Cosmic Tales: Adventures in Sol System


Cosmic Tales: Adventures in Sol System edited by T.K.F. Weisskopf Baen, $6.99, 456 pages, ISBN: 0743488326 reviewed by Barry Hunter Even though the space program is moving at a snail’s pace, science fiction writers have not given up on the exploration of the solar system. Toni Weisskopf has packed this collection with some of the best and most interesting stories I’ve read lately. Charles Sheffield gives us a story about the laws of science and a flux of energy from somewhere else in "McAndrew and THE LAW". James P. Hogan has a story of hijackers and a unique "Jailhouse Rock". Travis Traylor has a way to clear out the near Earth objects and the "Cleaning Lady" who really knows her job. Margaret Ball populates the asteroids with minorities and then has to solve a "Communications Problem". Allen Steele takes an Oceans 11 approach to a lunar casino in "High Roller". Wen Spencer tells an unusual tale about the first "Moon Monkeys". John Ringo keeps things on Earth in a tale of gene engineering in "Earth’s First Improved Chip Gets Job as a Janitor". Paul Chafe uses a new Holmes and Watson in "The Cutting Fringe" as they work together to find a cheap way to mine the asteroids. Other stories by Jack McDevitt, Rebecca Lickiss, and Gregory Benford fill out this pleasing and enjoyable anthology. Weisskopf has a unique talent in picking out unique and interesting tales. There are more of her choices to come in the future and after you finish this one, I’m sure you will be on the lookout for more.
reviews

Cosmic Tales: Adventures in Sol System
edited by T.K.F. Weisskopf
Baen, $6.99, 456 pages, ISBN: 0743488326
reviewed by Barry Hunter

Even though the space program is moving at a snail’s pace, science fiction writers have not given up on the exploration of the solar system. Toni Weisskopf has packed this collection with some of the best and most interesting stories I’ve read lately.

Charles Sheffield gives us a story about the laws of science and a flux of energy from somewhere else in "McAndrew and THE LAW". James P. Hogan has a story of hijackers and a unique "Jailhouse Rock". Travis Traylor has a way to clear out the near Earth objects and the "Cleaning Lady" who really knows her job. Margaret Ball populates the asteroids with minorities and then has to solve a "Communications Problem". Allen Steele takes an Oceans 11 approach to a lunar casino in "High Roller". Wen Spencer tells an unusual tale about the first "Moon Monkeys". John Ringo keeps things on Earth in a tale of gene engineering in "Earth’s First Improved Chip Gets Job as a Janitor". Paul Chafe uses a new Holmes and Watson in "The Cutting Fringe" as they work together to find a cheap way to mine the asteroids.

Other stories by Jack McDevitt, Rebecca Lickiss, and Gregory Benford fill out this pleasing and enjoyable anthology. Weisskopf has a unique talent in picking out unique and interesting tales. There are more of her choices to come in the future and after you finish this one, I’m sure you will be on the lookout for more.

reviews