Probability Shadow

This is a complicated science fiction book with lots of characters, plot twists and ideas to grapple with. Ambassador Ungent Draaf thinks he has a pretty easy, if not boring, assignment. What he embarks on is a complicated grappling with how to work together across species, learn to trust in order to battle a common enemy and ultimately goes on a quest to save the universe. The main character is a lobster-like being but that doesn’t stop us from engaging with him and his struggles as we learn about his loves and his pains-a failed marriage and the loss of his child. In fact, all the characters are out of the ordinary, human and non-human, and rich enough to be compelling. The story is a bit challenging to follow at least in the beginning because there are several different plots that don’t come together for quite a while. This is definitely an adult book written for a sophisticated science fiction reader who likes to see the story emerge slowly over time. It took me quite a while to get into the story and once I did, I liked it a little better. Overall, I would recommend it for anyone sixteen and older who likes science fiction.