Expendable A review by Wayne MacLaurin Last year, James Alan Gardner's first novel, Expendable , received critical acclaim for its depth of characterization and riveting view of the future. Not content to simply rehash traditional science-fiction, Gardner chose to examine the darker side of humanity and focused on the plight of the Explorer Corps, Expendable Crew Members . In Commitment Hour , Gardner once again delves into the darker side of humanity. This time, he chooses the idyllic, simple village of Tober Cove as the setting for his tale. It's the 25th century and Earth has long since been abandoned by both its population and its technology.
Life is simple for the remaining inhabitants.
They are fishermen, hunters, and the like. Technology more advanced than a spear is the stuff of legends and old rusting ruins. But, this village is unique. At the age of twenty, everyone must make a choice, a Commitment. Nothing less than what sex to spend the rest of their life as.