pub: PS Publishing. 95 page hardcover Price: $18.00 (US) £12.00 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-90630-160-6.

check out website: www.pspublishing.co.uk

Set in the far future of humanity, 'Starfall' details a war between Earth and her colonies on Alpha Centauri where such a great distance means any invasion must be carefully plotted. Therefore, this story begins fifty years before 'Starfall', the name of the strike. Generations pass with the planning of this war.



'Starfall' is intended to overthrow the somewhat benign regime of the Empress Shira, freeing the resources of the restless and alienated colonies. As the story counts down chapter by chapter to the event, more plot lines and characters become involved. Events move swiftly as the Alpha Centauri fleet enters Earth's solar system and the battle sequences are tightly plotted. The final showdown between Flood (Alpha Centauri) and Shira (Empress) becomes a battle of wills with the conclusion revealing much more than the real reason for this war.

This novella is part of the 'Xeelee Sequence' which began with Baxter's first professionally published story in 1987. Although I believe a couple more plot threads and some more complex relationships could have made this a more fulfilling novel, fans of Stephen Baxter will enjoy this addition to the ongoing story.

Kelly Jensen