"An obstacle course in 1.6 gees with an unknown carnivorous species at the end of it was every boy’s dream."

This is a fabulous little gem of a science fiction story. Duncan's characters are often a little hard to enter, emotionally; a certain coldness pervades sometimes and this is true here. But if you read without needing too much empathy this is really superb: modern, plausible, rollicking stuff.

"You, on the other hand, are Mr. Know-it-all, the universal understudy for the entire crew. Consider yourself acting captain until further notice."

There's that great lowest-of-the-low rising high here, too, which often makes good reading. The technology is muted, but present, and the moral and ethical concerns also present but filtered through the characters so they aren't shoved down your throat.

The twist is sudden, per Duncan, but this one flat-footed me a little. I had an inkling, but it all happened so explosively that I hadn't time to digest my own thoughts before we were rushing to a conclusion. I also especially liked the biological Deus ex machina, mainly because if you know your biology it's perfectly logical, which I always admire in fantasy.

One of his best standalones, in fact my favourite I think, and the second best of the year from him so far (nothing will beet [b:The Death of Nnanji|13604026|The Death of Nnanji (Seventh Sword, #4)|Dave Duncan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1344727477s/13604026.jpg|19198008]. Yet, at least...