Aspect, May 2004, 24.95, 343 pp. ISBN 0446529834 On the planet of No-Moon, the dominant sentient life form is an aquatic squid known as a polypoid and they are all males. The females who they mate with are coral known as reefwives. The reef is a collective conscious being, aware that coming soon is a space armada belonging to the Cosmic Unity, a religion that preaches kindness, benevolence, and love. The reef is aware of the true purpose of Cosmic Unity and makes arrangements to get their husbands off planet with the help of the Neanderthals. They land on Aquifer and the males are put in a special salt water environment but unknown to them or the Neanderthals, Cosmic Unity has a topic secret base on the planet. Servant of Unity XIV Samuel is a devoted member of Cosmic Unity who obeys his superiors as he rises in the hierarchy. However, Sam sees that the church does not practice what it preaches and begins to doubt that the religion is any thing but evil. Sam and polypoid Second Best Sailor conclude they must stop the invasion of No-Moons. HEAVEN is a philosophical compilation woven into a cerebral speculative fiction that compels reader to ponder concepts and ideas put forth by the authors. COSMIC UNITY is a religion that is determined to spread its beliefs to all sentient life forms using whatever means necessary to attain its goals. The two protagonists of HEAVEN, especially Sam, are willing to risk their lives to stop the invasion of No-Moon, making them true heroes. Harriet Klausner | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Religious overtones? Yes Cultural problems, alien culture Yes Culture clash- - one culture tries to impose its culture on another group Descript. of chases or violence - 10 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Main Adversary Identity: - an organization How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - an average amount How sensitive is this character? Setting A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society Planet outside solar system? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only) - a moderate amount of scientific explanation How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript |