Compass Reach

Rating:
Summary: A reluctant hero for turbulent times
Review: Tiedemann's writing is familiar to readers of science fiction magazines and anthologies, as well as fans of Asimov's Robot Series books (check out Mirage and Chimera), and fans know to expect big ideas, thoughtful science, sympathetic characters, and a few surprises along the way. Compass Reach is no exception, and it's great to see Tiedemann in a world of his own invention, free of the constrictions of the Asimov's Robot world. Fargo is a Freerider, a kind of interstellar drifter who is outside of the administrative and social system of the Pan Humana. Fargo likes it that way--owing nothing to anyone, disinterested, unconnected. Then he meets Lis, a fellow Freerider, and they become drawn increasingly into the politics and culture of the world that they've avoided for so long. The world itself is convincing, and the human and alien characters are well-drawn: particularly Fargo, who grows and changes as he finds himself becoming more connected with those around him. His personal struggles with identity and interdependence are set against the larger story of what happens when humans, aliens, and artificial intelligences must negotiate how they will share the universe. The book moves from big ideas to the examination of what it means to be human, and blends these quintessential science fiction elements with a large helping of exciting story. It's a good read and I look forward to more stories from Tiedemann's Pan Humana.