Book Review: The Companions

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Companions     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sheri S. Tepper
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Eos, Sept 2003, $25.95, 454 pp.

In the far distant future, mankind has colonized other worlds and made alliances with many sentient species. On Earth people live in small apartments in huge towers miles high. Whatever land isn’t used for habitation is used for growing food, which means that the flora and fauna is pretty much extinct. Whatever animals are left are cherished by the arkists who need to take them off planet since a law was passed saying that all non-humans on earth must be destroyed.

Jewel Delis is determined that dogs will have a place to live free and she has a staunch supporter in someone highly placed in Earth’s government. She travels with her brother Paul to the planet Moss to see if they can find a way of communicating with beings of different color light. Moss and it’s moon Treasure also play an intricate part in the canine breeding program but this is a strange and unusual planet, one that will take Jewel on the adventure of a lifetime.

Sheri S. Tepper is one of the best world builders in the science fiction genre; a writer who can make alien beings and unique planets seem very real and alive. The heroine is very committed to saving the dogs and she makes huge sacrifices to ensure their survival and that will endear her to readers. A sub-plot involving two species determined to wipe out humanity is a pivotal and necessary device to advance the story line. THE COMPANIONS is a special work, one that will appeal to fans who love great space opera.

Harriet Klausner

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