Welcome to the land of wonders, where time travel is possible, space travel a reality, and "what ifs" come to life. Join me as I explore new worlds--and old ones--filled with scientific wonders, new civilizations, and strange new mysteries to consider.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
In a universe where science and technology have enabled children born with defects and deformations to become theoretically immortal by connecting them to starships, space stations, and huge cities, who'd believe in something like magic? Yet, on a far distant planet in a region of space previously unexplored by modern resources, Carialle and Keff--designated CK-963--have found a race of mages who both take care of and suppress the population of their planet. Now, Carialle and Keff's abilities are put to the test as they pit science against sorcery in a battle for control and survival. And that's before they even begin to recognize who the true indigenous planetary sentients are!
The Ship Who Won takes the story of the brains and brawns in a different direction than the other books did. Rather than dealing with the remnants of past civilizations or the conflicts of the here and now, this book accompanies a B&B team into a "first contact" situation. As anybody who's read sci-fi knows, those FC missions can be delicate and dangerous, and this one proves to be no different.
What really impresses me isn't the melding of fantasy and science fiction. No, what amazes me is the facet of their beings that makes Carialle and Keff so perfect for this first contact, even if they hadn't anticipated its value. What amazes me is the Role Playing Game, Myths and Legends, that the two use to shape their free time. Who'd ever guess that people living so far ahead in the future could play a fantasy RPG the way they do nowadays? I think it's way cool to include such a "throwback" to the times when people resorted to fantasy for an escape from mundane reality.
The Ship Who Won may seem long, but following the adventures of Carialle and Keff from the accident that brought them together to the final resolution of their mission is a joy. So, whether you're reading it for the fantasy and accepting the sci-fi or reading it for the sci-fi and ignoring the fantasy or reading it for both, you'll definitely want to complete it!
Buy this book in hardcover or paperback or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.
Looking for something that's no longer there? Check in the Archive to search for it.
Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.
Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews
Get your own Free Home Page