From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up This perceptive science-fiction novel begins with a prologue introducing the young heroine Andraia. Genetically superior fetuses are chosen for nurturing in an artificial environment and Linked at the age of ten by brain implants allowing them to communicate mentally. By the beginning of the main story, Andraia, now 19, has been assigned routine caretaker duties on a quiet, apparently harmless planet where she can recover from the loss of her Link-mate, who has been killed trying to communicate with an alien race. The planet Argent has been selected for her because of her fear and loathing of all alien intelligent life forms, and it is believed that no such forms exist on Argent. Then, curt instructions from her off-planet superiors indicate that someone does not want her to live long enough to tell anyone else about her discovery of intelligent life, in the form of small furry animals, on Argent. Andraia's thoughts and emotions as she remembers the past, and the vivid description of her mate being torn apart by the curious Thryll, introduce a new and interesting wrinkle to the traditional ``first contact'' theme. Hard science details, such as the differing effects of lunar and solar tides on a sea coast, punctuate an increasingly suspenseful story. As a protagonist, Andraia is appealing, intelligent, and self-reliant without coming across as Wonder Woman. The prologue delays readers' encounter with her at the age she holds for the bulk of the book; although an explanation of the Link program is vital for understanding her psychological state, it's unfortunate that such details were not handled more cleanly and directly. Otherwise, the novel is gripping, fresh, and well worth recommending. Lyle Blake Smythers, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
