4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting (but confusing) many-worlds first novel, November 10, 2003
This review is from: Mainline (Mass Market Paperback)
Reva, a renowned assassin, has the useful ability to cross worldlines, to avoid pursuit or to penetrate a well-protected target. In fact, she can see several worldlines at once, the better to dodge trouble. But, if she travels too far from her Mainline, she can't find her way home -- so she leads a self-contained, lonely life.
As the story unfolds, Reva gets involved with a young smuggler, and tries to stay in that mainline to maintain the friendship. Complications ensue.
Mainline has some of the cheerful amorality of early Delany, and an interesting study of the implications of worldline-crossing in a many-worlds universe. Reva's ability is psi-based -- she is something of an adult, conflicted Telzey Amberdon. She does turn out to be an assassin with a heart of gold (gag), but it's more complex than that, thank heavens. The major good guys are well-drawn, but her villains are pretty cartoonish. The frequent POV shifts are distracting, and, like many first novelists, Christian tries to cram in too much stuff. And there's some dodgy (to be polite) economics in the world-building. But, overall, a worthy first effort and a fine, gripping story.
Here's a cover blurb from Nicola Griffith: It's a "refreshing change to read about a woman who kills people for a living, instead of worrying about their well-being."
Happy reading!
Cheers -- Pete Tillman
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A tale of a woman who is ruthless but has compassion, August 22, 1998
This review is from: Mainline (Mass Market Paperback)
In this book, I had the feeling I was reading from a mature writer who has a good grasp of how to entertain her readers. Few authors would have had the capacity to evoke an understanding and sympathy in readers for an essentially all-powerful being--an assassin at that--who seemingly cannot be harmed because of her ability to travel to various realities to kill someone or escape pursuit. Christian does this with greate ease. From the loss of her family to the loss of her friend, Reva is a character who gains sympathy despite her powers. Also, from beginning to end, Mainline keeps action and interest flowing--so much I read it all in just one sitting. A curious but compelling tale of a far-future woman in a tale few authors can handle. I hightly recommend it.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Femme Nikita of a future world..., June 7, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Mainline (Mass Market Paperback)
I've just finished reading Mainline and found it truly masterful. It has all the elements of suspense and action as well as character development that a reader hopes for in any science fiction book as well as delightfully creative worlds as invented by the author. The quick scene changes helps keep the pace and suspense going as if one were watching a movie. Reva is like the Femme Nikita of the future world--tough on the outside, vulnerable on the inside. Supporting characters help keep the readers on their toes as plotlines overlap and cross over one another to the climax of the novel.
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