From Publishers Weekly
The terrors of a capitalist society in free fall are amply illustrated in this cautionary tale about collusion between an alien superpower interested in exploiting Earth's natural resources (and reorganizing human society along stultifyingly structured lines) and U.S. officials too greedy to care. Roland Cade, a privileged entrepreneurial facilitator with no interest in politics, introduces the alien Hyadeans to wealthy Terran businessmen. Meanwhile, Julia, Cade's lovely and understanding girlfriend, suggests that he use his less savory connections with his ex-wife, Marie, to move "a good friend" of Julia's out of the United States. (Marie, after divorcing Roland, joined revolutionaries who believe the U.S. government fails to put the interests of the American citizenry above financial gain.) Once Roland and Marie are reunited, politics and reignited passions drive Roland to uncover the truth behind a government-ordered assassination plot, while the trusting Hyadeans get a lesson in the subterfuges of the capitalist ruling classes. Struggling to pull the U.S. from the brink of destruction, Roland, Marie, a group of well-meaning revolutionaries and Hyadeans battle for survival as they attempt to reveal the truth through media channels. Although Hogan's aliens are basically just blue people, the virtue of this lively political parable lies in its consideration of such concepts as imagination, power, fear and the unfamiliar. Hard SF fans seeking a fantastic new landscape of creatures and technology may be disappointed, but they'll appreciate Hogan's energetic narrative, engaging characters and strikingly real presentation of a plausible immediate future. (Oct.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The Legend That Was Earth FROM THE PUBLISHER
"They've eased our problems. They've raised our standards of living. Their science has shown us that everything we thought we knew about the universe was wrong. And now the alien Hyadeans' high-tech gifts and their flair for social order promise to make a paradise of planet Earth." "To us, the Hyadeans seem a model of efficiency and clear thinking. But in Hyadean eyes, Earth's culture wallows in imagination and dreams, artforms and concepts which would never have occurred to a citizen of their world. To some of the aliens, this demonstrates Earth's backwardness: others are increasingly fascinated by us." "But when a political assassination plunges his life into chaos, wealthy socialite and "fixer" Roland Cade discovers the dark underbelly of the alien presence. Our government obeys them. Our economy serves their wealthy masters. And the CounterAction "terrorists" on the news are truly fighting for freedom for Terrans and Hyadeans alike - and one of them is his ex-wife." "Soon Cade is caught up in a terrifying adventure that will take him around the globe, and a conflict that will threaten to destroy the world as it turns American against American - and Hyadean against Hyadean."--BOOK JACKET.
SYNOPSIS
They've eased our problems. They've raised our standards of living. Their science has shown us that everything we thought we knew about the universe was wrong. And now the alien Hyadeans' high-tech gifts and their flair for social order promise to make a paradise of planet earth.
But when a political assassination plunges his life into chaos, wealthy socialite and "fixer" Roland Cade discovers the dark underbelly of the alien presence. Our government obeys them. Our economy serves their wealthy masters. And the Counter Action terrorists on the news are truly fighting for freedom for terrans and Hyadeans alike- and one of them is his ex-wife.
About the Author
Born in London in 1941, James P. Hogan is a science fiction writer in the grand tradition, combining informed and accurate speculation from the cutting edge of science and technology with suspenseful storytelling and living.
FROM THE CRITICS
Starlog
There's no denying [Hogan's] ability to tell a story... The reader who felt that films such as Deep Impact, Armageddon and When Worlds Collide were for wimps might want to jump on this one.
Publishers Weekly
Hogan's clearly explained scientific hypothesis presents intriguing questions, andhis characters are real and likable.... the suspenseful plot will keep readers strapped in for the ride.
Mysterious Galaxy
A hell of a lot of fun... enjoy the ride!
Publishers Weekly
The terrors of a capitalist society in free fall are amply illustrated in this cautionary tale about collusion between an alien superpower interested in exploiting Earth's natural resources (and reorganizing human society along stultifyingly structured lines) and U.S. officials too greedy to care. Roland Cade, a privileged entrepreneurial facilitator with no interest in politics, introduces the alien Hyadeans to wealthy Terran businessmen. Meanwhile, Julia, Cade's lovely and understanding girlfriend, suggests that he use his less savory connections with his ex-wife, Marie, to move "a good friend" of Julia's out of the United States. (Marie, after divorcing Roland, joined revolutionaries who believe the U.S. government fails to put the interests of the American citizenry above financial gain.) Once Roland and Marie are reunited, politics and reignited passions drive Roland to uncover the truth behind a government-ordered assassination plot, while the trusting Hyadeans get a lesson in the subterfuges of the capitalist ruling classes. Struggling to pull the U.S. from the brink of destruction, Roland, Marie, a group of well-meaning revolutionaries and Hyadeans battle for survival as they attempt to reveal the truth through media channels. Although Hogan's aliens are basically just blue people, the virtue of this lively political parable lies in its consideration of such concepts as imagination, power, fear and the unfamiliar. Hard SF fans seeking a fantastic new landscape of creatures and technology may be disappointed, but they'll appreciate Hogan's energetic narrative, engaging characters and strikingly real presentation of a plausible immediate future. (Oct.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
KLIATT
When the Hyadeans begin trading with earth, it looks like a win-win situation. The Hyadeans have high-tech products, and the earth attracts the aliens with its legendary diverse geography and people. The Hyadeans credit their advances to their lack of questioning; where earthly scientists get caught up in theory, the Hyadeans just accept the facts, and build upon them. However, as the Hyadeans experience the sometimes-illogical nature of humans, they come to appreciate their sense of self-sacrifice and creativity. Instead of paradise, though, comes chaos, as earth finds that the cost of Hyadean cooperation is supreme obedience and total intolerance of deviation from any plans at hand. Some counteraction terrorists fight the totalitarianism of both sides, including idealist activist Marie. Her ex-husband Cade has benefited from the alien-earth relationship as he negotiates with all comers, but he finds himself caught in the middle of the trouble, and facing his past with Marie. Thrown together, the two find that individual Hyadeans can meld the best of both worlds in concert with right-minded earthlings, including themselves. The question becomes: will earth survive the growing war state? Was the legend of earth its failing or its salvation? Hogan subtly pushes the political ideology of libertarianism in this action-packed SF. Chapters bounce between philosophical musings about ideal states and near-escape attacks upon the earth and the protagonists. The result approximates a polemic with characters who embody political stances rather than individualized depth. Most likely to attract young males of L. Ron Hubbert sensibility. Marginally recommended for older readers. Category:Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror. KLIATT Codes: A—Recommended for advanced students, and adults. 2000, Baen, 504p., $7.99. Ages 17 to adult. Reviewer: Dr. Lesley S.J. Farmer; Lib. Media/Teacher Svcs., Cal. State Univ., Long B SOURCE: KLIATT, March 2002 (Vol. 36, No. 2)
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