Book Review: Fallen Dragon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Fallen Dragon     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Peter F. Hamilton
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Aspect, Mar 2002, $25.95, 630 pp.

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

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner