Saturday 26 April 2014

Humanity's Saving Grace by Alex Binkley

Humanity's Saving Grace


by Alex Binkley


Loose Cannon Press 


Ottawa 2013


ISBN 978-0986787966




Reviewed by Mike Young





Ottawa science fiction author Alex Binkley' debut novel explores a fresh take on the classic sci-fi theme of first encounters with aliens. This is not an invasion. Calling themselves Beings, the aliens approach very cautiously and peacefully, claiming to need our help to defeat a threat to their planets - and eventually to ours. They have bred any warlike tendencies out of themselves, so are in need of our blend of aggression and primitiveness.

These Beings share their society with vast numbers of manufactured helpers, who at first seem to be merely tools. However, maybe there is more to these servants than is first apparent. And what are the links from our past with the Beings and their enemy, the Nameless? The stage soon fills with characters from all sides, and leads to a series of battles worthy of any space opera, via technology that is a good stretch, yet believable.

Alex gives us a skilful blend of dialogue and description, with a generous sprinkling of tongue-in-cheek references to various sci-fi books and movies, and a bit of romance. All in all it's a good read.


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