From Publishers Weekly
In I, Q (Forecasts, Sept. 20), de Lancie, writing with Peter David, delivered an SF novel dealing with the charismatic Q, whom de Lancie played on the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Here, he leaves the Star Trek universe behind for a hodgepodge of SF tropes and apocryphal goo. The One is an ancient, all-powerful evil that lives deep within the earth. The rising of this half-mad and narcissistic being is causing humanity to go insane, which suits the One just fine, as it plans to wipe out mankind, just as it once destroyed the dinosaurs. Two brothers, Owen and Harley Keegan, are among the few humans gifted with special psychic powers that enable them to fight the One and its human thralls. Owen, along with his wife, Kate, and their autistic daughter, Constance, first flee the breakdown of civilization and onset of madness by sailing away on their boat, Nepenthe. But Kate and Constance (weak vessels that they are) prove susceptible to the blandishments of evil and Owen must follow his women into dark netherworlds and fight for their lives. Harley, who is propelled into using his own powers for good only after he saves several young women from "rapist brutes," also joins in the final battle for humanity's continued survival. Even with some bang-up action scenes, this novel never rises above its stilted writing or condescending attitude toward women. Author tour. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Kirkus Reviews
Transcendental SF from actor De Lancie (Q in Star Trek: The Next Generation, etc.) and ex-Navy Panama resident Cool (Secret Realms, 1998). As some people experience transcendental visions, and others succumb to a seductive, deathly sleep, the world is changing. Why? Well, the Oneone of many alien speciesmoves between spheres of being; after a million-year slumber inside the Earth, it's finally emerging. Problem: the One is ancient, utterly mad, and determined to wipe humanity out. San Francisco sculptor Owen Keegan, his wife Kate, and their autistic daughter Constance head south in a boat, while Owen's big brother Harley opts to remain. With Kate susceptible to the sleep-death, Owen must keep injecting her with stimulants. Meanwhile, Owen finds he's developing strange mental abilities. Harley also develops mental powers, and meets fearful but talented orphan Axel. When Owen's boat makes landfall, Constance is drawn inland by a powerful seductive mind. Owen and Kate follow. They're saved from a lynch mob by the eerily powerful Erik Van Meersa tool of the Onewho grabs Constance. But Kate sinks into terminal sleep, and weary Owen decides to join her. The Hiyul, an enemy of the One, brings them back to life. Soon Harley and Axel show up, too: Owen will need all the help he can get in the forthcoming showdown. Astonishingly inventive, brimming with dazzling conceptsbut, sadly, without plot and propellant. --
Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.