Andromeda - Steven Barnes Book Review

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Review Summaries

" Aspect, Apr 2003, 24.95, 480 pp. ISBN: 0446531227 In A.H 1294 (equivalent to A.D. 1877), Ethiopian nobleman Kai is married and raising a family on his Bilalistan (equivalent to Southern USA) plantation. He liberated his loyal slave, white Irishman Aidan with the freedman residing in a community of former slaves. However, though an ocean away, the events in the African motherland impact those settled in the colonies as Ethiopia and Egypt seem on the brink of civil war. Kai shouts for peace, but only places himself and his extended family in danger from those who want him silent so that war can occur. He enlists Aidan to learn what really is happening in Africa. Aidan returns to slavery in order to serve as a mole at the Egyptian court. The plan is to provide information to Kai so he can act on what he learns. However, both walk precariously as the world they know seems destined to explode into a deadly civil war. This sequel to the terrific alternate history tale, LION'S BLOOD continues the stories of Kai and Aidan. Once again Steven Barnes provides a deep rich tale that will leave the audience in awe of his talent that makes the African colonization of the New World seem so real. Kai and Aidan are delightful characters willing to risk all they cherish to do the right thing though what that is remains difficult to fathom. ZULU HEART proves that Mr. Barnes is the equivalent to an alternate dimension history professor as he makes his realm seem so excitingly delightfully real. Harriet Klausner "
Harriet Klausner, Resident Steven Barnes Scholar

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Overall Review

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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 - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10%

Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - alternate history
Spying & Investigations Yes
What is main char. doing? - spying/espionage in enemy territorry
Political power play Yes
Political plotlets - preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Cultural problems, alien culture Yes
Culture clash- - one culture tries to impose its culture on another group

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - slave
Age: - 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - 40's-50's
Profession/status: - mastermind
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character? - mean, arrogant
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Setting
Earth setting: - 19th century
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript

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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).

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