cover image GENE RODDENBERRY'S ANDROMEDA: The Broken Places

GENE RODDENBERRY'S ANDROMEDA: The Broken Places

Ethlie Ann Vare, with Daniel Morris. . Tor, $23.95 (302pp) ISBN 978-0-7653-0484-1

In Vare and Morris's fast-paced space romp, the second novel based on Roddenberry's Andromeda TV series (after Keith R.A. DeCandido's Destruction of Illusions ), the crew of the Andromeda Ascendant is trying to broker an understanding between a group of Nietzcheans, genetically engineered superbeings, and the Human Interplanetary Alliance, their former slaves, when executive office Beka Valentine's no-good brother, Rafe, arrives and lets her know that he's found their long-lost mother. Beka and Rafe go looking for mom on a distant planet, leaving Captain Dylan Hunt without his most trusted officer. Mom, a wandering archeologist (some would say thief), leads sister and brother on a chase through the galaxy in search of the Vedran Runes, ancient artifacts with the power to remake the universe. Meanwhile, back on the Andromeda , a member of the Genites—a sort of anti-genetic engineering KKK—has interposed himself into the negotiations. Will Beka find her mom? Will Dylan parley a peace? Will the Vedran Runes hit the reset button on the universe? Dedicated fans of the TV show will enjoy learning the answers in this unpretentious franchise fiction. (Dec. 1)

FYI: Vare was the first staff writer hired for the Andromeda TV series, which she co-produced for two years.