Wizards of Science

This novel felt a lot like science fiction that might have been published in the 60's, after having first run in several parts in a magazine like Analog. I mean that in a good way. Today's preference for 15 book series, where each book is several hundred thousand words, often results in wordy and slow moving writing. Reading something that is tightly plotted, fast moving, and resolves everything at the end, is rather refreshing. I did find the pace a little alarming at some points, especially when one short chapter covers over 50 years, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The author knows what he's doing.

Some of those transitional scenes are, in my opinion, the best writing in the book. It seems obvious Carl Frederick started out writing short stories, and still enjoys doing it. However, even when writing longer passages, his writing still holds up quite well.