Undertow

By: Elizabeth Bear

Narrated by: Timothy Reynolds

Elizabeth Bear is a rising name in science fiction. In Undertow, André Deschênes wants to escape his life as a hired assassin. He hopes to learn the art of conjuring, manipulating the odds of people's lives. But a revolution is brewing in the city of Novo Haven, where an alien race is finally gaining ground, demanding they be treated as citizens. And before André moves on, he has a contract to fulfill.©2007 Elizabeth Bear (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC

Critic reviews

"Thought-provoking as well as entertaining ..." ( Booklist)

Sci-fi hodge-podge

Elizabeth Bear’s Undertow is a mashup of multiple sci-fi themes as well as almost bordering on fantasy. The setting is a planet taken over by a corporation that has ‘hired’ the native sentients, managing a classical ‘company town’ structure. There is insurrection afoot with hired guns ferreting out the rabble rousers. The native sentients have an aquatic origin.

Bear’s mashup is a bit hard to track and the conjuring ‘thingy,’ involving control of probability was strained. The narration is decent with adequate character distinction.

good!

one of the best sci-fi I've read in a while. very creative, and an interesting take on an idea we used to bounce around in college. fun!