I’ve just finished reading Ben Bova’s The Precipice, Book One of the Asteroid Wars. Although I must confess I didn’t actually read it but had it read to me. I can’t seem to fit in the actual reading of a book with working at my 4 small bookstores full time and writing full time. However, I do have a lot of driving time on my hands going from store to store across the very large Phoenix area.
What happens then is I have the audio book playing (which you should try if you haven’t. There is something about hearing a story read that brings more life to the story.) Then I have a touch activated tape recorder in the seat. When I hear a great description or turn of phrase I like to record them. I don’t generally use them but I seem to like to collect them. Once in a while I listen to what I’ve saved for some boost of encouragement when I need a slight kick in the pants to get writing.
I further admit that it’s been many long years since the last time I read a Ben Bova book and wasn’t disappointed that I chose this one. I am a sci-fi fan of almost anything science fiction and can’t get enough of it in any and all forms. But when I have a choice I like the softer side of the genre.
This book does that for me. I became quite attached to one of the “rocket jockies” named Poncho, a feisty tough as nails female pilot with a soothing southern accent. The other female pilot is Amanda, the beauty that everyman falls for and all men seem to want to possess. Amanda’s romantic dalliances feed the touch of romance I enjoy without going overboard. Poncho is a fun loving, fearless individual who becomes close to Dan Randolph.
Dan Randolph is a man of vision. His deep desire to try to save the dying Earth and his dying business blinds him to the dangers that come his way.
A good offset is the infamous Martin Humphries and Dan’s business rival and main evil doer. Martin wants to gain power and money at any cost.
This book is amazingly futuristic yet current at the same time. Big business rivals who instead of competing for business on this planet are competing for control of the riches of the asteroid belt.