Energized

May 21, 2012
Lerner (Small Miracles) delivers a taut near-future thriller about an energy-starved Earth held hostage by a power-mad international cartel. With Earth’s major oil reserves tainted by radiation during the Middle East’s “Crudetastrophe,” a critical need for alternate-energy schemes develops. The most promising is Powersat One (PS-1), a solar-powered satellite built by mining Earth’s new second moon, a captured “dormant comet” called Phoebe. Despite PS-1’s potential, public enthusiasm ebbs due to NIMBY critics, fear of stray microwave beams, and factions favoring other approaches—especially Russian oil companies, who are the only major suppliers left. When a Russian plot interrupts communications with PS-1, microwave beams kill civilians and destroy energy projects worldwide. With no way to send military forces into space, everything depends on a NASA contractor trapped on Phoebe and a handful of radio astronomers back on Earth. Lerner’s vision of the future is both topical and possible in this crisp, fast-paced hard SF adventure. Agent: Eleanor Wood, Spectrum Literary Agency.

September 24, 2012
After a manmade catastrophe contaminates the oil fields in the Middle East, the energy-starved industrialized world must live under the thumb of an increasingly rapacious oil-rich Russia. But when an asteroid threatens the Earth, it’s American ingenuity that lassos the rock and puts it into orbit, allowing the U.S to mine the asteroid for new energy resources, as well as gain a strategic advantage around the globe. Veteran narrator Grover Gardner’s clear, smooth, well-paced narration makes for a winning audio edition. Gardner adjusts his pace and tone during moments of dramatic tension, creates distinct, effective voices for the book’s characters, and captures the drama of this futuristic techno-thriller, making this a must listen for fans of the genre. A Tor hardcover.

December 1, 2012

Physicist and computer scientist Lerner's near-future techno-thriller focuses on a catastrophic oil crisis and its consequences for regions, governments, and individuals. The well-researched story contains scientific detail, extended action sequences, an asteroid named Phoebe, and a cast of unexceptional villains. Also mixed in are political tensions and a conflict between top energy exporter Russia and oil-consuming America, giving the plot great potential. The characters lack depth, though, and the description of meetings and conferences can be tedious. Actor, director, and narrator Grover Gardner brings the action and characters to life. VERDICT Of interest to die-hard sf fans. ["Plot and political intrigue take center stage in this sf adventure that should appeal to fans of hard sf and near-future techno-thrillers," read the review of the Tor hc, LJ 7/12.--Ed.]--Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY

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