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Biased and superficial Science Fiction reviews

           
     
Bios

Copyright 1999 by Robert Charles Wilson

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SOJALS rating:     
one SOJALS point one SOJALS point no SOJALS point no SOJALS point no SOJALS point    Mediocre (2/5)

I first read this on the 27th November 2002.

Zoe Fisher has been genetically engineered to survive, to flourish, on the world of Isis, a world that is extremely toxic to normal humans.

Her modified body includes an artificial gland that monitors and balances her body, levelling mood, sustaining alertness and banishing fatigue. However, her doctor, in an act of intended kindness, has destroyed this organ leaving Zoe increasingly subject to disconcerting emotional swings.

In particular her newfound emotional instability is weakening her loyalty to her mentor Avrion Theophilus. It is allowing her to feel rather more strongly than she would like for the politically unreliable Tam Hayes

As the human outposts collapse one by one under the onslaught from the Isis ecology, Zoe begins to explore her new environment.

I enjoyed this. I enjoyed the alien environment and technology used to subdue it. I particularly enjoyed the politics of the home world and their influence on the lives of the Isis colonists.

This was good SF - much better than "A Hidden Place". The downside is that I'd be happier reading more about the worlds of 'Devices & Personnel' and the 'Works Trust' rather than Zoe herself.

Loaded on the 1st June 2003.
    
Cover of Bios
Cover art by Jim Burns

Reviews of other works by Robert Charles Wilson:
A Hidden Place
Gypsies
A Bridge Of Years
The Harvest
Spin



Reviews of other works with covers by Jim Burns:
Infinity's Shore
Heaven's Reach
Kiln People
Emergence
The Joy Makers
To Hold Infinity
Paradox
Red Dust
The Naked God
Judas Unchained
Ancient Shores

Reviews of other works with covers by Jim Burns and Don Puckey:
Fallen Dragon

Reviews of other works with covers by Jim Burns, Don Pucjey and Jesse Sanchez:
Time Future

Reviews of other works with covers by Jim Burns, Don Puckey and Carol Russo:
The Neutronium Alchemist - Conflict
The Neutronium Alchemist - Consolidation