Book Review: “Proteus in the Underworld” by Charles Sheffield

This is the third book in this series by Charles Sheffield. It is set in a world where technology allows humans to change their bodies in myriad ways. Some of those ways are stable and legal, others are unstable, and still others are illegal. Some forms die quickly, while others can last for centuries. This technology is so integral to human society that it defines whether an infant is human or not. Using this technology and advances in space flight Humanity has colonized the entire solar system, all the way out to the Oort Cloud (Cloudland).

The story opens on a problem. The “Humanity Test” has failed in the independent colonies of the Kuiper Belt. A creature was born to human parents, but it lacks the ability to think. More importantly it lacks the ability to interact with the form change technology. The problem has been assigned to Sondra Dearborn, it is her job to find out why feral forms passed the humanity test. She approaches her distant relative, Bey Wolf, for help with the problem.

He refuses to help her, but the visit alone disturbs the forces that caused the humanity test to fail. As Sondra visits the Kuiper Belt and sees several unique cultures that rely on form change technology, Bey is decoyed to Mars in a needless effort to distract him from Sondra’s problem. Ultimately the effort backfires, as Bey finds the motive for breaking the humanity test in the Underworld on Mars.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable book. There are occasional references to the previous books, but not so much that reading them is required to enjoy this one. The dialogue is enjoyable, the characters interesting, and the premise thoroughly intriguing.

Book Review: “Dinosaur Planet Survivors” by Anne McCaffrey

This is the sequel or, perhaps more accurately, the continuation of “Dinosaur Planet”. It picks up with Kai being woken up Tor, which follows naturally from the end of the last book. As the story advances the “light weight” crew sets out to figure out what has happened, how long they have been asleep, and generally picking up where they left of.

This book is rather better than the first book, in part because it follows fewer threads. It also doesn’t have the uncertainty that exists throughout “Dinosaur Planet”.

All in all it is a mildly interesting story detailing an episode too quickly passed through in Sassinak’s story.

Book Review: “Dinosaur Planet” by Anne McCaffrey

This short novel from the Universe of the Federated Sentient Planets by Anne McCaffrey follows the adventure of a group of explorers from the EEC as they explore a planet called Ireta. The planet has a noxious atmosphere, smelling like rotten eggs, and has dozens of anomalies. One of the most striking anomalies is the existence of creatures that look like dinosaurs.

The story is simple, easy reading. What plot there is combines exploration with mutiny. Overall it is a blandly, mild book of little interest except as setup for the next book and Sassinak’s story.

Book Review: “All the Weyrs of Pern” by Anne McCaffrey

This story takes place in the 9th pass with Lessa and F’lar as the Weyrleaders of Benden Weyr. It follows immediately on one of her other books, “Renegades of Pern” I think, where the AIVIS (Artificial Intelligence Voice Address System).

This story occasionally makes me think of the 60’s and 70’s in the US. There is the “Apollo” program that promises to get rid of Thread. There is the civil unrest because of changing circumstances, new “Aivis” devices in this case. There are the repeated attacks on important figures like Lord Jaxom and Masterharper Robinton.

All in all an enjoyable and epic story.

Book Review: “Dragonseye” by Anne McCaffrey

This book by Anne McCaffrey is set on Pern just before the start of the Second Pass. A number of minor plotlines are woven together. Lord Chalkin of Bitra Hold doesn’t believe, and doesn’t want to believe that Thread is about to fall. Iantine is an aspiring artist looking to begin his career. Debera leaves her family to Impress a green dragon at Telgar Weyr, which is lead by K’vin and Zulaya. Clisser is leading the College into the new pass and trying to preserve what must be preserved. Lord Paulin of Fort heads the Council as most of Pern prepares to meet Thread.

By the end of the book Chalkin has been impeached and exiled. Iantine has gained a reputation as a skilled portraitist and won the heart of Debera. The Eye, Finger, and Star rocks have been designed, and their placement on each Weyr has been established. This quote from the end of the book pretty well sums up the emotion, “What a time to be alive…”

All in all the action is simple and the physical challenges rather easily overcome for the protagonists. The politicking and personal interactions on the other hand…

It is an enjoyable story with only one obvious anachronism. It is said that the AIVIS turned itself off, despite that event not happening for another 2000 Turns.

Book Review: “Murrow: his life and times” by A.M Specter

This 700 page book focuses on Edward Roscoe Murrow, the radio and tv newsman. It begins with a brief sketch of Murrow’s parents and grandparents. The book goes through his childhood, his years working for the International Institute of Education, and then through his many years working for CBS.

It’s a fascinating book full of interesting details, from the importance of his college speech prof, to the way McCarthy threatened him. I’d say more but then I’d be going on for quite a while.

Well worth reading.

Poem for the day

At bedtime

Weariness leans on tired eyes,
the soft bed hints on sweet delights,
the moon softly lights the way.

Dreams their perfumed smokes unfurl,
adding to the weight, whispering of joy.