Science Fiction Roundup

REVIEWS BY LARRY D. WOODS

King Louis XIV of France seems popular in science fiction these days. He is the subject of both a new movie, The Man in the Iron Mask, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and Vonda McIntyre's most recent science fiction novel, The Moon and the Sun. Now J. Gregory Keyes, author of the new classic The Waterborn, mixes Sir Isaac Newton, King Louis XIV, King George I, and Benjamin Franklin in a philosophical, fantastical search for truth, beauty, power, and fabulous wealth.

In Newton's Cannon, it's 1681, and Sir Isaac Newton has turned his talent to his first love -- the ancient art of alchemy. Newton achieves the impossible by unleashing Philosopher's Mercury, the key to manipulating the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. King Louis and King George battle for its control, and as English armies march on Paris, King Louis calls for a new weapon, a device known only as Newton's Cannon.

Meanwhile, in Boston, a young apprentice named Benjamin Franklin discovers a deadly enigma. Only Newton can save him, but Newton needs saving himself.

This scintillating and brilliant new novel confirms Keyes as a rapidly rising star in the genre.


If you enjoyed last year's blockbuster Men in Black, you should rush to buy A Hunger in the Soul by Mike Resnick. Medical researcher Dr. Michael Drake disappears in the wilderness of an alien world, and journalist Robert Markham sets out to find him. Markham embarks on the search because the galaxy needs Drake's knowledge to combat a new plague. Much like Stanley seeking Dr. Livingstone in darkest Africa, Markham is determined to bring Drake back whether he wants to return or not. This is adventure on a galactic scale -- exotic, alien, and wondrous. As proven by his many previous novels, Mike Resnick can be counted on for high adventure and a satisfying conclusion.


Fred Pohl is one of the grand masters of science fiction and fantasy. His collaborations with Kornbluth in the '50s, his editorship of the leading science fiction magazines in the '60s, and his Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Gateway novels in the '70s and '80s are ampln evidence of his high standing in the genre. With O Pioneer!, Poll once again demonstrates his special ability to evoke a sense of wonder.

Evesham Giyt and his new wife are immigrants on the colony world of Tupelo, which is inhabited by five different alien species. Giyt achieves the dubious distinction of becoming the political mayor of the colony whereupon he discovers a treacherous plot by the humans that can only be stopped through Giyt's sacrifice.

Poll has scored again with this novel.


Larry D. Woods, an attorney, is an avid reader of science fiction.

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