Book Review: Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach by Kelly Robson
(Three Stars)
“Shugli believed his falconers. It took a watcher to recognize another watcher. Against an unknown enemy, only one strategy would succeed: stealth.”
Better-than-average science fiction series opener, which admittedly is a low bar. For all that, the character development and storytelling is exceeds the norm. While the close of this story resolves nothing, it is a closing, rather the usual abrupt cut.
“Stay away from the me-me-me. Clients want you to talk about them.” “I didn’t realize we needed to make the client feel good about themselves. It seems dishonest.” “This is seduction.”
Not very relatable protagonist. For an 86-year-old curmudgeon, she sure is naïve. The self-centeredness is expected.
“You both think I’m crazy,” Kiki said. “I’m not. I’m fine. All I did was exercise autonomy over my health decisions, like you plague babies do.” “What do you want her to say? ‘Put me on the team or I’ll cut my legs off?’”
Quibbles: Don’t get the utility–let alone the possibility–of replacing legs with tentacles for other than aquatic applications. Mammalian hind legs are hip, knee, ankle affairs; their just proportions different. In a financially-stressed culture hard to justify the expense such severe body modifications.
“People–especially bankers–had trouble thinking long-term, and nothing was more long-term than ecological restoration.”
2019 Best Novella Hugo Award finalist.
“Minh supposed what Kiki cared about was people. A harmless obsession.”
As a Matter of Fancy 