From School Library Journal
Adult/High School–This novel blends high-concept sci-fi storytelling with flashy visual descriptions and action-packed sequences. In 2110, Xerkler, the inventor of a complex machine that grants access to all human knowledge, finds himself pulled into the service of a government council to prove the existence of the Imagofas, a race of advanced humans developed through illegal genetic experimentation. But Xerkler already knows of their existence, and he sees them as the next step in the evolution of humankind. What follows is a politically charged thriller that careens across Earth, Mars, and the nebulous world of cyberspace. Rowe's inclusion of Eastern philosophy, mostly through the enlightenment-seeking character named MAMintelligence, works as a thoughtful and interesting thread, but it may not be sufficiently explained for readers not familiar with the very casual references. The beginning of the novel is slow as Rowe explains the background of the large cast of characters, but the material is well worth digging through. Once readers get beyond the book's first third–a challenge that dedicated sci-fi fans will take on–the novel transforms into a fun and illuminating read.–
Matthew L. Moffett, Ford's Theatre Society, Washington, DC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Bookmarks Magazine
Rebecca K. Rowe's first novel fuses Eastern philosophy and social commentary with an edgy sci-fi plot reminiscent of Neal Stephenson's
Snow Crash. The plot of
Forbidden Cargo drags a bit through the first third, though dedicated SF readers who stick with it will be rewarded with rich backdrops, an intelligent exploration of some weighty issues, and, perhaps most important, well-written action sequences and interesting supporting characters. For the most part, the author avoids the pitfalls of the novice in a genre where seams are easily exposed and success often follows word-of-mouth recommendations. Consensus suggests that Rowe's imagination and style will serve her well in future efforts.
Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
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