Man-Kzin Wars VI
Conceived by Larry Niven in one of his first published short stories, the saga of humanity's interstellar clashes with the warlike, feline Kzinti race has enlisted a wide range of contributors over the years, with mixed results. The latest episode sent for review (another by Mark O. Martin and Gregory Benford will be in the published book),The Heroic Myth of Lieutenant Nora Argamentineby Donald Kingsbury, concentrates on various Kzin warriors' political stratagems as they maneuver to break the stranglehold humanity has on their territory since the recent human acquisition of the hyperdrive. While powerful military Kzin scheme to produce their own version of the hyperdrive, a human lieutenant, Yankee Clandeboye, eagerly volunteers for a rescue mission when he learns that his cousin, long presumed dead, may still be alive, enslaved by the Kzin. Kingsbury's frequent shifting of narrative focus as he delves into Kzin cultural minutiae (including a twisted new religion resembling Christianity) will probably only confuse newcomers to the saga. They should begin at the beginning; meanwhile, seasoned fans will be pleased to watch the trouble brewing for a new interstellar war in future installments.Carl Hays