Again!

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This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I have gone through millions, literally. Once I finished "Broken Time", I started it again. It's fast, enthralling, with likeable & recognizable characters. Only one thing left to say, and that is to the writer, Maggy Thomas: "PLEASE WRITE MORE."

Who says women can't write Science Fiction?

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I'll be brief. This novel is one of the best I have read in 40 years. It was grounded in reality and then moved into the unbelievable in a completely believable series of steps. Its style reminded me of the great British SF writer Bob Shaw. It is a story you'd want your daughters to read: the heroine is an amazing role model. Suspend your disbelief, and enjoy. I can't wait for the next novel by Maggy Thomas.

Siggy--warrior janitor

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Maggy Thomas's dazzling confection may well be the only genre novel to feature a janitor, and it's a kick. As the tale begins Siggy Lindquist, who has been spending her days cleaning a prison word for psycho-killers, is seen going back to her home world, Veil, after a prison break gone wrong. She's injured; a friend is killed. A settlement has been paid. After setting the scene Ms. Thomas, in the first half of the tale, flashes us back to the early days, and then the janitorial career of her protagonist. Then, in the book's second half we are swept up on a fascinating tour de space-time that leads to a breathtaking and totally satisfying conclusion.

Siggy who as you might imagine is a very superior sort of janitor (in her way she's like heroes of mid-20th-century sci-fi--the imaginative working stiffs who know more than their overeducated and bureaucratic superiors, and who know that you aren't paranoid if they are out to get you) moonlights as a dance instructor, and ballroom dancing becomes one of the book's themes.

The book tangos along through 339 pages (I've no intentions of spoiling the fun by saying more) and it's complete in itself. A sequel would be possible (and you'll probably want to read more about Siggy at that) but it's hardly mandatory.

Great concept, grand fun.

Nag, nag, nag

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Some of the other reviewers seem a tad picky in their judgments of this delightful sci-fi adventure. Yes, certain things may appear anachronistic, but I found those things to add a touch of familiarity and nostalgia to the story, as well as providing essential insights into Siggy's character. I was a tad confused by some of the plot twists towards the end as well, but I attributed that to my own ignorance of anything resembling technology or science (theoretical though it may be), and not to any shortcomings on the author's part. On the whole I found this novel to be fresh, unique and entirely captivating. It's a shame that it is not more well known.

The beggining is great! The ending is horrible.

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I really enjoyed the beginning of this novel. The characters are believable and you enjoy learning about each of their personalities. However, after the first couple of twist in the book it becomes jumpy and disconnected. I hated the explanation of the professor and the unanswered question of who is trying to create a war between the two races. Maybe I didn't understand the twist but I think I would of I would of enjoyed this novel more if it were more polished and the twist were not so outrageous