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Praise for the Science Fiction of L. E. Modesitt, Jr.Adiamante"Mr. Modesitt does not merely posit a threatened Utopia; he spells out in great detail the rules and regulations that govern daily life.... Because he dares to be explicit about first principles, the narrative assumes the shape of an intellectual suspense story: how can the manifestly decent people of Old Earth defend themselves against aggression without violating their deeply held beliefs? The answer is both morally persuasive and emotionally wrenching."-The New York Times"L. E. Modesitt, Jr., returns to hard SF—and it's been worth the wait. Adiamante is a rollicking adventure with a great moral dilemma at its core—the kind of novel that makes your heart beat faster while you're reading it, and yet leaves you pondering deep questions long after you've finished the last page. Immensely enjoyable and beautifully written—easily Modesitt's best yet."-Robert J. SawyerThe Parafaith War"With echoes of both Joe Haldeman's The Forever War and Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers: dense, gritty, strong on technical detail."-Kirkus ReviewsOf Tangible Ghosts"Meticulously extrapolated...Alternate world tales and espionage thrillers both demand an abundance of intricate detail to be convincing and Modesitt doesn't stint for either thread of his narrative." -Washington Post Book WorldPublishers WeeklyBest known for his fantasy fiction (the Saga of Recluce), Modesitt has outdone himself in this highly original SF novel, using future technology to satirize and amplify the gulf that separates science from art. In the 24th century, politics remains much the same, with radical, Islamic fundamentalism still posing a threat. The author rapidly introduces five separate narrators, but since he delineates each with the skill of a latter-day Dickens, the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed. Nor does Modesitt overdo the future slang, which is always clear in context (what was once the United States is now "NorAm"). One of the five narrators, Senator Cannon of the Deseret District, insists on sticking to his principles in seeking re-election. Meanwhile, Lt. Eugene Chiang, who shows how little police work has changed, is investigating the "impossible" suicides of a string of concertgoers. Chiang's engaging exchanges with classical music teacher Cornett illuminate the ways technology can undermine an art form. One is reminded of Arthur C. Clarke's tale "The Ultimate Melody," as Cornett battles to make others appreciate music as art instead of as product. Set against a background of biological terrorism, Modesitt's tale explores social issues (only the rich can afford privacy as well as injections of microscopic, medical robots to stay healthy) sure to resonate with many readers. This brilliant novel is as thought provoking as it is entertaining. (July 11) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
