A Myth of the Far Future
ISBN 0-765-34146-8
Published by : TOR
Subject :Science Fiction

Over the weekend I read The Return of Santiago. This is of course the sequel to Santiago previously reviewed here.

Though very similar in style to the first book with its larger than life archetypes who populate the far frontiers of space and another journey of self discovery for the main character. This one is a little more focused on the need of society to have someone or something to protect it from itself when governments get to the point where they start trampling on those very people they are supposed to be protecting, all in the name of keeping them safe. I can't help but suspect that the events in the U.S. over the past few years might have had some influence on his writing.

Danny Briggs, a small time thief, finds the complete manuscript of Black Orpheus, the poet of the frontier, who chronicled the events and characters during Santiago's time. Now 100 years later, Danny thinks it is time for Santiago to return and bring the Democracy down a peg or two. So he changes his name, takes up the role of poet and sets off in search of Santiago.

Unlike the first book, the Return isn't as subtle about making his point that in times of need good men must stand and be counted. To say somebody should do something isn't enough. Each must do what they can and do it now. If not, who will?

Overall a good read but not quite as good as the first one in style and execution. Though the pacing is a little slower and ideals are hammered into you through repetition I still enjoyed it enough to finish in two settings and the characters as shallow or one sided as they might be are still quite fun.