Forge of the Elders
 L. Neil Smith
  (Sr. Staff Reviewer - D. H. BROWN)
 2001 Baen Books, NY.
  ISBN: 0671578596


Just when the 21st century thought it was safe to throw Marxism on the ash heap, a worldwide economic collapse makes free enterprise less desirable than the security of the Total State. Earth has become the Red Planet as communism has a second coming. Then the People's Astronomers notice an asteroid with a seeming treasure trove of valuable minerals so NASA sends out three aged space shuttles only to find that someone else has gotten to the asteroid first.

Senior Staff Reviewer D. H. BROWN writes:

The first thing I want to say about Forge of the Elders is that it is way out! I mean, like in way, way out there, man!

A cross between known SF & unexplored fantasy. While reading this one I found myself looking over my shoulder to make sure that I was still sitting in my own chair, in my own home.

Truly unbelievable fiction that keeps you guessing page by page by page.

Not my cup of tea, however, hard for me to remember what went on chapter to chapter because of the unreality of what might be, what might have been & what might happen. I found myself lost as I wandered into this maelstrom of characters that absolutely bored me to tears!

Don't get me completely wrong! It has some good laughs with improbable circumstances piled upon improbable dialogue & a whimsical air that stopped me before I got halfway through.

Would someone else enjoy this book? No doubt! But you really have to put your hip waders on to get through it. A likely stocking stuffer!

I gave Forge of the Elders 2 teapots & am stretching my compassion in doing that!

L. Neil Smith has more than 20 books to his credit including: The Probability Broach & Pallas.
(12/09/01)

D. H. BROWN
A RebeccasReads.Com Sr. Staff Reviewer

Reviewer's Bio:
D. H. BROWN is the author of the critically acclaimed HONOR DUE and the Citizens Warrior Series. The son of missionary parents and with the help his Uncle Sam, he has touched base in more than 40 countries.  In 1986 he produced the independent children's film Lessie's Rainbow.  During the late 80s and early 90s, he wrote the book Common Sense and delivered the seminars of the same name for the Community Action Network of Seattle (CAN).  While doing his early Vietnam recovery work, he counseled Veterans and spoke widely to men's groups in Washington state, and was a founder of The Lodge of the Wolf.

D. H. BROWN has worked as a Logistics and Weapons Specialist in Viet Nam; day laborer; Director of Security; Armored Car Driver; Police Officer; Professional Hunting Guide; Trapper; Dog Sledder; Homesteader; Truck Driver; General Contractor; Minister; Editor; Writer; Speaker; Restaurateur; Movie Producer; Antique Restoration Specialist; Personal Care Worker; PC Repair Specialist; Computer Instructor; Webmaster and Web Designer. "I write about what I know."

He lives deep in the Pacific Northwest rainforest with his wife, author and editor Rebecca and Buddy Dog, working on his next book.
Visit him at: www.dhbrownbooks.com