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richardrbecker 's review for:
Noumenon
by Marina J. Lostetter
Noumenon is an epic space adventure — a mosaic of stories that follow one of humankind's first missions beyond the solar system. Beginning in 2088, the first story defines the purpose of the task and the means to accomplish it — a convoy of nine ships crewed by mission-critical clones representing the genetic talent of humankind will set out to a star and determine whether its unique properties are a weird natural phenomenon or something else.
While the mission-designers mostly anticipated a continuation of mission-focused positions as each new generation of clones replaced its predecessors, it becomes clear that clones are not perfect copies. During any era, clones might exhibit a longing for earth, mission fatigue, or question social morays — including euthanasia (as one clone is "born," it's predecessor is put to sleep) to maintain balance.
To circumvent the fallout of mass suicides and rebellion, the convey's leadership implements several drastic measures that, while effective against immediate threats, lead to other consequences with far-reaching ramifications that could jeopardize the mission. These challenges persist as they not only reach their objective only to realize that the home they left behind might not be the same home upon their return.
An enjoyable space opera-ish read, even if the plotline meanders along with glimpses of old-school sci-fi that raises several interesting but not unexpected psychological and sociological questions about humankind. Some readers will likely find the science if mostly soft, the questions raised only scratch the surface, some ideas more fanciful, and some vignette characters are easier to connect to than others. But the rest, Nounenon will entertain from start to finish.
While the mission-designers mostly anticipated a continuation of mission-focused positions as each new generation of clones replaced its predecessors, it becomes clear that clones are not perfect copies. During any era, clones might exhibit a longing for earth, mission fatigue, or question social morays — including euthanasia (as one clone is "born," it's predecessor is put to sleep) to maintain balance.
To circumvent the fallout of mass suicides and rebellion, the convey's leadership implements several drastic measures that, while effective against immediate threats, lead to other consequences with far-reaching ramifications that could jeopardize the mission. These challenges persist as they not only reach their objective only to realize that the home they left behind might not be the same home upon their return.
An enjoyable space opera-ish read, even if the plotline meanders along with glimpses of old-school sci-fi that raises several interesting but not unexpected psychological and sociological questions about humankind. Some readers will likely find the science if mostly soft, the questions raised only scratch the surface, some ideas more fanciful, and some vignette characters are easier to connect to than others. But the rest, Nounenon will entertain from start to finish.