Brightness Reef begins the story on planet Jijo, where a strange but fascinating group of races has been hiding from the Civilization of Five Galaxies. Humans plus 5 other species have created a unique culture, but then their seclusion is shattered by the arrival of criminals from space. The desperate inhabitants of Jijo forge an alliance with the fugitive Earthship, Streaker. Runner-up for the 1994 Best Novel Hugo. Everything on Stratos has evolved from one simple, plausible change.
Women are capable of giving birth to clones of themselves, cutting out the middle men.
The pastoral utopia concept is explored sympathetically and critically, in a tale filled with both intellectual content and rousing adventure. This particular hardcover edition is a bargain, since it was printed on acid-free recycled paper, and bound with Smith Sewn signatures. A real book-lovers' book which will last a lifetime. My second short story collection. My1st novel, a murder mystery set in the Uplift Universe.