Jupiter

January 1, 2001
In continuing to explore the marvels of the solar system, Bova (Venus) tracks the metamorphosis of his protagonist, Grant Archer, from a selfish, petulant grad student into a man who does what's right despite massive pressures. Sent to study on Jupiter's orbital space station, rather than the more desirable lunar colony, astrophysicist Archer resents everyone and complains about his bad luck; he isn't even allowed to study in his field of expertise. The New Morality, the ultrareligious creationist group who controls the U.S., has given him the additional task of spying on the station's untrustworthy scientists who are suspected of looking for Jovian life. The mere existence of extraterrestrials would conflict with New Morality doctrine. Grant is a true believer, but he's also a scientist resentful of the New Morality's control over his life. When he's given a chance to aid in the Jovian research, he jumps at it, even though it means horrifying modifications to his body and repeated drownings. This easy read provides solid action and wonder with credible alien life forms and inspired technology for exploring the Jovian depths. Jupiter is a new favorite destination for sci-fi exploration, and Bova's take on the planet is unique and enticing. (Jan. 1) Forecast: Bova is one of the more popular SF writers--he's won six Hugos--and fans of Venus will delight in the continuation of the series, which gets a push in the Nov. issue of Locus, with Bova as the cover interview. Heavenly sales could ensue.

January 1, 2001
Assigned by the New Morality, Earth's conservative ruling coalition, to act as its agent at a research station in orbit around the planet Jupiter, astrophysicist Grant Archer finds himself torn between his faith in God and his loyalty to science. Sf veteran Bova continues his exploration of the solar system begun in Venus (LJ 4/15/00) with another first-rate adventure that combines hard science with human drama to create a challenging and compelling tale of courage and conviction. Suitable for most sf collections.

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2001
Having taken us to " Mars" (1992), " Venus" [BKL Ap 1 00], and on a " Return to Mars" (1999), Bova explores the biggest planet in the solar system. Astrophysicist Grant Archer takes an assignment at the observatory orbiting the giant planet with the expectation that he will spy for the New Morality theocracy that rules Earth and is gravely suspicious of uncontrolled science. Dangerously skeptical, Archer gets involved in subversion when he discovers that some fellow scientists are conducting unauthorized experiments (e.g., genetic engineering of gorillas and dolphins) and planning a manned mission into the lethal Jovian cryosphere. The latter involves a liquid-filled spaceship-cum-submarine whose crew has been surgically modified to breathe liquid and communicate through electronic implants with the ship and one another. The mission succeeds by the skin of its teeth with the help of sapient Jovians--free-floating entities, each the size of a small asteroid. The New Morality receives a big kick in the teeth as science and rationality get a boost in this hard sf fans' delight.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)