The Companions by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Hank Luttrell
There is a certain type of science fiction that deals with political ideas in a roundabout manner. These stories aren't
obviously about our society, since they take place in the future, or maybe an alternate world. Perhaps they are satirical,
or whimsical or farcical; and so the theme and message isn't obviously or confrontationally stated. Critical ideas are stated
in a manner that isn't openly critical of contemporary institutions or customs. These stories are subversive in the
sense that they try to influence a reader's opinions by insinuating ideas into recreational reading.
The Visitor by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by William Thompson
A giant ship inexorably plummets to Earth, plunging both the world and humanity
into perpetual twilight and chaos. While small groups of scientists have prepared for the
crisis, constructing underground redoubts as repositories of knowledge and a cryo-suspension shelter for a chosen few, most
of humanity are far from as fortunate. By the time the skies eventually clear many years after, much of North America
lies submerged beneath new seas, the remaining small pockets of humanity dwelling in remote and isolated locations,
tribal and often hostile to those outside their own communities. A millennium has passed.
Raising the Stones by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Donna McMahon
Sam Girat is the Topman of Settlement One, a small agricultural community on the newly-opened planet of
"Hobbs Land." Although Sam is well respected and good at his job, he is haunted by memories of his father back in
Voorstod, the land his mother fled when he was a small child. Sam yearns for legends, heroism and especially
"fatherhood", something which plays no role in his matrilineal society.
Meanwhile, a mystery in Hobbs Land is catching the attention of various authorities.
Grass by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Peter D. Tillman
What Peter didn't remember about this book is the splendid sense of place she evokes -- Grass emerges as a fully-formed,
beautiful, and thoroughly alien world. The formative image of Grass, to the Colorado-born & raised author, is that of the American Great
Plains after a good spring, which is indeed an oceanic experience -- one that your Oklahoma-raised reviewer has shared, and misses.
Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Stephen M. Davis
This is a clever book, weaving together a number of faery tales in a novel that spans 1,000 years and moves from
this world, to a world of imagination, to the land of Faery, and to Hell itself for a short time.
The main character, Beauty, is half-Faery, and must find a way to avoid marriage, shipment to a nunnery, and a curse that states she
will prick her finger on a spindle on her 16th birthday, falling into a sleep for 100 years.
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The Fresco by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Lisa DuMond
The author's work is always stimulating, intriguing, and enticing, but in this novel she has allowed more of her own wry sense of humour to
emerge. The result is what may well be her most accessible story to date. This is a tale
for all ages and all appetites -- here is a novel that even people who turn their nose up at speculative fiction can embrace.
Singer from the Sea by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Robert Francis
Returning to a common theme, Tepper's latest novel explores the consequences
of mankind inserting itself into an alien world and running afoul of the
complex and interwoven alien ecosystems. In this case, the world of Haven is
only one of many settled after good ol' Earth got used up. But on Haven the
mysterious "batfly fever" selectively targets, and kills, nursing women. The
result is that women have a limited life expectancy while men, and the men
of the aristocracy in particular, live a very, very long time.
Six Moon Dance by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Lisa DuMond
The author fills her novels with humans who are distinctly inhuman and creatures with
more humanity the most Earthlings can claim. She places them all in strange and wonderful
and strange and dreadful locations. And no matter how bizarre the situation, she
maintains the credibility that keeps readers mesmerized.
The Family Tree by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by S. Kay Elmore
Mysterious neighbors, hidden libraries, great enigmas, scientific discoveries and a deranged killer
all entwine to forge a story about friendship, trust and sacrifice in the face of environmental
madness.
Gibbon's Decline and Fall by Sheri S. Tepper
reviewed by Steven H Silver
Steven found the novel to be somewhat on the preachy side.
The author's diatribes, although well-reasoned, tend to stop the action.
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