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July 2007
The Z Radiant by Jessica Reisman
Having retired from careers as a teacher, copy editor, and librarian, Bev DeWeese stayed with her first love: reading science fiction, mysteries, and contemporary fiction. She has been a WisCon attendee for over 25 years, which in this editor's opinion should qualify her for a PhD in feminist sf. She has conducted several science fiction programs for library groups, runs a small sf book discussion group, and is always interested in new science fiction by women authors.
Nentesh, the setting of this novel, is an isolated terraformed world in an area known as the Deeps. Many generations ago, it was settled by a group of space faring colonists. Now, once every 26 or so years, some other colonists called outsystemers, who are much more advanced than the Nenteshi, drop in to visit the original settlers via a wormhole, and bestow a few technological gifts on them. Called Ingress, this is a very important event for the Nenteshi, especially Ula, Swan, and Aren, for they all are going to be personally affected by the outsystem visitors, who bring both gifts and hatred. The heart of this fast paced story is a mysterious package. Aren, a shy, rather solitary young man, is sent to pick up this package from an old herbalist. However, Aren's "skitter" goes off the road. Fortunately, the herbalist finds him, gives him something for pain, and sends him on his way. But something has happened, for Aren now sees auras/visions around some people. Frightened, he tells no one and tries to hide them. Meanwhile, Swan, a hardworking, secretive scientist who came to the planet during the last Ingress, collects the package. We learn that it contains a necessary ingredient for Z, a powerful hallucinogen. But why is Swan keeping it super secret? And why is Swan suddenly so angry at everyone, even her partner Ula and her old friend, Aren? Natually,Ula, a "triber" from the deserts of Nentesh, is very worried about Swan. And Aren is also worried and puzzled, for Swan seems unusually cool to him too. To make matters worse, Aren's enhanced abilities, which he still tries to hide, have not gone unobserved. A young druggie, a brat from one of the First Settler families, notices that Aren can see her imaginary white assassin dog, Fuizi, though no one else can! And soon Aren finds himself kidnapped and tortured by a strange looking outsystemer, Ismenor, who just happens to be the customer for Swan's secret Z ingredient. When Swan shows up to deliver it, she too is captured. After some exciting scenes, the reader finds out why Swan has been so secretive, how she and Aren are connected, and why Swan loathes Ismenor. Though Swan, Ula, and Aren survive, their lives are irrevocably changed. In addition to this well plotted story, Reisman has vividly created a believable culture. Nentesh is apparently a low tech world, where people rely on the local flora (such as phos plants) to provide light. Much of their medicine is also based on indigenous plants, though the colonists of course can obtain a few more sophisticated medical tools and kits from the outsystemers during Ingress. Overall, the majority of the people live quite simply, with only a few basic machines, which have been made usable by selective gifts the outsystem visitors leave. There are virtually no paved roads and only one city. This world also seems subject to occasional violent storms and floods, though they have learned to cope with these disasters. However, there is a suggestion that the "tribers," such as Ula, who live in the even more isolated deserts, have learned to be more self-reliant and to make more creative use of their local environment. Economically, there are several classes, from the poor, who work in the toxic fields surrounding the city, to the privileged who usually are direct descendants of the First Settlers and thus have wealth and power. In between, many inhabitants are traders or simple artisans. Certainly the production of alcoholic drinks is a thriving business. Computer information is also an important commodity. Overall, this is well presented, fairly detailed world building. Other thoughtful themes enrich the book. For example, both heterosexual and same sex liaisons are common and accepted. And, on this planet, color of skin and ethnic origin appear to be ignored. However, Reisman strongly emphasizes the impact fear, loneliness, secrecy, and hatred have had on her various characters, problems we can all relate to. In summary, the plot is a page turner. Biological engineering concepts and the use of drugs, such as the Z radiant, are interwoven in a suspenseful way. The characters are sympathetic and realistic. Generally, Reisman's language is quite creative, sometimes lyrical, though occasionally it goes from lyrical to florid. She uses a fair amount of manufactured vocabulary which she rarely explains. However, these are minor quibbles and probably would not bother a skilled sf reader. Overall, her skills in detailed world building and empathetic characterizations make this a strong novel. Recommended. |
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