Authors: George R. R. Martin

        Gardner Dozois

         Daniel Abraham

This book is the pleasant, fast moving story of prospector Ramon Espejo. The story takes a turn when his usual life cocktail of alcohol and a bad temper get him in trouble and he is forced to flee civilization.

This poses little problem to Ramon because he is at home in the wilderness. He knows what to eat, how to stay warm and where to prospect for valuable minerals and doesn´t mind being alone. However, his life changes drastically when he meets an alien race with a very different culture but who are in a similar situation as himself. Friendship leads to an agreement between Ramon and the aliens and the story takes an interesting twist.

I loved this book because it is a fast read and we are shown an honest look at the protagonist, warts and all. Clearly, parts of Ramon´s character are not likeable but the sum of what he is and does makes for an interesting person and story development. You could probably read most of this book on a transatlantic flight and it is a fun read. Also, Ramon´s reality is a hard place to live with poverty and hopelessness ever present. The feel of the story harkens back to the days of the American wild west with lone prospectors, rowdy bars and corrupt town officials. This book is fun reading with a good ending.

I2Q

(commentary by  www.ink2quill.com)

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