Ninth City Burning

Black is a fresh new voice who pays respect to the classics of SF in this enjoyable adventure debut. The mighty defenses of Ninth City stand together with the remaining cities on Earth to protect humankind in a centuries-long war against an alien race. Black takes care to represent each stratum of the war-focused Earth: advanced societies in the cities, outpost towns that exist only to supply the war effort, and the marginalized “unincorporated” people who live beyond the protection of the cities. And he creates memorable characters, including the powerful human fontani (who are few but vital to the magic/technology hybrid weapons) and a factory worker drafted into the Legion, to inhabit his thrilling scenarios. Though the array of protagonists slows the pacing and the exploration of the strategy and magic systems diverts too much attention from the main plot, the details eventually come together in a fascinating world. Given this strong foundation, readers can expect more thrilling adventures from this new author. Agent: Kirby Kim, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Sept.)