Aliens and AIs
Lawrence M. Schoen
Jintsu Electronic Text, $3.50, 72 pages, ISBN: 1932207414
reviewed by Barry Hunter

This collection of seven short stories is an entertaining look at various aliens and some Artificial Intelligences that give humans a run for the money.

"Pun Gazing" is a story of stargazing with a twist. "Bidding the Walrus" is a tale of a contractor's nanotechs running wild. "The Matter At Hand" makes Texas Hold'Em look easy as this game is played against an alien telepath. "Smooth Maneuver" concerns aliens and the Heimlich turning sexual. "Pidgin" is a funny tale of an alien going into a hardware store to buy fruit.

Schoen has a great sense of humor and uses it to great advantage in this collection. It's a fast read and has several chuckles that make you wish for more. This is a sure winner for Schoen and Jintsu.