Overview
L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s science fiction novels have been pleasing readers for nearly two decades. Among his earlier novels were three books set in the future universe of the Ecolitan Institute. Now Modesitt returns to that world to tell another story of cultural conflict and interstellar diplomacy. The Ecolitan Enigma is sure to thrill his old fans and win new ones.
Nathaniel Firstborn Whaler is an Ecolitan, both a professor at the Institute and a field agent with extraordinary powers. Sent to a backwater colony planet nominally to determine its economic viability, Whaler evades assassin's bullets only steps from the spaceport. He soon uncovers evidence that the planet will become the flashpoint for interstellar conflict between two empires, with each prepared to blame the Ecolitan Institute should war break out. Whaler must do everything in his power to stop what might become the worst disaster in human history.
And Nathaniel whaler just may have more power than any man in the galaxy.
Synopsis
L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s science fiction novels have been pleasing readers for nearly two decades. Among his earlier novels were three books set in the future universe of the Ecolitan Institute. Now Modesitt returns to that world to tell another story of cultural conflict and interstellar diplomacy. The Ecolitan Enigma is sure to thrill his old fans and win new ones.
Nathaniel Firstborn Whaler is an Ecolitan, both a professor at the Institute and a field agent with extraordinary powers. Sent to a backwater colony planet nominally to determine its economic viability, Whaler evades assassin's bullets only steps from the spaceport. He soon uncovers evidence that the planet will become the flashpoint for interstellar conflict between two empires, with each prepared to blame the Ecolitan Institute should war break out. Whaler must do everything in his power to stop what might become the worst disaster in human history.
And Nathaniel whaler just may have more power than any man in the galaxy.
Kirkus Reviews
Field agent Nathaniel Firstborn Whaler of Accord's Ecolitan Institute, having just rescued colleague Sylvia Ferro-Maine from the Earth Empire, is ordered to produce a report detailing the ecological development and economic infrastructure of the terraformed colony world Artos. But hot, barren Artos lies within the Three System Bulge, a strategically important region over which the galaxy's major powers are squabbling. To complicate Nathaniel's mission, some factions want the report published, others don't; all the various empires have sent spies to scrutinize his every move; and, being a loner, he must learn to work in tandem with Sylvia. Minutes after they arrive on Artos, the Ecolitans' car explodes, killing the driver; they narrowly escape an explosion at a fuel- processing plant; then their plane crashes in the desert. Finally, having prepared their report, they leave for New Avalon—but their spaceship's been sabotaged, too! So Nathaniel and Sylvia must figure out who's responsible, and try to stop a galactic war from breaking out.
An overcomplicated but mostly agreeable potboiler from the talented and versatile Modesitt (The Soprano Sorceress, 1997, etc.).
Editorials
Kirkus Reviews
Field agent Nathaniel Firstborn Whaler of Accord's Ecolitan Institute, having just rescued colleague Sylvia Ferro-Maine from the Earth Empire, is ordered to produce a report detailing the ecological development and economic infrastructure of the terraformed colony world Artos. But hot, barren Artos lies within the Three System Bulge, a strategically important region over which the galaxy's major powers are squabbling. To complicate Nathaniel's mission, some factions want the report published, others don't; all the various empires have sent spies to scrutinize his every move; and, being a loner, he must learn to work in tandem with Sylvia. Minutes after they arrive on Artos, the Ecolitans' car explodes, killing the driver; they narrowly escape an explosion at a fuel- processing plant; then their plane crashes in the desert. Finally, having prepared their report, they leave for New Avalon—but their spaceship's been sabotaged, too! So Nathaniel and Sylvia must figure out who's responsible, and try to stop a galactic war from breaking out.An overcomplicated but mostly agreeable potboiler from the talented and versatile Modesitt (The Soprano Sorceress, 1997, etc.).