Late last week I posted some mini-reviews on what I’ve read so far in 2010. Since then I’ve finished reading Ragamuffin
I made mention of how I thought Crystal Rain
While humanity seems to have overcome their Teotl oppressors on New Aneganda, the Benevolent Satrapy has decided humanity has outlived its usefulness and is a clear and present danger throughout the 48 worlds. When the remnants of the Teotl tear through the collapsed worm hole over New Aneganda, John and Pepper are thrust back into the fray, not only as defenders of their adopted home, but of all humanity.
Ragamuffin is a fast-paced, enjoyable ride. Buckell introduces several new technological innovations to his world, all of which feel real and plausible without pushing the story over into the realm of hard SF. The character of Nashara is herself an interesting bit of technology. While the concept behind her is not exactly new, Buckell’s use is interesting, and key to the plot’s advance. Her relationship with the myriad characters is what ties the entire thing together. I was left wondering if the other characters knew just how much more rich their lives were because of their acquaintance.
I enthusiastically recommend Ragamuffin, a masterful sophomore undertaking by Buckell. I’m looking forward to completing Sly Mongoose (I’ll review it next week), and I’m sure I’ll want to read what he offers up in the future. Hopefully he will not only give us some more great stories in the same universe, but show us what he’s really capable of by crafting even more worlds for our imagination to play around in.
