Rejuvenants fear the backlash caused by bad drugs; they want to ensure that nothing interferes with their pursuit of long life—or the profit that comes from promising it to others. Neighbor states fear the aggressive expansion of the Familias Regnant, fuelled by population growth and extended lifespan. Within the Regular Space Service, those who have received experimental rejuvenations fear they may have been given bad drugs on purpose. Esmay Suiza’s family fears that her marriage to an offworlder will damage their position. Barin Serrano’s family fears that his marriage to a Landbride of Altiplano will damage his career and their reputation.
Fear begets violent reactions—from foreign governments, from great Families determined to maintain or increase their power, from internal rivalries in the Fleet—and nothing escapes the resultant bloodbath unscathed. As Esmay and Barin struggle to reconcile their families, others have more cosmic struggles to win.
“. . .one of the best-known and most acclaimed writers of SF adventure.” —Publisher's Weekly
“. . .fans will relish the clever intrigue, the outstanding characterization and a perfectly applied dash of humor.”
'Moon’s mastery of contemporary science fiction is evident in every line." —Booklist
Esmay Suiza and Brun Meager should be friends— they're both bright, brave, likable and adventurous. But true friendship doesn't run any smoother than true love. Brun thinks Esmay's a stuck-up prig, and Esmay thinks Brun's a spoiled rich brat who's making a play for Barin Serrano, Esmay's first love. So when Brun falls into the hands of a repressive religious militia movement, Esmay finds herself in disgrace, suspected of conniving at the capture. Even Barin, now being pursued by the beautiful and ambitious Casea Ferradi, has turned against her, and Brun's powerful family doesn't want Esmay anywhere near the rescue attempt.
Meanwhile, Brun has to figure out how to survive as a pregnant, barefoot prisoner on a planet where female captives are surgically muted to keep them from contaminating others. Her luck may have run out, but her courage hasn't—she's determined to free not only herself, but also other, younger captives. This burst of initiative imperils her own rescue, and it will take double her own luck to save her.
". . . lively characters, inspired details (including a bar comprised of salvaged parts from destroyed ships) and smart pacing . . . the novel will win readers' interest." —Publishers Weekly
Esmay Suiza wasn't a member of a great Navy family like the Serranos. She'd had to make her way on grit alone, which meant it wasn't likely she'd ever make admiral and "hoist her own flag." Well, that was fine with her: all Esmay wanted was a secure berth where she could be part of something greater than herself and otherwise just live her life in peace.
But what we want or think we want from life and what we get are seldom the same—and one day Esmay found herself in the middle of a space battle, and the senior surviving officer in a mutiny against a traitorous captain. Suddenly she has no choice: she must take command and win—and thereby become both the youngest and lowest ranking member of Fleet ever to win a major battle.
While Esmay may not want to be a hero, it looks like she just can't help it, because Once A Hero,...
Satisfying
".. .Moon has established herself as one of the best-known and most acclaimed writers of SF adventure.... [Once a Hero] is a satisfying read, full of the finely detailed settings and excitement that Moon's readers have come to expect, and featuring a heroine whose self-doubt and inner strength lend her considerable appeal." —Publishers Weekly
Resplendent
"...dazzling.... Moon's mastery of contemporary science fiction is evident in every line. The characters spring to life on the page...the action never flags,..riveting .... A resplendent addition to Moon's already impressive catalog." —Booklist
Excellent
"There are so many nice touches [in Once a Hero], it's hard to know where to start.... more than a good read, with excellent world building and appealing characters....—Science Fiction Age
Splendid
"If you have not yet discovered the joys of reading Elizabeth Moon, now is definitely the time to do so.... Esmay Suiza stands out as a splendidly enduring character who takes on l i a wonderful life of her own...." —Romantic Times
James P. Hogan stands among the foremost writers of science fiction today, and is renowned for his ability to combine accurate science from the cutting edge of present-day research with living, breathing characters in fast-paced, suspenseful stories. Minds, Machines & Evolution gives Hogan's thousands of avid readers both a solid chunk of high-quality science fiction, and a look behind the scenes, as Hogan describes how his work came to be written, with biographical details that will make this volume an essential purchase for Hogan fans everywhere.
Read how a young girl raised by robots learned her true destiny. Travel back in time to learn that inventors are always misunderstood, even in the time of Og, the caveman. Learn about a political conspiracy more bizarre and sinister than any conceived by any conspiracy theory junky. And, if the idea of cloning worries you, Hogan will prove that you're not nearly as worried as you ought to be. Plus Hogan's thoughts on nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and the rise of scientific mysticism. And there's much more in this companion volume to Hogan's Rockets, Redheads & Revolution.
