What a refreshing novel. True science fiction, with gadgetry, terminology, alien worldliness, and alien life.....but with a focus on those things that make us human beings, no matter the time or place in history or the future, where we find ourselves. The characters are unique and interesting, and the world of the Freehome colony is a refreshingly real alien world, if that makes sense. The world is both familiar to us as humans, while at the same time being as alien as you could ever want...or not want. The alien environment and life are very unique, and are like nothing I have seen or read about in any other book, while at the same time seemingly very possible. This book is a marvelous mix of the unreal/possible/probable, and wins the reader over with the humanity displayed and practiced by the characters who inhabit this universe, both good and bad. These are strong characters. You get to know them, and care what happens to them, even some of the ancillary folks. The story takes place in a universe and setting that begs for more stories revolving around the characters already presented, and about areas, worlds, and things only briefly hinted at in the book about the Freehome Colony.

The Freehome Colony was established by people from Earth using slower than light travel many many years ago...generations ago. However, since that time, faster than light travel has become a reality and new colonists have arrived at the colony...with new tech, new ways, and much to the dismay of the original colonists...new ideas about how things should be done. Except for the fact that this IS an alien world, and the latecomers have to learn that in sometimes harsh ways. From modified intelligent pets, to completely alien lifeforms...from government/corporate conspiracies and intrique, to human beings just wanting to be free to pursue their lives in a manner that befits them...there is something here that will draw you in and keep you until you close the book with a satisfied feeling. 

 

A refreshing new concept in space fiction. It combines the awe of space travel with the ideals with which our ancestors went forth to settle this country. It had many twists and turns that were easy to follow. It shows faith can move mountains. You are drawn into the lives of the people (too real to be called characters). This is a book that you cannot wait to get to the end, but want it never to end. But, not only does it end, you know what happened to the families and the planet. This book should become a classic in Science Fiction.
It is one of the best books I have ever read. To me it is on the level of Isaac Asmov's 'I, Robot', which was my all time favorite.
I wish it could have a higher rating than ony 5 stars. This doesn't do it justice.