From Booklist
Conceived by Larry Niven in one of his first published short stories, the saga of humanity's interstellar clashes with the warlike, feline Kzinti race has enlisted a wide range of contributors over the years, with mixed results. The latest episode sent for review (another by Mark O. Martin and Gregory Benford will be in the published book), The Heroic Myth of Lieutenant Nora Argamentine by Donald Kingsbury, concentrates on various Kzin warriors' political stratagems as they maneuver to break the stranglehold humanity has on their territory since the recent human acquisition of the hyperdrive. While powerful military Kzin scheme to produce their own version of the hyperdrive, a human lieutenant, Yankee Clandeboye, eagerly volunteers for a rescue mission when he learns that his cousin, long presumed dead, may still be alive, enslaved by the Kzin. Kingsbury's frequent shifting of narrative focus as he delves into Kzin cultural minutiae (including a twisted new religion resembling Christianity) will probably only confuse newcomers to the saga. They should begin at the beginning; meanwhile, seasoned fans will be pleased to watch the trouble brewing for a new interstellar war in future installments. Carl Hays

ANNOTATION

The man-killing cats from Kzin are back in short novels by Gregory Benford, Mark O. Martin and Donald Kingsbury. The Kzin Third Fleet has decided a change of strategy is in order after two unpleasant defeats at the hands of the humans (or "monkeys") from Earth. Only luck or the Outsiders can save us now. . . . Original.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A Darker Geometry

Bruno was the most stable linker that Col. Buford Early's "wild talents" project could find, but linkers always went catatonic after a certain amount of time connected to high level computers. Bruno knew intellectually that he had to minimize cumulative link time; he had to stay sane for as long as possible. But with the link, he was so much more than human. He could see the All. And, more than that, he could extract every last bit of effectiveness from the ship he was piloting, and so - maybe, just maybe - save himself and his lady love, who is also his Captain, from that most horrible of fates: capture by Kzin.

FROM THE CRITICS

BookList - Carl Hays