Official Blurb
Set in a future in which humanity’s dream of total equality is fully realized and poverty in terms of material wealth has been eliminated, humanity has straight-jacketed itself into the only social system which could make this possible. Class differentiation is entirely horizontal rather than vertical and no matter what one’s chosen field, all advancement is based solely on seniority rather than ability. What is an intelligent and ambitious man to do when enslaved by a culture that forbids him from utilizing his God-given talents? If he’s a military officer in time of war, he might just decide to switch sides. If said officer is a true believer in the principles that enslave him and every bit as loyal as he is ambitious, that’s tantamount to breaking a universal law of physics, but Colonel Sebastian MacMaine has what it takes to meet the challenge.
My Review
This sci fi story is set far in the future during a time when the human empire is at war with an alien race, fighting to avoid enslavement, and losing.
Enter our hero, a talented military officer who is talented enough to see the problem, but trapped in a society that doesn't want to hear.
Like all good sci fi, we have space battles, alien races interstella travel and a talented protagonist. So its got elements of what I really like. Also like good sci fi it has a couple of twists to keep things interesting.
It's also got a message. I didn't really like that too much. In one place the author rattles on about the nightmare of a universal society based on equality. This small section actually brought me out of the listening experience. But it's not too long and soon behind you.
The reading is good Lee Elliot does a sterling job with what I think is her first foray into a Sci Fi reading.
To sum up, not the best story, but better than some.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Find it at Librivox
Listen to the first chapter.
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