person, from the viewpoint of the villain.
In this novel, that is still the case, although there are some chapters told in the third person from John Sampson's point of view. Sampson is Cross's best friend, who he's known since they were both little kids.
Sampson asks for Cross's help in a case involving Ellis Cooper, who Sampson knew in the army. Cooper is a good friend of Sampson's, and is soon to be executed for a horrific triple murder he insists he didn't commit.
Cross and Sampson meet Cooper, and start looking into the case. They soon realize that there might be a lot more to the story than anyone's realized at first.
The trail leads them to clues, including a witness who saw three people outside the house where the murders took place, on the night of the killings.
Other clues they find come from a mysterious source, someone who goes by the name "Foot Soldier," and starts sending Cross mysterious e-mails dropping hints about possible leads.
Meanwhile, three men, all veterans of Vietnam, commit murders for fun and sport, and other times do it for big money. But there's one thing they don't know, and that's the identity of their employer. Whoever's paying them always works through intermediaries and remains anonymous.
The villains Patterson creates in this one are as nasty as any he's dreamed up. These people consider killing a kind of game, something that gives them excitement and an adrenaline rush. It's a real pleasure to them.
This novel has the typical marks of an Alex Cross novel - lots of action, plot twists, and no dull moments.
There were a few things I would have preferred Patterson handled differently. There were a few parts where Cross makes a lucky guess based on kind of vague information, and happens to get on the right track. I would have preferred more detail about clever police work being used to solve the problems.
On the positive side, though, there are some real surprises here. One scene early in the novel was a real shocker to me, and made me realize this book wouldn't follow the more predictable plot that I would have expected.
Obviously, I keep reading this Alex Cross novels, and I like them. Mainly because Patterson's writing style is so lucid, and exciting, they're very addictive. I'm sure I'll be reading more of his stuff. I need to read "Roses Are Red," then I'll have read all of the old ones, with just "Cross" and "Double Cross" yet to read, which came out within the past year. And the new novel won't be out until some time next year. I'll look forward to it.
Heh, I'm getting close to having read all of the Alex Cross books. There are thirteen of them so far published, with a fourteenth to come out some time next year. I've read ten of them now.
There are some things I noticed about this novel that are different, compared to the other Cross novels. It is typical for a Cross novel to be told from two points of view. Chapters told from the point of view of Cross are told in the first person. Other chapters are told in the third person, from the viewpoint of the villain.
In this novel, that is still the case, although there are some chapters told in the third person from John Sampson's point of view. Sampson is Cross's best friend, who he's known since they were both little kids.
Sampson asks for Cross's help in a case involving Ellis Cooper, who Sampson knew in the army. Cooper is a good friend of Sampson's, and is soon to be executed for a horrific triple murder he insists he didn't commit.
Cross and Sampson meet Cooper, and start looking into the case. They soon realize that there might be a lot more to the story than anyone's realized at first.
The trail leads them to clues, including a witness who saw three people outside the house where the murders took place, on the night of the killings.
Other clues they find come from a mysterious source, someone who goes by the name "Foot Soldier," and starts sending Cross mysterious e-mails dropping hints about possible leads.
Meanwhile, three men, all veterans of Vietnam, commit murders for fun and sport, and other times do it for big money. But there's one thing they don't know, and that's the identity of their employer. Whoever's paying them always works through intermediaries and remains anonymous.
The villains Patterson creates in this one are as nasty as any he's dreamed up. These people consider killing a kind of game, something that gives them excitement and an adrenaline rush. It's a real pleasure to them.
This novel has the typical marks of an Alex Cross novel - lots of action, plot twists, and no dull moments.
There were a few things I would have preferred Patterson handled differently. There were a few parts where Cross makes a lucky guess based on kind of vague information, and happens to get on the right track. I would have preferred more detail about clever police work being used to solve the problems.
On the positive side, though, there are some real surprises here. One scene early in the novel was a real shocker to me, and made me realize this book wouldn't follow the more predictable plot that I would have expected.
Obviously, I keep reading this Alex Cross novels, and I like them. Mainly because Patterson's writing style is so lucid, and exciting, they're very addictive. I'm sure I'll be reading more of his stuff. I need to read "Roses Are Red," then I'll have read all of the old ones, with just "Cross" and "Double Cross" yet to read, which came out within the past year. And the new novel won't be out until some time next year. I'll look forward to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
