The Double Human by James O’Neal

The Human Disguise was the first book in this series.  This too is a cop book set in a near, possible future.  Tom Wilner is a cop trying to maintain order in a dystopian future south Florida.   He is ex-military facing bio-engineered diseases and possible aliens.   His priorities change dramatically when his family is threatened.   In this second book, he continues to try and enforce a radically changed legal landscape.

The Hallecks and Simolits play a smaller part in this book.   The aliens are referred to but don’t really play into the story.   The current events aspect of the book is just as frightening as the first book.   The ramifications of thrusting our values and ideas into foreign cultures and the ensuing violence are altogether too real.  Equally, the ramifications of a collapse of the economy are certainly highlighted by the current self centered egotism on our elected and not very representative officials.  

A near future characterized by an uncaring government and bureaucratic morass doesn’t seem all that unlikely compared to current events today.

Wilner and Besslia are likeable characters, the Hallecks and Simolits are figures of curiosity but hardly likeable.

The book is entertaining a combination of cop book and vigilante justice. 

I recommend the book. 

Site:  http://www.jamesonealbooks.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

With Friends Like These…by Alan Dean Foster

 This is a book of short stories.  It is refreshing and shows that even in 1977 Foster was a master of his craft.

There was a lot of tongue and cheek in this book.   Because of the short stories there were no consistent protagonists.   The stories entertained without being taxing.   It is not a book for pondering as much as it is a book for entertainment.

One thing Foster does consistently is show the potential inherent in his characters and hopefully in mankind.

I recommend the book.  

Remnant Population By Elizabeth Moon

An aging colonist stays behind when the Corporation abandons the planet.  She makes a life altering discovery.

Once again, Elizabeth Moon shows what a wonderful story teller should be.   Ofelia is a character study of aging and should be required reading for AARP.   The plot is sufficient to maintain your interest but the most captivating aspect of the book is once again the thorough character development.  

Ms. Moon creates characters so alive and believable that you begin to think you know them.   Ofelia’s compassion and frustration come through loud and clear.   Sadly the stereotypical depiction of corporate greed resonates so clearly with today’s MBA driven corporate obsession with the quarterly numbers.   Ms. Moon’s stories are about people regardless of her setting her characters shine.

I highly recommend the book.  

Body of work of Elizabeth Moon

Web site:  http://www.elizabethmoon.com/

SciFi, action, adventure, excitement, strong female, great story.

Toys by James Patterson and Neil McMahon

A future ruled by enhanced beings who recognize their connection with humanity but deeply resent and fear that connection.  

This is a light weight fast read that is entertaining but not in any way intellectually challenging.   Hays is well portrayed as a confused elitist who comes to grips with his root humanity.   There is plenty of action and heroic feats.   Hays Baker, special agent, comes face to face with his worst nightmare and his unknown sister when confronting a rebellious populace.  

Perhaps requiring this book to be read by some of the wild child Hollywood stars or pro athletes would enable them to develop enough humility to avoid jail and self destruction.   It is possible though that I give more than reasonable credence to the potential for learning that we all should have.   I liked the book just as I like glazed donuts,  delicious without a great deal of substance.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Cameron Stracher

Web site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/