Coding Challenge 2-4

Welcome to the Sci-Fi Control Room

I started this blog in order to share my latest fiction with my readers and to post reviews and comments on the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. From time to time, we'll have interviews with other great authors in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy markets as well as give you the inside scoop on upcoming conventions.

But this is also your forum to share your ideas and enthusiasm. You can send me your comments and ideas; but please do NOT send me your fiction. I'm not a publisher and I will NOT read them. This is the Sci-Fi Control Room and I'm the one in control.

by Kei Yang

In her latest science-fiction novel, Yang explores the idea of quantum tunneling and a machine built to instantly transport the rider to the end of the universe. Teleportation is an old sci-fi concept and one that I thought had been wrung dry. Yang has proven me wrong. Reminiscent of the best of Niven's teleportation series stories from the 70's, Yang is concerned, not so much with the technology of teleportation, as much as its effect on society, morals, and religion.

To be sure, this is not just philosophical track masquerading as a SF novel (though Yang's always-fascinating philosophical ruminations are here in abundance). Fans of hard-hitting action-packed SF will have plenty to entertain them and Yang pulls several rabbits out of her hat to surprise any reader. I thought I knew all of the tricks of the trade and Yang's denouement surprised even me.

My only complaint is that the novel begins slowly with a bit too much emphasis on the technobabble associated with teleportation. Why do some authors insist on turning whole chapters into a physics thesis? However don't skip the second chapter or else you'll miss a hilarious misadventure involving two teleportation devices and a rather annoying cat.