Book Review: Shadowplanet

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Shadowplanet     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
William Shatner , W. T. Quick
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: Quest For Tomorrow # 5
Eos, Nov 2002, $23.95, 336 pp.

In the far distant future, mankind has colonized so many worlds that they are perceived to be a threat by the Communers, an insect like race with a hive mentality. Humanity doesn’t know about this deadly enemy because the Communers prefer to remain in the shadows using guerrilla tactics and other races to destroy their enemy. Terran colony ships housing ten million humans are being given drugs that will cause mass destruction.

The Stone Cowboys, led by teenagers Kerry Korrigan and Jim Endicott figure out the truth and hijack the Kolumban ship, the Endeavor, killing all its’ crew save one. Somehow, some way, they intend to stop the Kolumbans from producing the drugs that will harm humanity. However when he learns that the Communers deceived the Kolumbans, Jim must come up with a plan that will save both races from their common enemy.

William Shatner of Star Trek fame has made the transition from actor to writer very successfully. His "Quest For Tomorrow" series is great space opera in the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke and Andre Norton. SHADOW PLANET is full of heroic action, exotic aliens, and a young, bright, charismatic leader (think Luke Skywalker) who takes an ex-gang and forms them into a fierce fighting unit.

Harriet Klausner

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