EW looks at the latest in science fiction books
COYOTE FRONTIER Allen Steele (Ace, $24.95)
Colonists on planet Coyote
repelled attackers from Earth decades ago, but now Earth's
overpopulation has made settlement of distant Coyote a priority. The Fate of the World Rests On... the activation of stargates that put Coyote just seconds away from Earth. Political Scorecard Coyote's leader visits the United Nations (relocated to London) to sue
for recognition of his nation. Lowdown The smart finale to Steele's Coyote trilogy delivers a rich blend of
personal and political storytelling. A-
THE ROSETTA CODEX Richard Paul Russo (Ace, $14.95)
Journeying to the
lone city on Conrad's World, orphaned slave Cale Alexandros discovers a
way to help revive an extinct alien race. The Fate of the World Rests On... control of a metallic-paged book with the recipe to resurrect the
species. Political Scorecard Human First conservatives want to let the sleeping species lie, while
neo-liberals support interstellar diversity. Lowdown This engaging Joseph Campbell-esque hero's quest overlooks the most
crucial ingredient: a compelling hero. B-
LEARNING THE WORLD Ken MacLeod (Tor, $24.95)
In orbit above the
Earth — like planet Destiny II, the human inhabitants of the starship But the Sky, My Lady! The Sky! argue about a novel obstacle to their
colonial ambitions: intelligent life. The Fate of the World Rests On... the aliens' treatment of their slave-like subordinates, the trudges. Political Scorecard Inter-ship fractionalization threatens to thwart their shared mission. Lowdown A compelling first-contact scenario, but MacLeod's confusing characters
lead to a lackluster close encounter. B
COUNTING HEADS David Marusek (Tor, $24.95)
It's 2134 and life on Earth
is so good — nanotechnology has eliminated inconveniences like old age and
poor health — that the only work left is to fight over who gets to enjoy
it. The Fate of the World Rests On... the cryonically frozen head of the one person who can prevent global
domination by an evil oligarchy. Political Scorecard Universal-health-care advocates battle pay-as-you-go neocons. Lowdown In a standout debut, Marusek pushes the service economy to its painful
limits. A-
