"Insane, but wonderful science fiction satire"
Marxism was considered as dead as its originator, a failed
economic system that also took away basic freedoms.
However, when the global economy collapses into the worst
depression ever, inalienable rights become unimportant, as
food on the table seems more critical. Capitalism becomes
dust as a desperate world returns Marxism to an even more
glorious control than it had in its twentieth century hey
day. Even Americans join the collective bandwagon, as
earth is now the real "red planet". However, changing economic systems fails to change the
downward spiral. New hope finally glimmers when the
People's Astronomers discover an asteroid with valuable
minerals that might revitalize the failing planet. A
desperate NASA sends ancient shuttles manned by lunatics
and throw-aways to explore the seemingly rich find.
However, humanity is not the first to land on the asteroid
as the Elders, a "nautiloid" race of capitalist squids from
a parallel Earth beats Homo sapiens there. Now the
competition begins Weird and insane -- yes. Perhaps that is why science
fiction fans will take great pleasure from the wild FORGE
OF THE ELDERS. The plot satirizes our current society
leaving it carved up as only L. Neil Smith can
entertainingly do so. The story line is amusing yet
provides a serious political undertone inside a strong
space race novel. Characters are developed just enough to
either skewer western morality or to propel the delightful
story line forward at warp speed. Besides SF fans, anyone
bushed from the DC gore of chained politics will find this
jocular tale takes no prisoners. Harriet Klausner - Copyright © 2002
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 7, 2002
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