Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Hellspark
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Janet Kagan
Class/Genre: Science Fiction
Meisha Merlin, Jan 1998, $12.00, 332 pp.
When the multi-planet survey team arrived on the newly discovered world of Lassti, small golden-furred creatures shriek at them. Physicist Oloitokitok tries to communicate with the natives in order to determine their intelligence. Interstellar economics is at stake depending on what the survey team decides about the native Sprookjes. If they are intelligent beings, developers will have to leave the planet alone. However, before a final conclusion is drawn, someone kills Oloitokitok.
HELLSPARK Tocohl Susomom is enjoying her vacation when she gets involved in an incident. She soon realizes that she has been conned. After three years of failing to understand the language of the Sprookjes, they need to use her extraordinary communication skills of a Hellspark to interpret the native language of the Sprookjes. Her predecessor was murdered, but no one knows if the culprit is a developer, a Sprookjes, or a team member? Tocohl knows that she must be extremely cautious even as she decides whether the natives are intelligent or not.
HELLSPARK is a reprint of a fantastic 1980's science fiction novel. The complex story line is difficult to read, but worth the time needed to fully comprehend this exciting storyline. What complicates the plot also makes the novel great as Janet Kagan makes all the various species seem genuine with unique characteristics. Readers believe that Lassti exists with a thriving native population and that the Multi-Galactic Enterprises is struggling with its survey on the planet. This is a great tale that includes an intergalactic mystery that enhances an intriguing tale.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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