Peace and Memory

I happen to have read the existing Secantis books in order. Each volume is excellent on its own. Taken together, they each add detail to the divided future of humanity that Tiedemann imagines.

Peace & Memory picks up long after the events of Metal of Night. The Pan Humana and The C.R., (Commonwealth Republic), co-exist on their respective sides of the Secant - the dividing line in space that separates the two cultures. It's easy to compare the Secant to the current border situation between Mexico and the USA. The wrinkle that Tiedemann adds is that the Pan Humana is in the role of the USA in that they are insular and resist 'contamination' by alien influence. On the other hand, they are also in the role of Mexico in that they have less wealth, commerce and technological advancement than The Commonwealth Republic. It's an interesting parallel.

The challenge of this book, like other Secantis books, is that there are almost too many characters that are bit players. But then, isn't that just like real life? You meet someone somewhere. Maybe you see them again or maybe you don't. That's the thing about Tiedemann's writing. It's very realistic. He grounds his stories in the bits and pieces we all see in our daily endeavors. At the same time, he paints a huge tapestry in the background that these little details play upon. He does this so elegantly that you may not notice it happening if you are not paying attention.

I give Peace & Memory a solid 4.5 stars. Pick up a copy now - you won't be disappointed!