Ever said that you're a science fiction fan, and been called a geek? Ever wanted to be able to save the world? Read Fallen Angels. But don't take it too seriously. Fallen Angels is a rather scizophrenic book- it seems unsure as to what it wants to be. On the one hand, it's a fast-moving romp through an interesting future world- a world where an extreme radical Green party has gained power in America, and, in effect, banned science. In this future world, scientists, and science fiction fans have much the same status as Communists did in 1950's America. However, the authors (noted opponents of Green politics) go absolutely overboard on the politicaL side of the book, meaning that every good character spouts Nivenist Politik, and every bad character is a stupid, blinkered Green Nazi. This total polarisation of character makes the book hard to take seriously- a political discussion is boring when one party is shown to be so obviously right (in the authors view, anyway). In fact, considering the authors fine scientific background, the science in the book is perilously dodgy- Biomass fuel is not produced through burning farm produce, and I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who'd think it's a good idea to pump CO2, and CFCs into the atmosphere "in case there's an ice-age". In case you're wondering why I gave this book three stars after the hammering I've just given it, I did actually quite enjoy it. Despite the heavy didactism, the book is funny, fast-moving, and had engaging central characters. It at least makes you think about what you're reading, which is more than I can say about most books I've read. Overall- recommended. But don't let it change your life.
