Jeffrey Thomas (1) (1957–)

As with any collection, there are hits and there are missed, but even the low points in this one are worth experiencing.

The setting of Punktown is one of limitless, if grungy, possibility. High tech, low brow, alien and human: the intertwined elements are always interesting, and often deeply affecting.

At times, though, it seems like the science fiction workers are utterly unnecessary. Face, for example, could just add easily take place in New York, but that doesn't make it any less emotionally powerful.

A great collection.… (meer)

What a great military sci-fi adventure. We jump straight into the action, where Commander Derek Cross is leading a military operation in the field with his special hand-picked volunteer unit. The camaraderie is clear, and author Thomas has a clear knack for writing dialogue, as well as outstanding descriptions of weapons and battle scenes while still keeping the pace flowing. This had just the right amount of information for a well-developed world while keeping us in the scene. Unfortunately for Derek, when the mission goes terribly wrong, he’s given the choice to lead a mission to a new solar system to establish a new Colony (again good world building with the effects of Earth’s deterioration and widespread sickness) or face military discharge.

But of course, as one would expect in any good tale, things go horribly wrong. We meet quite a few interesting characters. I particularly liked the relationship of Derek with JT. The action was intense and well-plotted as we moved into the final act, and I look forward to seeing where things go from here!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
… (meer)