good. A physicist, Dr. Jeffrey Horton, discovers a new effect based on recent advances in physics. It includes a means to detonate explosives at a distance. The discovery can change the world, as it can render most military arms useless. Has good hard science fiction. The book's style features a fair bit of quiet humor.
The plot may seem like a peacenik or physicist's wet dream -- make new discovery, end war, make world safe for mankind -- but it has more than that. The military gets involved, as do politicians, with realistic scenarios. Professional rivalries occur. It works well. The first half concentrates on science and politics, with an emphasis on the militaty implications of the invention. The second half turns into a discussion of gun control. Senator Grover Wilman leads the gun control group. The authors manage to both rationally give voice to both sides of the gun control debate and to demonize the pro-gun side. It is an impressive achievement. The ending falls into a dreadful and stereotpyical kidnap, whose only purpose seems to be to demonize the gun proponents, which really detracts from the book. It reminds us a bit of how Tom Clancy makes his bad guys in Clear and Present Danger be too batantly evil. The final chapter, an afterword, is chilling. It is a little reminiscent of Robert Heinlein's Sixth Column. Overall, The Trigger is compelling and hard to put down.
The authors' future history takes place in the 21st century. Besides this new invention, we see mostly improved electronics, such as bigger computer screens, personal agents in cyberspace, better phones, and an automated roadway. The authors predict a fairly dark future with escalating violence around the world, though with the U.S. as still the most powerful nation.
The characters are interesting, not just stereotypical scientists.
The authors have fun with big words. Sunglasses do or do not manifest themselves. The hero contemplates disengaging from his girlfriend. A weary scientist announces she is accepting donations of synapses. The book remains readable anyway. Will especially appeal to fans of physics and gun-control advocates. |
|
|
