Stars and Gods

September 27, 2010
Niven's (Ringworld) impressive body of work is given a stunning showcase in this hefty volume, which includes short stories, novel excerpts, interviews, and even obscure nonfiction pieces. The short stories and novelettes explore hard science fiction with Niven's characteristic eye for detail and engaging voice. Set in a future where humans have the option of eternal childhood, "Boys and Girls Together" explores the meaning of adulthood and child-rearing. The elegant "Free Floaters" (written with Brenda Cooper) is a touching romance told against the backdrop of a sunless planet and the adventurous creatures that live there. Meanwhile, articles like "Wet Mars" blend the boundaries of fiction and fact by exploring the oft-speculated possibility of water on the red planet. This is an excellent primer for readers wanting to learn more about Niven's work, though novices might find themselves lost by the setting and technical language of the Ringworld excerpts and stories.

Starred review from February 3, 2020
Fans of the hard sci-fi Heorot series from Niven, Barnes, and the late Pournelle (1933–2017) are likely to feel that the 25-year wait for this final installment (after Beowolf’s Children) was worth it. Mostly complete by the time of Pournelle’s death, this work thoughtfully builds on the vision of the future painted by prior volumes. The human colony on the extrasolar planet Avalon has achieved stability despite threats posed by the planet’s voracious reptilian monsters, who have decimated their numbers and destroyed essential tech. As the colony’s leaders work to repair and maintain their machinery, including shuttlecraft that enable them to leave the planet’s surface, they face two new challenges: the discovery of another intelligent life form, called cthulhus, whose intentions are unclear, and the arrival of a spaceship captained by Godsons, humans belonging to a group who had been excluded from the expedition that led to the creation of the Avalon colony. Unlike the expedition members and their descendants, whose goal was to create a peaceful society free from want and crime, the Godsons believed that humanity’s destiny was to conquer the universe. The ideological differences inevitably lead to clashes as tension between the humans mounts en route to the thrilling climax. This excellent series finale sticks the landing.