''Spindrift'' is a 2007
science fiction
Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...
novel by American writer
Allen Steele
Allen Mulherin Steele, Jr. (born January 19, 1958) is an American journalist and science fiction author.
Background
Steele was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 19, 1958. He was introduced to science fiction fandom attending meetings o ...
. ''Spindrift'' is set within the same universe as the ''
Coyote
The coyote (''Canis latrans''), also known as the American jackal, prairie wolf, or brush wolf, is a species of canis, canine native to North America. It is smaller than its close relative, the Wolf, gray wolf, and slightly smaller than the c ...
'' trilogy but was written as a
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novel. Steele has stated that he wrote ''Spindrift'' because he was "tired of the militaristic sort of space opera that says that any contact between humans and aliens will necessarily be hostile".
Plot summary
In 2288 A.D. Jared Ramirez is serving a life sentence on the moon for his role in an attempt to reduce the human population by one-third. A telescopic array that he designed and programmed has received a transmission that is clearly alien. John Shillinglaw, Associate Director of the European Space Agency arranges for him to be a member of the science team aboard the spaceship ''Galileo'' which will explore the source of the transmission, an object that has been dubbed "Spindrift".
Ted Harker is the efficient, respected first officer of the ''Galileo''. He serves under Ian Lawrence, the arrogant but politically minded and well connected Captain. Ted discovers that the Captain has taken surreptitious measures that may poison a potential
first contact with an alien species. After surviving the trip to Spindrift, the captain seems almost too anxious for Ted to lead a group of four to explore Spindrift while the rest of the crew visit what looks like a hyperspace gate that is orbiting nearby. Harker's team makes amazing discoveries, witnesses the destruction of the ''Galileo'', and meets an alien who makes a surprising suggestion for what humans could use for space trade.
Characters
* Ted Harker – First officer of exploration spaceship ''Galileo''
* Emily Collins – Space shuttle pilot, lover of Ted Harker
* Ian Lawrence – Captain of the ''Galileo'' as the result of political connections
* Jared Ramirez – Astrobiologist, convict, created telescopic array that makes first contact
* John Shillinglaw – Associate Director of the European Space Agency
Reception
Reception for ''Spindrift'' has been positive.
SF Site
''SF Site'' is an online science fiction and fantasy magazine edited by Rodger Turner. It is among the oldest of websites dedicated to science fiction and primarily publishes book reviews. It has won the Locus Award and received nominations for ...
reviewed the novel, praising Steele's writing style and saying the book was "interesting and well written enough".
SF Crowsnest
SF may refer to:
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wrote that "overall, 'Spindrift' is a very solid novel but not as essential as the first couple of 'Coyote' books." BookReporter.com praised ''Spindrift'', calling it "a fill-in, but it is worthy mortar in the monument of Steele's great future-history epic about daring deep space exploration and world-building."
Publishers Weekly
''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of ...
cited that the book was "a gripping saga of humanity on the verge of exploring the larger universe". The
Library Journal
''Library Journal'' is an American trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey. It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional prac ...
also reviewed ''Spindrift'', writing that it was "a strong addition to most sf collections."
SFScope
SFScope is an online trade journal devoted to entertainment news concerning speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It was founded by Ian Randal Strock in early 2007.
Ian Randal Strock began his career as the editorial assista ...
positively reviewed ''Spindrift''.
RT Book Reviews
''Romantic Times'' was an American genre magazine specializing in romance novel
A romance or romantic novel is a genre fiction novel that primarily focuses on the relationship and Romance (love), romantic love between two people, typicall ...
gave the book four and a half stars, citing the technology and scientific concepts as a highlight.
Review: SPINDRIFT by Allen Steele
RT Book Reviews
References
External links
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spindrift (Novel)
2007 science fiction novels
2007 American novels
American science fiction novels
Ace Books books