Grant (The Dragons of Manhattan
) delivers a satirical dystopian vision that falls apart despite some intriguing ideas. Presented as 10 stories starting in the present day and working toward a distant future, the novel tells the story of a United States fallen under theocratic dictatorship. All too often, Grant favors exposition over storytelling, undercutting solid concepts like the fascinating universe origin story of “Q,” or the multiple realities of “Tempter.” Other tales, like “The Gara Smood,” are diminished by weak character voices. Only the love story “The Unforbidden Playground” stands out, with fascinating characters and an interesting twist on time travel. Even readers who share Grant's politics will wince at the unoriginal, over-the-top satire, and readers who disagree (or have no vested interest in) the political stance will find little substance buried beneath it. (Nov.)
