Line and Orbit
by Sunny Moraine, Lisa Soem
science fiction
copyright 2014
read in June 2016
rated 6/10: read to pass the time
On the front cover of this book it says, "the perfect read for the sci-fi lovers out there." Okay, so I've categorised it as, "science fiction". Though I have also read that "sci-fi" is used by reviewers who are not familiar with science fiction.
It's in space ships and on alien planets. It's science fiction. It is also a gaychicklit fantasy science fiction romance for new age hippies who believe in both the mystic self-healing powers of the mind and free love across all gender varieties. But I don't have that as one of my simplistic categories.
The message is nice but old: science equals trouble, drug and peace fuelled mysticism will bring us all together for a stronger and happier future. It's a literary equivalent of the Mamas and the Papas believing that we could bring world peace through dancing in the streets.
It's a pleasant story with likeable characters. Only one real villain and a happy ending (no surprise there) for everyone else. Though I do get a bit tired of the temperamental, pouting, petting heroes. That's the "gaychicklit romance" aspect of the book, for those who like to be warned in advance.
There are plenty of books where mind power proves superior to hard science. Line and Orbit is good in that it shows the positives of both approaches to civilisation. Okay, the science civilisation is a typical utopia with cruel treatment of those who do not fit the pattern. Yet those who fit in do have a good life... till they suddenly die.
Don't read this the wrong way but this book is almost "worthy": a worthy attempt to present an alternative to our western, hierarchical, patriarchical, science-based civilisation. A very pleasant -- worthwhile -- alternative. Just with no instructions on how to get from "here" to "there".
The background technology is good. No explanations but easily acceptable. Like our own technology, it just works. No need to understand how. Some is interesting and unbelieveable but the plot does not demand that we believe it, just accept it.
Just after half way through and the book is beginning to drag. The action has been slow but steady. Now it slows down, to allow the hero to discover both love and himself. (Or something.) This is when the lovers' inevitable love and long lingering looks at the curving line of a jaw... become a bit tedious.
But not for long.
The mental powers are unbelieveable but no more than expected. They save the day and that is fine by me. Actually, mind powers save the future day. The conflict that climaxes the book is resolved by sensible people doing sensible things.
It's a pleasant book. Mostly easy to read. Science fiction but from a less used point of view. Nothing exciting. Worth reading, to pass the time.
====
Dr Nick Lethbridge / Agamedes Consulting
====
"Talk is cheap, because supply exceeds demand." … per Ginger Meggs
No comments:
Post a Comment