5 stars for Undercity (Major Bhaajan book 1) by Catherine Asaro.
It has been a long time since a science fiction novel - or better yet, series - sweeps me off my feet.
I chanced upon this book last month during one of my Sunday visits to the library. I borrowed it because it is written in first person and the writing style seems to suit my reading whims, at least from what I glimpse on the first two pages, well, that and the futuristic vibes I glean from the book cover that looks ready to propel me into an alternate world, one which I so love and will gladly stay put in if it is even possible.
Undercity is a story with a straightforward plot. No gimmicks, period. The protagonist, Major Bhaajan, is hired to do a job, a handsomely paid one, to look for a missing person. Since it sounds so simple, what makes this book so good to earn itself a 5-star rating? It is the rich imagination, the engaging plot, the execution of the story, the complexity of the world-building, the depth of the characters and the ensuing development. Not only is it not dry as a space fiction novel, this book encompasses elements of mystery and suspense, romance and even a dash of lighthearted humor. It is literally a gift to fans of science fiction literature.
The author uses impressive imagery, intriguing science and tech-mech to spin a drama set in a vast star empire. To name but a few, there is star travel, space travel, interstellar civilisation, nanomed tech, augmented human capabilities, extrasensory communcations, evolving intelligence (EI as opposed to AI), tech-mech arms, beetle bots, laser carbines, pulse revolvers, IR vision. The world building reaches far and wide with no lack of action and adventure. Yes, there are fightings and killings, grief and pain and death, but there are also reconciliations and fence-mending, triumph and joy and births.
Undercity is everything a good science fiction fantasy novel should have and then some. I am thrilled that this is a series which means I can look forward to having more adventures with Major Bhaajan. Have I mentioned that she is a woman? She is well into her forties but has the appearance of one in her late twenties, all thanks to the nanomeds in her body that give her the health and appearance of one. Speaking of which, this is one more reason why I enjoy living in the world of fiction that dabbles in science. You can stay young and look good. Anything is reasonably possible.
Publisher: Baen
Publication date: 2 Dec 2014
*** Favourite Quote ***
..beauty was an illusory "power" dependent on physical characteristics that weren't permanent and said nothing about a person's worth or character.
~ Undercity
Catherine Asaro
@}--->>--->>-----
Major Bhaajan, a former military officer with Imperial Space Command, is now a hard-bitten P.I. dealing with more baggage than any traveler through life needs. She takes clients whose woes can be personal or galaxy-shattering, and often both. Bhaaj search takes her deep into the mysterious and deadly Undercity—beneath the capital of a interstellar civilization. What she discovers could change the course of a star-spanning empire.
*Blurb from author's website*
Add to:
Links to purchase:
No comments:
Post a Comment