The Paradise Game

The fourth iteration of the Hooded Swan series, and probably my favourite since the first.
A beautiful unspoiled paradise world is the setting for this tale, and as hinted in the cover flap’s synopsis, there is a hidden danger for the human interlopers.
The action and the story progression is succinct and well paced with no unnecessary padding at a nice 158 pages. The mystery is a biological intrigue, which plays to the author’s strengths, and the resolution is thoughtful, believable and satisfying.
Grainger shows a refreshing maturity in his development with the Wind, even if his relationship with others is still problematic. Having said that, he does show some emotional growth in his attitude towards at least two of his crew show more mates.
An excellent example of space opera that embraces the internal values of the author in a way that enhances, as opposed to others that are poorly constructed opinion pieces. show less

Another excellent SF tale in the Space Pilot Grainger series that does what SF does best - make you think about the human condition. When a world of Eden-like qualities is discovered Grainger and team are sent in to investigate. Stableford puts forward some fascinating xeno-biology concepts as well as examining the politics and aggressions of humanity as a species. But the later part that reveals corporations that operate outside government control, and the sudden appearance of a virus driven plague that people won’t believe in - that seemed a bit far fetched!!

Hooded Swan 4

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