This is a multi-faceted story exploring the advancement of human society several hundred years in the future. It is a techno-heavy story. It has an ostensible framework based on war, and has several rather interesting concepts. But it is truly an exploration of society and how we may develop. There is an underlying humanitarian edge to the main character as well. Overall a really really enjoyable story.
This report prepared by Wes Monkey
An excellent telling of a future that has gone corporate and business drives most of the decisions and actions of the "bad guys"
This report prepared by William Rawls
Aspect, Mar 2002, 25.95, 630 pp.
ISBN: 0446527084
In the twenty-fifth century, after serving twenty years as a mercenary plundering planetary colonies for his employer the Zantiu-Braun Corporation, has left a wary Skin Lawrence Newton without a dream except for buying back his contract. The latest looting of Zantiu-Braun Third Fleet including Lawrence is the Thrallspring. However, to the Skin's and their parent company's shock, a planetary resistance led by schoolteacher Denise Ebourn proves reasonably successful.
Lawrence soon learns that the planet contains special alien technology not included on the firm's asset loot list. One Particular item that would enable him to traverse the time and space continuum to correct a misdeed from his past interests Lawrence. However, he must deal with Denise and her freedom fighters as well as hide his plan to take care of himself while thwarting his employer's latest value cleansing.
Peter Hamilton is at his best with this complex interplanetary thriller. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action that never ceases yet Thrallspring and the key characters seem genuine because they are fully developed and three-dimensional. Readers feel Lawrence's frustration and bone wariness while understanding Denise's ferocious loyalty and need to protect her planet's people and assets from the invaders. FALLEN DRAGON is futuristic science fiction at its most intelligent, speculative, and exciting best.
Harriet Klausner
This report prepared by Harriet Klausner
