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!
Note: cover graphic used with author's permission
Title: Crisis on DoonaThe twenty-five year limit on the cohabitation contract between the Humans (Hayumans) and Hrrubans has arrived. Those most affected by its cessation, the Doonans themselves, have learned to live with their alien neighbors and want the contract renewed indefinitely. Unfortunately, it is their homeworld's governments' decision to make, and there are those of both races determined to see all efforts at renewal undermined, undone, and utterly destroyed. Some are simply xenophobes unwilling to trust another space-faring race. Others are militaristic egomaniacs determined to eliminate the competition for colonizable worlds and become the dominate species in that sector of space. The main obstacle to all plans are two of the best known Doonans, Todd Reeve and Hrriss son of Hrresstan, so the goal is to discredit the two young people and thereby discredit the entire colony. The conspiracy encompasses years of planning and long-burning hatreds. Can the Doonans, Hayuman and Hrruban alike, find the proof they need to justify their continued existence?
Twenty-three years after first publishing Decision at Doona, Anne McCaffrey has joined pens with Jody Lynn Nye to return to that pastoral world. The conflict this time is more pervasive and invasive than that found in the first Doona book, but it is no less substantial or captivating. The goals at stake are worthy ones, and since the characters are so well-suited and situated to attain them, the all-encompassing, ever-present conspiracy is a definite must. The friendship established between the two groups of Doonan settlers continues to endure, giving the reader just one more reason to desire a renewal of the settlement contract.
I have no idea which part of the novel grew from which author, but as a whole Crisis on Doona is an impressive work that easily bridges the twenty-three year (real-time) and twenty-five year (book-time) gaps. The characters remain as interesting and intriguing as they initially did, but more so because such figures as Todd Hrriss now have more dimensions to them that were naturally lacking in the young children they were in the first book. Of course, being able to slip inside their minds this time around helped immensely as well. The heavy presence of two women--Todd's and Hrriss' intendeds--further improved the text. I especially liked the scene when Kelly Solinari emerged from a shipping crate covered with surgical gloves thanks to static electricity.
This book is definitely a must-read, and not simply because it is the second in a set. Anne McCaffrey is an excellent writer with many books to her name, and I know Jody Lynn Nye to be similarly endowed with creativity and imagination. After reading Crisis on Doona you'll know why I'm determined to read everything that both writers have produced.
Buy this book in 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