Since the golden age, science fiction has been well-paved with heroic characters on desperate quests to perform indispensable deeds against impossible odds. This is the stuff wherein our paradigm of "American Mythology of Individualism defeats all" comes out in places other than Westerns. The macho man, the clean-cut hero, the defeat of those who would enslave us is classic to the core.

Modern writers, however, aim to put depth into their characters by trying to show a more complex side--like the result of heroism on relationships; of always being the heroic man rescuing others; of the enemy not being the one dimensional horror the media would have us believe. The dance of morality is played out, a conflict of going for what you most desperately want versus that which is what you need.

Being a book published by Whiskey Creek Press, you know you will find a sex scene in Cyclopean Rescue somewhere, and other "T and A" as well. Unfortunately, one character was a complete throw-away character for only this purpose. When she was done away with, the responses of grief were out of proportion to the relationship. Such shallow ploys annoy me to no end, especially when it is a scantily-clad woman who wants nothing more than physical intercourse with the hero. Other side trips were taken that I could not figure how or what they had to do with the main story, and this too annoys me. And this is why I gave it the rating I did.

But for those of you who like the Classic take on science fiction with heroic men, clingy women and neat gadgets, this story will be right up your alley. This story brings about the glories of technology and the habitual betrayal by those in power. Very much a Golden Age Science Fiction Classic in flavor, words and descriptions of the environment. The two main characters, James and Billy, best friends and outstanding space pilots, are sent off on a top secret mission to discover just what the Cyclopean fleet is up to. After their nearly complete destruction of the human race, no chances are being left to leave the human race vulnerable again. Behind the scenes are political twists and turns on both planets that show that once again, things are never all black, white, and red bleeds. Cyclopean Rescue has a sequel to follow.

Reviewed By Nancy Louise
© October 2007