Inara’s new serial novel Rock Bound opens on the Fourth of July in a United States led by a President-turned-dictator who has succeeded in abolishing the Constitution.  Patriotic citizens gather at the Mall in D.C. in peaceful protest and are surprised when military troops open fire. The protestors, now prisoners, are either shot as traitors or sold as indentured slaves to mine ore—on the moon.

Weber’s strong descriptive abilities are put to good use in this volume.  The moon and the unique needs of a space colony come across in vivid detail and the characters each have their own histories and abilities, which help the colony survive.  Any science fiction reader will appreciate the world Weber has created.

Weber stumbles, however, in her use of such strong political and ecological themes.  While timely, her message comes across as slightly preachy, but the story is strong enough to overcome this problem.  Also, once the characters leave earth and the dictator behind, they also leave the strong conflict the book opened with.  While strong intrapersonal struggles are described, there are few serious troubles amongst the colonists to keep the pages sizzling with action although the cliffhanger at the end will keep readers waiting for the next edition. 

Reviewed by Joelle Charbonneau-Blanco
5-27-2006

Back to "W" - Review look-up by Author

Back to "R" - Review look-up by Title

Back to "3½-Books" - Review look-up by Rating

Back to "Science Fiction" - Review look-up by Genre

Back to "E-Books" - Review look-up by Genre