For a lifetime reader of science fiction who has cloven asunder from the genre, this tale of traditional themes told with superior writing has been a blessing. Based on more than conflict and conquest, the examination of human problems and the solutions to them harkened back to the old days. The comparison in flavor to Mary Doria Russel’s The Sparrow and Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy come to this mind. The writing is on par with these works, even if the specifics are different. They are of an equal magnitude.

The real difference is heart. This story has great emotional impact to support the technical wizardry of the dilemma’s solution. There’s a lot or science here, but it can be skimmed if it distresses you. It helps to understand the framework but not understanding it will not diminish the pleasure of reading this book. Those who are in a position to know have declared the techtalk to be accurate, though this reader would not.

The story is of a lone space traveler sent on a mission to save the earth. He finds upon awakening that he is alone. His companions have died on the way to their destination. Still, he has a job to do, and one whose importance dictates that he must ignore his own feelings of loss and abandonment and simply get on with it. What he discovers in this pursuit is astonishing and inspirational as well as instructive. It is a story that amazes and reminds us of the resiliency of the human creature. There are also delicious surprises and an entirely uplifting conclusion. It is altogether excellent and will delight most readers of fiction and some readers of nonfiction. I recommend it highly.