16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Space: 1999" LIVES!, February 4, 2004
This review is from: SPACE: 1999 The Forsaken (Mass Market Paperback)
There is something serious and very interesting at work in John Kenneth Muir's entry into the new (and hopefully long-lived), series of "Space: 1999" novels from Powys Media.
Set sometime after the events of Year One of "Space: 1999", Muir's tale involves Alpha's role (intentional and otherwise), in the extermination of a new race. Along the way, we are privy to the philosophical and important discussions of humanity's role in the Universe that were so common in Year One of the classic series. We also are introduced to characters and sociolgical facets of the future Alpha in Year Two.
Also on disply is some great discussion of the oft-rumored "cosmic intelligence" pulling the strings from behind the curtain. Finally, the realization that something larger is at work in the Universe dawns on the Alphans, and is discussed more openly than ever before.
Fans of Paul may not be overly happy with Muir's solutions, but there are solid "Paul" moments, and we get a peek into the hidden lives of the Alphans in a logical and mature way.
The story is a very interesting bridge between Year One and Two, which fans all know were radically different from each other. Most of the forshadowing of Year Two is in some locations and future construction plans (and the intorduction of Tony, as well as the all-but-forgotten Year Two supporting character, Bill Fraiser), but it is mostly displayed in the impatience of several supporting characters. Year Two characters were generally of a surlier nature, less inclined towards introspection and resignation as the characters were in Year One. Having been cooped up on the base for so long, resentment of Koening and his command staff festered, many Alphans wanting to challenge authority and get off the wandering moon at any cost. "Green sickness" or "embarkation syndrome," and even outright mutiny, are all hallmarks of Year Two, and we see those and other seeds of discontent brewing here in Muir's novel.
If the book has a failing, it is that there are, perhaps, too many references to past series events, as if Muir was trying to stuff in as many references as possible. He needn't have bothered, because he's spot on with the characters and sentiments of our favorite lunar castaways.
Year One and Two, radically different in tone, pace, and styling, are merged here in a sensible way, albeit in an uneasy coexistence. Fans should still check this one out, though, because you probably won't find a better attempt to bring Alpha back to life in novel form than Muir's efforts here. Granted, "Alien Seed" by E. C. Tubb was a pretty good stab at it, as was the first novel in this series, "Resurrection". But the difference here is, I think, because Muir is an admitted and unabashed fan of the series. The man "gets it," and it shows on every page.
Besides, it's a real page-turner.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Exploring the potential behind the series, April 24, 2004
This review is from: SPACE: 1999 The Forsaken (Mass Market Paperback)
As a science fiction novel, "The Forsaken" is okay. As a Space:1999 novel, "The Forsaken" is standout. In terms of the series and the medium, it does exactly what it needed to do to maximize its potential. It describes alien races and events that were impractical to film for mid-seventies television and it goes a long way to sewing up the gap in fabric between seasons one and two. On top of that it gives the reader some chewy ethical issues to ponder, as well as expanding one's cosmic view of the 1999 universe (he actually made me learn to respect and analyze the soap-bubble laden "Space Brain" epsiode).
I've heard some paint Muir's references to events and characters from past series one episodes as excessive and unnecessary. I didn't feel that way at all. By evoking past events Muir gives the sense that this is a moment in a larger epic - a passage in the larger odyssey of the Moon's travels. It helps build context and sense of continuity along the single timeline of Alpha's travels. It makes the story feel like part of a continuous epic rather than a stand-alone episodic vehicle.
The nature of the show's premise is bleak. Alpha must cling to the hope of finding a new world while their population and resources dwindle with each adventure. Kind of a downer. Muir captures that mood, making "The Forsaken" a rather somber novel, but effectively capturing the true spirit of the series which is always lurking just beneath the surface. I hope we can look forward to more 1999 work from Muir, as he clearly understands the core values and characters of this potential-loaded (but often un-met) sci-fi drama.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC, July 1, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: SPACE: 1999 The Forsaken (Mass Market Paperback)
I've enjoyed both Seasons of Space 1999 since I was a child. Mr Muir tells the exciting tale of just what happened between season one and two. Reading this type of Space 1999 novel is a dream come true for me. It is moving and captures my imagination the way the series always did.
This is beautiful work Mr Muir. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you.
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