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Tor, Jul 2002, 25.95, 330 pp.
ISBN: 0765304333
Four hundred years or so into the future, technology and climate has changed the world, as we readers know it. The North American east coast mostly resides under the sea so that the capital of NorAm has moved to the center of the nation Denv. No one lacks sustenance, as there is an abundance for everyone. However, problems remain mostly with self-actualization since people do not need to accomplish much to insure a full belly and a roof.
In Denv, police lieutenant Eugene Chiang studies crime statistics seeking patterns when he observes an apparent link between seemingly unrelated events including suicide among the under twenty five crowd. Music professor Laura Cornett struggles with today's popular music that makes her style antiquated and unacceptable with the fad being resonant amplification of the emotional impact causing behavioral conditioning that would shock Skinner. Senator Elden Cannon adheres to his values trying to do the right thing, but his re-election is in trouble due to unknown forces wanting the do-gooder out of the way. Media expert Jude Parsfal learns some questionable things about the Martian Republic. Businessman Chris Kemal deals on anything to make for money for his family's business. These five people will clash in a dangerous convergence.
As highly regarded L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is for his speculative fictions, ARCHFORM: BEAUTY is his best work to date and perhaps the science fiction tale of the year. Satirizing the art vs. science war, the author provides a powerful insight into society through his five narrators. His ability to provide distinct lucid voices for each members of the quintet makes the action packed story work.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident L. E. Modesitt, Jr Scholar
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Overall Review
Our unique search engine breaks down books and movies into
dozens of literary elements, all of which are searchable.
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 60% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10%
Tone of book
- suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- science fiction story
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Cultural problems, alien culture
Yes
Culture clash-
- one human from different culture of other humans
Intense exploration of society's culture?
Yes
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- police/lawman
Age:
- 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- society
Setting
Earth setting:
- distant future
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only)
- a fair amount of scientific explanation
How much dialogue?
- mostly dialog
