Mark W. Tiedemann has a reputation for psychologically complex and strongly plotted short fiction (see, for example, his contributions to and ). He uses these traits to great effect in his first novel, a robot mystery set in the world created by the late Isaac Asimov. In a future where humankind is divided into three broad coalitions--Earther, Spacer, and Settler--positronic robots are governed by the three laws of robotics, designed to make it impossible for them to harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human to come to harm. However, positronic robots are outlawed on Earth.
The book opens as a Spacer delegation arrives on Earth to negotiate the repeal of the antirobot laws. Special Agent Mia Daventri is assigned to security for the Earther negotiating team, along with a specially modified robot, Bogard, the only one of its kind on the planet. Neither human nor robot is able to prevent what happens next, something that should have been impossible: the public massacre of both negotiating parties. Mia survives the assassination, thanks in part to Bogard--who does not act according to design specifications--but her life is still in danger. Bogard and Mia join forces with returning franchise characters Derec Avery and Ariel Burgess to unravel the corporate and political conspiracy behind the slaughter of the diplomats.
Dialogue and plot are crisp and tight, and the characters are distinct and multilayered. This is superior franchise fiction, designed for adults with a taste for mystery and rigorous logic. An ambiguous ending hints at future installments. --Luc Duplessis
Product Description
The First Law of Robotics states that a robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human to come to harm. At a crucial conference uniting the Spacers, the Settlers, and representatives of Earth, Senator Clar Eliton of Earth and Senior Space Ambassador Galiel Humadros of Aurora are advocating the restoration of positronic robots on Earth, repudiating years of fear and resentment. As the Spacer delegates arrive on Earth, conspirators assassinate Sentor Eliton and Ambassador Humadros. Derec Avery is called in to investigate what may have caused the robot bodyguards to fail at the most critical hour. But when his inquiries are stone-walled, he joins forces with Special Agent Mia Daventri and Calvin Instititute attache Ariel Burgess to penetrate a vast conspiracy that threatens to bring all three worlds to the brink of war.
Description:
Amazon.com Review
Mark W. Tiedemann has a reputation for psychologically complex and strongly plotted short fiction (see, for example, his contributions to and ). He uses these traits to great effect in his first novel, a robot mystery set in the world created by the late Isaac Asimov. In a future where humankind is divided into three broad coalitions--Earther, Spacer, and Settler--positronic robots are governed by the three laws of robotics, designed to make it impossible for them to harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human to come to harm. However, positronic robots are outlawed on Earth.
The book opens as a Spacer delegation arrives on Earth to negotiate the repeal of the antirobot laws. Special Agent Mia Daventri is assigned to security for the Earther negotiating team, along with a specially modified robot, Bogard, the only one of its kind on the planet. Neither human nor robot is able to prevent what happens next, something that should have been impossible: the public massacre of both negotiating parties. Mia survives the assassination, thanks in part to Bogard--who does not act according to design specifications--but her life is still in danger. Bogard and Mia join forces with returning franchise characters Derec Avery and Ariel Burgess to unravel the corporate and political conspiracy behind the slaughter of the diplomats.
Dialogue and plot are crisp and tight, and the characters are distinct and multilayered. This is superior franchise fiction, designed for adults with a taste for mystery and rigorous logic. An ambiguous ending hints at future installments. --Luc Duplessis
Product Description
The First Law of Robotics states that a robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human to come to harm. At a crucial conference uniting the Spacers, the Settlers, and representatives of Earth, Senator Clar Eliton of Earth and Senior Space Ambassador Galiel Humadros of Aurora are advocating the restoration of positronic robots on Earth, repudiating years of fear and resentment. As the Spacer delegates arrive on Earth, conspirators assassinate Sentor Eliton and Ambassador Humadros. Derec Avery is called in to investigate what may have caused the robot bodyguards to fail at the most critical hour. But when his inquiries are stone-walled, he joins forces with Special Agent Mia Daventri and Calvin Instititute attache Ariel Burgess to penetrate a vast conspiracy that threatens to bring all three worlds to the brink of war.