Scan barcode
branch_c's review
4.0
While this and the subsequent Metaconcert are clearly a prologue to the upcoming main events of the later books, this story serves the purpose well, taking the reader from the first hints of humanity's widespread psychic abilities in the 40s and 50s up to 1992 (the near future at the time the book was written).
It has a pseudo-scientific "woo"-ish feel to it, since the setting is more or less contemporary Earth, and an alternate history is being developed that needs to establish psychic metafaculties as truth.
As a standalone story, I might not have been impressed with this tale of a motley collection of random individuals around the world developing their powers, for good and bad. The intermingling of this development with the worlds of politics, academics, science, and crime is almost too mundane to be interesting.
As a building block in the larger saga, however, this piece fits perfectly, and May's writing shines here almost as brightly as in the Pliocene books. The choice of a Remillard on the sidelines rather than one of the major players as the chronicler of this history was a fine idea, and it's masterfully done, with equal parts drama and humor.
It has a pseudo-scientific "woo"-ish feel to it, since the setting is more or less contemporary Earth, and an alternate history is being developed that needs to establish psychic metafaculties as truth.
As a standalone story, I might not have been impressed with this tale of a motley collection of random individuals around the world developing their powers, for good and bad. The intermingling of this development with the worlds of politics, academics, science, and crime is almost too mundane to be interesting.
As a building block in the larger saga, however, this piece fits perfectly, and May's writing shines here almost as brightly as in the Pliocene books. The choice of a Remillard on the sidelines rather than one of the major players as the chronicler of this history was a fine idea, and it's masterfully done, with equal parts drama and humor.
laileanah's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
This was written in the late 80s as part of a bridge duology connecting two related series first started in the early 80s.
It bears many of the hallmarks of fantasty/sci-fi crossover that existed in that time period in this genre.
I enjoy the writing, light, interesting with unique aliens, and just adore Uncle Rogi.
My only complaint would be that I find this mid-series duology a bit slow, dry, and not an engrossing as either Pliocene Exile series, which precedes this duology nor the The Galactic Milieu trilogy which follows it.
This also introduces most of The Remillard Clan, a family that is pivotal in the alien contact, which is central to the duology and the entire extended series.
This duology does offer crucial background information that fleshes out the previous Pliocene Exile series as well as provides pertinent background information for the following Galactic Milieu trilogy.
Though it definitely fits the era in which this was published, this features largely white characters. Furthermore, it has a troubling premise, which is that powerful telepathy is restricted to a few European branches and pretty much individually in other racial populations.
There's dated and colonial views of formerly colonized nations.
Some uncomfortable focus on genes and bloodlines, to the extent of inbreeding. It's probably common when this was written dated and a tad fascist & dated now.
It bears many of the hallmarks of fantasty/sci-fi crossover that existed in that time period in this genre.
I enjoy the writing, light, interesting with unique aliens, and just adore Uncle Rogi.
My only complaint would be that I find this mid-series duology a bit slow, dry, and not an engrossing as either Pliocene Exile series, which precedes this duology nor the The Galactic Milieu trilogy which follows it.
This also introduces most of The Remillard Clan, a family that is pivotal in the alien contact, which is central to the duology and the entire extended series.
This duology does offer crucial background information that fleshes out the previous Pliocene Exile series as well as provides pertinent background information for the following Galactic Milieu trilogy.
Though it definitely fits the era in which this was published, this features largely white characters. Furthermore, it has a troubling premise, which is that powerful telepathy is restricted to a few European branches and pretty much individually in other racial populations.
There's dated and colonial views of formerly colonized nations.
Some uncomfortable focus on genes and bloodlines, to the extent of inbreeding. It's probably common when this was written dated and a tad fascist & dated now.
domesticat's review
On loan from Jacob. Struggled with some jargon early but eventually caught the rhythm. Ends on a massive cliffhanger.
More...