Book Reviews

As a huge fan of Busby's Hulzein dynasty novels, I found this installment satisfying. The first third of the story moved rather slowly, re-introducing characters and history from earlier works and building new characters, but it eventually took off. Some readers may not appreciate the fairy tale ending, but I found myself hoping for just that and was not disappointed. Thankfully, the character Renalle is nothing like her "niece/sister" Liesel, the snotty little brat who rated two of her own novels (Rebel's Seed and Alien Debt); Renalle is likable! While the story stands on its own, I suggest first reading the entire Rissa Kerguelen saga (Young Rissa, Rissa and Tregare, and The Long View) followed by the Bran Tregare stories (Star Rebel and Rebel's Quest). Only then can you fully appreciate the complexities and depth of the characters and their relationships, and perhaps feel, as I did, the familiarity and closeness of family and old friends.  — Paul A. Scott 

Originally published as two volumes—Rissa Kerguelen and The Long View—this first paperback edition combines both works. 

The paperback version hit the racks in 1977 right after Star Wars hit the theaters. While Star Wars kept audiences spellbound, Rissa Kerguelen captured this reader's imagination far more profoundly. La Femme Nikita meets Han Solo! No ordinary science fiction novel, Rissa Kerguelen is an epic tale of feminine charm, guile, and revenge unleashed on a galactic scale. 

In response to global financial crisis, North America adopts an election-based corporate-run government. When United Energy and Transport is elected, its Presiding Committee seizes total control, canceling further elections. To secure its financial interests on foreign soil, UET quickly overruns those governments. The brutal Committee Police force maintains global order through fear and assassination. Using stolen alien technology UET begins exploring deep space. On Earth, it implements a prison-model totalitarian welfare system to control the growing number of poor—and political dissidents.

After the Committee Police murder her journalist parents, a five-year old Rissa Kerguelen becomes a ward of the state, to live out her life in total welfare. When—as a teenager—Rissa escapes, she becomes a poster child of the underground, and is hunted relentlessly by the chagrined Committee Police. Under the guardianship of the Hulzein Establishment—a matriarchal autocracy of great wealth and power outside the reach of UET—she learns sophisticated armed and unarmed combat techniques, control of air and land vehicles, political and financial manipulation, psychology, mastery of several languages, the art of disguise, sexual prowess, self-discipline and other invaluable skills.

Her training complete, and her parents' deaths vindicated, Rissa begins her incredible journey across space and time with the Committee Police one step behind. Through a series of chance events, she finds herself allied with Bran Tregare, secretly a Hulzein by blood, and captain of the only armed ship to escape. Together, they implement an armed fleet, and embark on a mission to free Earth from UET control. But unknown perils await them on every front: space faring aliens, UET, and the Hulzein Establishment itself! 

Beyond the adventure and suspense, Busby weaves an impressively complex tapestry of elaborate characters and events over space and time on an unimaginable scale. By embracing the theory of relativity—a subject most science fiction writers eschew—Busby not only flatters the intelligent, science-minded reader, he achieves a more dynamic and believable story—one that remains as thrilling today as when it was published.  — Paul A. Scott 

Walton captures your attention on the first page and never lets go. His skillful writing style is eclipsed only by the abduction experience itself. After a brief but delightful introduction, you are taken on a wild and terrifying journey through the unknown, as you bounce between the surreal world of alien abduction and the repercussions back on terra firma. Walton displays uncommon courage by delving into his own psyche, before, during and after his abduction. With impeccable logic, and verifiable facts, he successfully counters virtually every known criticism from his detractors. Walton should be lauded for avoiding personal interpretation in the telling of his experience. And yet, in a chapter dedicated to speculation, he satisfies our natural curiosity. Walton does such an expert job of answering our questions along the way, you may feel totally sated by the time you get to "The Making of Fire." Don't cheat yourself by skipping this chapter. Apart from explaining the reasons the movie departed from fact, it is a fascinating look into the world of movie making, with captivating portraits of the cast members. This book should be thoroughly enjoyable to UFO buffs and newcomers alike. Those less familiar with the UFO culture may be a little put off by Walton's defensive stance—the bulk of which is thoughtfully confined to an appendix—but hardcore enthusiasts will appreciate his candor and thoroughness. — Paul A. Scott