The Silicon Dagger, Jack Williamson, Tor Books, 1999
Alden Kirk is an investigative journalist and author of "Terror in America". It's a look at the rise of the Far Right and domestic militias brought about by rapid societal changes brought about by computer technology, and the erosion of personal liberties. Instead of writing about all of America, Kirk focused on one piece of rural Kentucky called McAdam County. He named names and held back nothing. For his trouble, Kirk received a letter bomb.
His brother, Clay Barstow, goes to McAdam County to find the identity of the bomber, to see about completing Kirk's unfinished sequel, and as an unofficial FBI agent. Kirk got wind of something Huge in the works, and considering the strength of the Far Right, the government is worried. Along the way, Barstow is falsely accused of a couple of murders and several acts of terrorism.
After being a published author for more than 70 years, one might wonder if Williamson has still "got it" as a science fiction writer. If this book is any indication, Williamson has still "got it", and then some. This is a well-done look at the battle between technology and individual rights and liberties; technology is winning. The author does a very good job at presenting the Far Right/militia view of the world. Strongly recommended.
Showing posts with label williamson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label williamson. Show all posts
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Lifeburst
Lifeburst, Jack Williamson, Del Rey Books, 1984
The Seekers were cyborg war machines in a war eons ago. They subsisted on a diet of heavy metals, the more radioactive, the better, and destroyed all life in their paths, including their creators. Now a pregnant Seeker has made a nest in the solar system's asteroid belt.
Meantime, in the mid 2100s, Earth is totally ruled by the Sun Corporation. There are two kinds of people on Earth: those who have been genetically tested on their ability to withstand long periods in outer space, and those who are not so lucky.
Quin Dain is one of the unlucky ones. Having spent his whole life at a research station on an asteroid in the Oort Cloud, far beyond Pluto, he wants nothing more than to actually walk on Earth. One of the factions fighting for control of the Sun Corporation is totally convinced there is no such thing as aliens, so the research station is closed. The people there decide to go it alone, and send Quin to Earth to bring back a new type of fusion engine to power the station.
Williamson has been publishing for more than 70 (that's right, 70) years, so he really knows how to tell a story. This is a strong, well done and quite satisfying novel.
The Seekers were cyborg war machines in a war eons ago. They subsisted on a diet of heavy metals, the more radioactive, the better, and destroyed all life in their paths, including their creators. Now a pregnant Seeker has made a nest in the solar system's asteroid belt.
Meantime, in the mid 2100s, Earth is totally ruled by the Sun Corporation. There are two kinds of people on Earth: those who have been genetically tested on their ability to withstand long periods in outer space, and those who are not so lucky.
Quin Dain is one of the unlucky ones. Having spent his whole life at a research station on an asteroid in the Oort Cloud, far beyond Pluto, he wants nothing more than to actually walk on Earth. One of the factions fighting for control of the Sun Corporation is totally convinced there is no such thing as aliens, so the research station is closed. The people there decide to go it alone, and send Quin to Earth to bring back a new type of fusion engine to power the station.
Williamson has been publishing for more than 70 (that's right, 70) years, so he really knows how to tell a story. This is a strong, well done and quite satisfying novel.
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