 |
The crew of the Delphi, made up primarily of Solarian androids aside from Siaree, the human empath, and Ezekiel, who has an android body but a brain copied from a human, embark on their next mission of peace. After the mining operation by Fesgard the Travolian was stopped in the Trappist-1 system, the Delphi travels to the planet Travoli itself to make contact with the people there and tell their side of the story. When a message from Fesgard reaches Travoli warning of a strange asteroid that made his entire crew go mad, it's up to the Delphi, with its faster-than-light travel and almost entirely robotic crew, to investigate. What mysteries this asteroid holds, whether the slippery Fesgard is telling the truth, and what it all means about a race's hopes for survival is up to the brave crew of the Delphi to discover.
In the style of classic episodic science fiction, this story opens in a way that builds on and expands upon its predecessors without excluding readers who may have missed one or both of the other books in the series. Though the Delphi's crew are robotic, they have such range in their specializations and approaches to situations that it creates a true ensemble that offers something for everybody. Even long-time fans of the genre will find twists and unexpected outcomes that will keep their eyes locked and their enthusiasm high. The imaginative leaps and high concepts are supported and lifted by airtight pacing and a familiarity with the medium that emphasizes entertainment over explanation. Fans of hard sci-fi will have more than enough meat to sink their teeth into with this one, while those looking for a foothold won't be left behind by this high-stakes but ultimately diplomatic journey.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review