The Unincorporated Future

Publishers Weekly

Smooth, thoughtful, and compulsively readable, this expansive space opera completes the quartet that began with The Unincorporated Man (2009). The solar system’s Outer Alliance is beginning to win its fight against the inner planets’ United Human Federation, but unscrupulous UHF President Hektor Sambianco remains determined to exterminate the opponents of personal incorporation, which ensures that “every human was under corporate control and properly exploited.” As millions of people die on both sides, Alliance President Sandra O’Toole must consider how far a war can go before it destroys the combatants’ humanity. Meanwhile, massive battle fleets maneuver through the solar system, and clandestine artificial intelligences fight their own civil war, determining whether to aid or destroy the human race. Plots and counterplots abound. The Kollin brothers bounce deftly among characters and locations, alternating grandiose action and pages of political and moral debate. The result is a surprisingly successful melodrama of ideas that ties up the plot threads neatly and satisfyingly. (Aug.)

Kirkus Reviews

Space battles, politics, religion and revolution: final entry in the series following The Unincorporated Woman (2011, etc.). The premise: On a future Earth and a terraformed Mars--the United Human Federation--people are incorporated, that is, their personal worth is determined by stocks that can be bought and sold by others. They also, secretly, practice mind control. Justin Cord, having put himself into cryogenic suspension to avoid a mortal disease, was thawed out and cured, only to discover he alone was unincorporated. Regarding the whole incorporation system as slavery, and desiring personal freedom, he founded the Outer Alliance, comprising most of the colonies from the asteroid belt outwards. Inevitably, the two sides declared war. Cord was assassinated, but now the freedom fighters continue their struggle under President Sandra O'Toole and their brilliant general, J.D. Black, who continues to win victories and avoid defeat despite the massive odds against her. However, the UHF president, Hektor Sambianco, would rather wipe out the entire Alliance than allow them to secede, and with their huge advantage in manpower and ships commanded by Adm. Samuel Trang (he's almost as good as J.D. Black), he seems capable of doing so. Problem is, if the Alliance turns as ruthless as their opponents, the human race itself might not survive. And there are complications caused by artificial intelligence avatars who inhabit cyberspace and have an agenda of their own. The Kollin brothers add little that's innovative to this hoary scenario. Some readers might find an annoying emphasis on religion. And they have little idea of how their science fiction-y toys actually work. Still, the politics and battles are well-handled, with notable emphasis on strongly developed female characters. A satisfying wrap-up for series fans.

Praise for The Unincorporated Man:

“A bright, stimulating work that deserves a wide readership.” —Gregory Benford, author of the Galactic Center Saga

“Fans of SF as a vehicle for ideas will devour this intriguing debut….  The Kollin brothers keep the plot moving briskly despite the high proportion of talk to action. Their cerebral style will especially appeal to readers nostalgic for science fiction’s early years.”  —Publishers Weekly

“Recalls the emphasis on freedom of the early works of Heinlein and the cutting-edge social commentary of William Gibson and Fritz Leiber. A good choice for most libraries.”  —Library Journal