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Breakaway: A Cassandra Kresnov Novel by Joel Shepherd
01/04/2007 . Source: Tomas L. Martin 
pub: Pyr/Prometheus Books. 426 page enlarged paperback. Price: $15.00 (US). ISBN: 978-1-59102-540-5. Buy Breakaway: A Cassandra Kresnov Novel in the USA - or Buy Breakaway: A Cassandra Kresnov Novel in the UK  check out website: www.pyrsf.com
Joel Shepherd's first novel 'Crossover' impressed me a lot, reflecting the age-old question of how an artificial human would feel in a new, original way. It combined some interesting moral and political questions combined with excellent action set-pieces to keep both head and adrenaline satisfied.
Here in 'Breakaway', the Australian new author continues the tale of military android Cassandra Kresnov. She has defected from the League faction which created her to the Federation planet of Callay. Her presence on the planet, combined with the progressive nature of its president, has led to Callay re-thinking its position and threatening to leave the Federation run by old Earth.
This upcoming possible breakaway from the status quo has made Callay a prime target for extremists on both sides of the decision. Terrorism and underground movements are rife. Kresnov, who agreed to be a member of the local police swat teams in the first book, has her hands full with numerous attempts to cause havoc by extremists.
Meanwhile, in the most interesting part of the book, the politics surrounding Kresnov and her status as human or machine is complex and heated. The right wing of the government wishes to imprison her. Their alliance to one of the intelligence agencies means her every move is watched. The other, more progressive wing and the other intelligence agency supports her, leading to an intense and fascinating stand-off.
It is this extremely nuanced political spectrum that truly brings 'Breakaway' to life. That and the explosions. The superb set pieces featuring SWAT teams against extremists are matched in excitement by the battles on the floors of government. The debates between Callay's representatives are as exciting as the running gun battles in its streets.
That's a testament to Joel Shepherd's writing and world-building in creating a world that truly reflects how complicated politics is. Politics reflects such a huge number of people that there is never a clear black and white division between politicians. Some are doing it for the good of other interests rather than the country or through different views of what the good of the country actually is.
The brilliance of 'Breakaway' in making these politicians seem just as real as those in the real world adds a huge depth of interest to this book. The debate of whether Kresnov is really human is covered in many different thoughtful ways but the ideas never overpower the enjoyment, which is another success.
'Breakaway' is a definite improvement on 'Crossover', which while great didn't make the political divisions nearly as clearly. The adding of complexity to the non-military side of things compliments the fantastic characterisation and action to create what is an extremely well rounded novel. Recommended.
Tomas L. Martin
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