Title:

Series: Alex Benedict

Author: Jack McDevitt

Genre: Science Fiction

I have loved the last few Alex Benedict novels I’ve gotten my hands on. McDevitt does an excellent job crafting a very intriguing mystery, as well as crafting a very captivating future history.

This story started off with just as much promise as the others, and while the story was just as intriguing, in the end it just wasn’t quite as  good as the last few. McDevitt raises the stakes in this novel, as far as who is affected by the outcome of Alex and Chase’s investigation. I did enjoy the fact that Chase became something of a celebrity due to her role in the final outcome…(but I will say no more to avoid spoiling what happens).

You do not have to have read the other novels in this series to enjoy this one, though you will recognize some characters, and having read the other novels will help you with some deeper character development.

I guess overall it was good, but just not as good as other stuff by McDevitt.

Worldview: Secular

Age Recommendation: Most of the subject matter is appropriate for children as young as middle school, though there are a few themes which make me hesitant to recommend it for any age below high school.

Title: The engines of God

Author: Jack McDevitt

Genre: Science Fiction

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I opened this book. I had read somewhere that this was either a bestseller or award-winner at some time – but now I have no idea where I read that. I did know that I have greatly enjoyed some of McDevitt’s other books.

Unlike many other sci-fi writers, McDevitt doesn’t rely on great space armadas and battles with amazing weapons, soldiers led by incredibly talented and inspiring leaders, or some sort of political, social or military conflict. He utilizes the most basic of literary genres in the most imaginative way – the mystery.

The heart of this mystery is a an alien race that is long gone, who have left incredible (and mysterious) ‘monuments’ which mankind has discovered as he has begun to step out and explore the universe. A band of archeologists has uncovered some things  which might be able to finally illuminate many of the mysteries of this long gone race.

For a book devoid of characters which might be associated with the stereotypical ‘action figures’ of science fiction, one might wonder how he manages to keep the pace moving. But McDevitt deftly weaves a very intriguing story, which kept me turning page after page – several nights keeping me up later than I really should have been…

Overall, a very well-written, well-paced book. McDevitt also writes very ‘cleanly’, so the book would also be appropriate for younger readers. Definitely recommend it!

Worldview: Secular

Age Recommendation: This would definitely be okay for high school age children, and at least older middle school age children. Though there are allusions to sexual situations, none are detailed or explicit, and the violence is rare and not extremely descriptive at that.

Author: Jack McDevitt

Genre: Science Fiction

Having read Polaris, I had high hopes for McDevitt’s sequel. And it definitely delivered! He has been compared to Asimov, which I think is unfair to both – both of them move in different directions in their writing. Though each of them utilize mysteries in the overall scheme of their writing, they use them
differently and move in different manners toward their conclusions.

But in Seeker I was just excited to get to spend more time with Alex and Chase. McDevitt has done an incredible job developing their characters, and you get to dig even deeper into who they are and what’s going on underneath the surface.

What was even more astonishing to me was how clean the book was, subject-matter-wise. The language was surprisingly inculpable, and the sexual currents, while acknowledged, were dealt with respectably in a manner appropriate for a broad range of ages. The violence, though infrequent, was
handled in a similar manner.

So do I recommend this book? Yes – even to individuals who aren’t quite so into science fiction. But you’d only be inconveniencing yourself if you didn’t read Polaris first. You don’t have to – but I think you’ll enjoy it so much more if you do.

Recommended Age: This should be good for teenagers. The sexuality is toned down from Polaris, though the standards are much the same.

Worldview: Atheistic

Links:
Author’s Website
Review by ImpatientReader.com

Author: Jack McDevitt

Genre: Science Fiction

I greatly enjoyed this novel. I read somewhere that Jack McDevitt is the next Isaac Asimov – that may be going too far, but he’s the only author I’ve seen get close to Asimov’s ability to utilize heavy science fiction, engage the reader, keep the action moving, and create a totally intriguing mystery. This book definitely made me want to read some others by McDevitt.

As far as the book itself goes, I do highly recommend it to any sci-fi fans out there. If you’re not into sci-fi, but are curious, I’d suggest you grab this book. I will say the premise kept me guessing for the most part, but I had pretty much figured it out by the time McDevitt clued his main characters in on what had happened. The twists at the end were not so surprising as I think they were intended to be.

I would definitely recommend this to any sci-fi fan, it has a great plot, awesome characters, very solid science, and an intriguing universe set up in it.

Recommended Age: This should be good for older teenagers. There is some more mature sexual innuendo and situations, but nothing too explicit.

Worldview: Atheistic

Links:
Author’s Website
sfsite.com review