Customer Reviews

Days of Starlight

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When a massive crystal is found in the frozen wastes of Antartica scientists must find out whether it is natural or extra-terriestrial. When they start experiencing strange dreams life becomes a question of survival as their own government tries to hide their findings. Combining the best of the Sci-fi Genre with an action thriller Craig Harrison builds on the success of the "Quiet Earth" to bring you the best example of New Zealand fiction.

A hard science fiction novel that reads like a detective story

The protagonist of Days of Starlight is Ben, an Everyman with balls. He has a family yet it progressively becomes apparent that it is one of convenience; he is a scientist yet clearly not afraid of getting into a fight. And he has a strong sense of being at the mercy of circumstance and having made poor decisions in his past, making him a very human character.

Craig Harrison has clearly done his research into laser technology and life on an Antarctic bases. His descriptions bring realism and credibility to a story that does not go over the reader's head. The dynamics of the members of the base, as seen through Ben's point of view, help give a carefully crafted texture to the story. Harrison's choice to keep the story focused on the base rather than the environment also assist in keeping the narrative centred on the events and their wide-reaching implications.

It is easy to imagine that this is Matthew Reiley's inspiration behind Ice Station. Though based on very similar premises, however, Ice Station and Days of Starlight are two very different takes. If blow-you-away action is your cup of tea, go with Reiley - but if you are after subtle, carefully sliced, dramatic, personal, and dark story-telling, Harrison easily takes the prize.