"Space drama that tells a great story"
In the twenty-fifth century, after serving twenty years
as a mercenary plundering planetary colonies for his
employer the Zantiu-Braun Corporation, has left a wary Skin
Lawrence Newton without a dream except for buying back his
contract. The latest looting of Zantiu-Braun Third Fleet
including Lawrence is the Thrallspring. However, to the
Skin's and their parent company's shock, a planetary
resistance led by schoolteacher Denise Ebourn proves
reasonably successful. Lawrence soon learns that the planet contains special
alien technology not included on the firm's asset loot
list. One particular item that would enable him to
traverse the time and space continuum to correct a misdeed
from his past interests Lawrence. However, he must deal
with Denise and her freedom fighters as well as hide his
plan to take care of himself while thwarting his employer's
latest value cleansing. Peter Hamilton is at his best with this complex
interplanetary thriller. The story line is fast-paced and
loaded with action that never ceases yet Thrallspring and
the key characters seem genuine because they are fully
developed and three-dimensional. Readers feel Lawrence's
frustration and bone wariness while understanding Denise's
ferocious loyalty and need to protect her planet's people
and assets from the invaders. FALLEN DRAGON is futuristic
science fiction at its most intelligent, speculative, and
exciting best. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 8, 2002
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