Review: Alphecca Review:  A Fun Read, Enjoyable
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 23, 2013
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FMB4KS/" target="blank">Fey, by Mike Lee.</a> I love science fiction. I don't particularly like fantasy. So, what happens when I read a mixture of the two?In this case, I enjoyed the story a lot. In the far future, an ex-serviceman and professional gambler is working his way slowly back to Earth by stopping at each space-casino along the way to pay for his fare. If you're a fan of poker (as in watching it on cable TV) you'll receive an extra-kick out of the story. And, apparently, tiny fairies (almost angels) exist to help out their selected . . . companions.I don't want to give up plot details but Mike Lee has drawn us a fine set of likable characters (including a good cop; not like his partner) and thrown in enough future type stuff to make it all hang together.Fey is not 'heavy' reading; it's a light-hearted, <em>action</em> fantasy of a good guy protecting a very special life form from the bad guys (which includes an evil syndicate, and -- of course -- the Earth based military) and the complications from a failed attempt at kidnapping the Fey.One criticism: This space casino is huge. If I remember rightly (it's been a few weeks since I read it) it accommodates 10,000 visitors. Yet, the action (except for a flashback to the protagonist's earlier military career) all takes place in three rooms: The card table, the hotel room, and the police station.A lot more background flavor could have been added by having the characters and action move around the casino/hotel station. Through the malls, swimming pools, parks, etc.Still, a very enjoyable read and I've already purchased Lee's prequel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A4Q9F60/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title" target="blank">Starfire</a> which I'm looking forward to. That should tell you that I think highly of Mike Lee's writing.