Customer Reviews

Pax Athenica

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Sometimes when I get requests from authors to read their books (especially first-time novelists), I end up rethinking if I ever want to do that again. Having a good story concept and executing it well can be if-fy. But then you occasionally run into a real gem that makes it worth it. Pax Athenica by Geoffrey Greer is an excellent sci-fi story that lends itself to plenty of analysis and parallels in today's world. And if Mr. "I don't do subtle" can figure it out (and actually find more than just one), then it *has* to be done well...



Earth is dead, as in "no life". Humans did something that wiped out all of civilization, animals, plants, you name it. The only thing that survived were AI robots who have become sentient. Maximilian, the leader of the Athenians, has successfully subdued all the other AI civilizations and brought "peace" to the land. But a warrior with no more wars to fight is a dangerous thing. Justin, a university professor, is secretly studying something that is unthinkable to the Athenians... that Earth may be attempting to regenerate life in the form of water, plants, and small lifeforms. Isaac is his confidante, and is torn between Justin's thinking and the official stance that biological diversity is unnecessary and is a threat to their way of life. When he tries to convince Maximilian that life is valuable, he starts down a path that involves espionage, rebellion, and finally a major choice between what is right and wrong.

Greer does an excellent job of "humanizing" the robots and capturing the philosophy of superiority that the Athenians have. As Isaac gets drawn deeper into the diversity argument, you see how society and the leadership changes to "protect" their way of life. Benevolence gives way to reluctant discipline, which leads to curtailment of freedoms, which finally leads to a society where totalitarian authority is the norm. Those who have differing opinions are tolerated, then frowned upon, then punished, leading to either death or "reform". There were three or four different messages you could take from the story, and those who are more contemplative could probably find even more. But I loved how the story wasn't a thin covering for the author's soapbox. You could read the book for the story alone and it would have been just as good...

I really hope this isn't Greer's first, last, and only foray into the science fiction novel world. I would pick up his next book without a moment's hesitation...

Geoffrey Greer shows a lot of potential in this debut sci-fi novel. The great source of uniqueness here is that the story features no humans, and the robot characters act out a social and political drama that is highly suggestive of the state of the real human world. After a conflict in which humans have wiped out themselves and all other life forms, advanced robots inherit a wasted Earth. The robots display emotions and morality, and although they can't decipher their origins they create their own culture and religion, with a quite fascinating animosity toward the slow reemergence of organic life forms. This premise is sturdy but it is also a bit problematic. First, how these super-advanced robots, with no knowledge of their human creators, evolved into a society that strongly resembles ancient Greece and Rome is unexplained and too fanciful. Second, Greer has obviously been influenced by Asimov's Robot series (the main character is even named Isaac), and while this novel is a worthy successor to the classics, that sense of tribute may have held back some of the storyline's creative potential. But beyond these quibbles, the main plotline is expertly written, with strong ruminations on dictatorship, morality, and conformity that expertly advance the sci-fi backdrop while provoking thought on the current state of humanity, particularly in the political realm. The climax to the story is also very exciting (if a bit talky) and some real surprises ensue. For readers looking for good solid sci-fi that shows the strengths of the classics, it will be interesting to see what Greer does next. [~doomsdayer520~]

Although my appreciation for science fiction, or for any genre for that matter, centers around the medium of film, this novel held my attention from its inception. I agree with the previous review that this need not occur in a sci-fi setting, however, having it take place amidst a robotic society takes those timeworn morals and questions and allows the reader to view them from a fresh perspective. Mr. Greer has brought these venerable conflicts and new viewpoint together in a well-crafted tale.

Speaking as someone who learned his science fiction through the television dictionaries of Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" and the foreboding tone of the control voice of "The Outer Limits" (both of which owe much to Asimov), I find it refreshing to read something that clearly stems from that kind of storytelling.

-Phil Brickner

I thought that Pax Athenica was a great piece of Science Fiction that definitely has a message to convey with its great characters and compelling story. As a fan of Asimov I found myself very comfortable in the world created by Greer. Even if you're not familiar with Asimov's work, I think this book also stands alone and you should have no trouble coming to enjoy this book. While a newly published author, Greer has a definite style and I look forward to more books by him.

Like any great story, it is not required that the events in this book take place in a sci-fi setting. The morals that it explores and the questions it raises are relevant for any setting and the series of crises faced by the protagonist would have been just as relevant for the conscientious human as they are for the self-aware android Isaac.

It is a painful truth that there is very little originallity left in this genre, however Greer has found a way to take the themes made popular by Asimov and refresh them totally such that something completely new and wonderful awaits the reader in its pages.

If you enjoyed the Robot or Foundation novels by Asimov, this book is an absolute must.

- Joshua Gayou

Mr Greer captured my interest from the start of his novel. Filled with visualization and characterization to make you forget that the characters are not human. Hope and tragedy parallel each other throughout, leaving you to wonder who will survive. Hollywoood's film industry should take note of this and begin the screenplay as soon as possible, but only if they can capture the internal struggles of each "person." How refreshing to read such quality work. Mr. Greer, I look forward to your next novel with anxious anticipation.