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!
Kenneth "Kip" Brewster, resident of Starswarm Station on planet Paradise, has a special secret that he's shared with no one, not even Uncle Mike, the man who raised him after his parents died: that he talks to someone named Gwen who communicates with him in his mind where only he can hear her. Gwen helps him in ways Uncle Mike can't imagine, like advancing his education far beyond what friends his own age receive. Through his link to Gwen, Kip can access just about any information he needs, including some of the most restricted files in the planet's computer system. And that's a good thing, because Gwen and Uncle Mike are keeping secrets, too, and Kip must decipher them all before corporate executives from Earth discover his true identity and before a Starswarm, a native species of Paradise, can exact a terrible vengeance on those it believes have done wrong to it and its kind: humans!
How does that line from Hamlet go? "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Could you conceive of the most intelligent life form on the planet being something that resembles nothing more than a uniquely evolved plant that nonetheless has the ability to process and store information like a computer? I would never have thought of it, but Jerry Pournelle's book has given me the opportunity to explore the possibility. It is a truly impressive one, and the premise goes far in advancing the book's other plot, that of the struggle for economic supremacy.
Okay, so maybe an ungracious reader might argue that the whole thing amounts to little more than a hidden king story, where the king--in this case, Kip--has a guardian angel of sorts and has more authority yielded to him, however unconsciously, because he is the king. Well, so? I learned long ago that it isn't the basic story being told that's interesting, it is how the story is being told. And the way Starswarm tells the hidden king story is amazing, impressive, and absolutely enjoyable!
This is the first book of Pournelle's I've ever read, but I think I'll give his other books a try. If their writing demonstrates even half the caliber of that found in Starswarm, then they will be every bit as enjoyable! And be sure: when I read it, I'll review it!
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