Robert R. Chase (1948–2025)

The main character awakes with no memory in a world where humans are owned and controlled by powerful aquatic aliens.

This is a very cool book with great sci fi ideas and pretty solid writing. I was very excited as I started it and got into the world. But, unfortunately the plot kind of peters out in the last half, with more focus on action. There is a reasonably satisfying resolution, but the end felt rushed. I could have gone for 100 more pages.

"Benedict paused as if contemplating the full extent of the scene he had described. 'Nobody wanted war. All were acting in what they perceived to be their best interests. Yet their perceptions were so warped by their sins — you don't like that word, Chiang. Most of us don't. Perhaps I should date my conversion from the instant I realized that moral theology gave a more accurate account of human conduct than any school of psychology, because it understood that the basis of evil is show more intentional self-delusion.'"

Not exactly the sort of statement that we are used to reading in science fiction, is it? However, this riveting book has the Church and Catholic teachings in the background the entire time, although they are rarely expounded upon as in the above excerpt.

Jon Lei Chiang, a powerful leader, kidnaps the last of the specially enhanced Multi-Neural Capacitants, Paul Niccolo Renard. Renard had joined an order of terraforming monks as Brother Benedict which is the first of the unexpected twists that Chiang experiences. In indenture to Chiang, Benedict must help him win a war against both his political enemies and also against the Bestials who are warring with human civilization. The Bestials also are "enhanced" humans who have been changed so much that there is much argument over whether they can be considered to be human or not.

This book covers much ground with many plot twists that are surprisingly timely, especially considering the current debates over manipulation of genetics. I found the last twist to be rather predictable but it is still a good read for all that. Definitely recommended. show less

My favorites were:

"The Ghosts of Mars" (novella) by Dominica Phetteplace. Colonists left Mars to get cancer treatments back on Earth, but teenage girl is left behind because her genetic mods make her impervious to cancer but unable to survive Earth's gravity.

"Neptune Acres" by Robert R. Chase. Human attempts to tame the ocean and build expensive property near (or in!) the waves are doomed, but that will never stop real-estate tycoons! Would you risk your life to save a dolphin? (I'd like to show more think I would but I haven't been tested.)

"The Death of the Hind" by Kevin J. Anderson and Rick Wilber. The title made me think of Hind Rajab :-( but that tragedy hadn't happened yet when this story was published. Rapidly failing generation ship with rogue AI finally reaches Goldilocks zone planet, but the planet seems very inhospitable. Boy with Down Syndrome torn between family members with opposing views.

"The Disgrace of the Commodore" by Marguerite Sheffer. Too peaceable to be command a sloop, the commodore who was struck off the navy list is in purgatory, in the hold of his own former ship.

"In the Days After" by Frank Ward.
50 years ago, a strange disaster stuck a few people at whatever age they were at the time. Shunned for being "immortal," a woman pays an official visit to a family with even more unusual circumstances.

"Blade and Bone" by Paul McAuley. Battles on Mars; ancient artifacts have a mind of their own. show less

After first contact, humanity's ambassador to the aliens must decipher their psychology. Entertaining alien communication story.