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A review by ghosthermione
Judgement Dave by Si Clarke
fast-paced
5.0
You have 5 days to evacuate a bunch of disaster (*cough* climate *cough*) denialists who do not believe an asteroid is about to strike, despite it looming for years. They haven't even begun packing. What passes for government figures since they pay you, they don't have to lift a finger to help - but sure can berate you for just how slow you are. Oh, also, did I mention theyre a bunch of cat people whose idea of evacuation is asking to go out, then asking to go back in, and out again, on a loop?
It's tragic and infuriatingly familiar but also very funny.
But, oh, did we mention the cats' "pets" are actually a sentient species who are held as slaves, and considered stupid because... they use sign language instead of speaking? and your new cat friends, um, that is, employers, would rather leave them to die on the planet than have to recognize them as people? less funny bow, uh?
This book goes much, much deeper into the whole "the wider universe is an inclusive place" than the first book had gone. And tackles some very serious issues in a light way, riddled with jokes and references while never belittling the issues in question. That much a mix of comedic and serious is honestly on a level with Terry Pratchett - except perhaps more caustic.
It's tragic and infuriatingly familiar but also very funny.
But, oh, did we mention the cats' "pets" are actually a sentient species who are held as slaves, and considered stupid because... they use sign language instead of speaking? and your new cat friends, um, that is, employers, would rather leave them to die on the planet than have to recognize them as people? less funny bow, uh?
This book goes much, much deeper into the whole "the wider universe is an inclusive place" than the first book had gone. And tackles some very serious issues in a light way, riddled with jokes and references while never belittling the issues in question. That much a mix of comedic and serious is honestly on a level with Terry Pratchett - except perhaps more caustic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Genocide, Child abuse, Slavery, and Kidnapping