Tigra
by R. J. Leahy
When I first opened the covers of R. J. Leahy’s new sci-fi novel, Tigra, I thought I was in for a space
opera with a heroine the likes of Ripley in Alien. It does begin with Captain Jeena Garza facing the horrors
of an interstellar POW camp and the jailbreak in a stolen freighter that crashlands her on the planet Ararat. But
it is here, as in the Biblical Ararat where Noah and his ark came to rest, that Jeena finds a new home and a new
beginning. Though she is far from a civil war between human colonies from earth that has raged for a century, she
soon finds herself in a similar type of conflict. Only this time, at the heart of it is the beloved native Ararat
cat, a tigra, that Jeena names Sampson.
What unfolds is science fiction at its best. There is a blending of good science with deep exploration of
cultures and other races. Leahy, a physician, brings to science fiction what Terry Brooks, a lawyer, brought to
fantasy with his worlds of Shannara. This is great escapist fiction, but it also is a critical look at ourselves
as humans in how we interact with others of our species and with other beings we come into contact with. It also
twists some well-worn ideas about technology and advanced civilizations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were understandable and vivid, even if you hated them. The
descriptions of the societies were detailed and engaging. And, the basis for the conflict on Ararat was
unfortunately age-old here in this reality and still besets us today. It is my hope that R. J. Leahy produces
other science fiction, not necessarily of this particular world, but of any that his creative and socially
conscious mind can fashion. Well done! |
The Book |
Zumaya Otherworlds |
December 2006 |
Trade Paperback |
1934135216 / 978-1934135211 |
Science-fiction/fantasy |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Janie Franz |
Reviewed 2007 |
NOTE: Reviewer Janie
Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid!, Relaxation
Techniques for Children, Relaxation Techniques for Adults; Co-author of The
Ultimate Wedding Reception Book and The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book. Coming
Soon: The Ultimate Wedding Workbook, Get Rich on Love, and Sacred Breath
(a sound recording of relaxation meditations). |
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