Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Energized-Edward M. Lerner

Energized


Edward M. Lerner

Tor, Jul 17 2012, $27.99

ISBN: 9780765328496



The “Crudetastrophe nuclear disaster left the Middle East oil fields contaminated and unusable. Russia has become the world's top oil producer. In America, the price of a gallon at the tank is $10 and growing while several alternative energy resources are being deployed.



One of these efforts deals with moving Phoebe into an Earth orbit; where Powersat One, a gigantic solar power station will be constructed that emits microwave power to receiving stations in the United States. There are strong oppositions to the project from environmentalists, anti-technology Resetters and clandestinely Russia who prefers their monopoly. The Russian Federal Security Service blackmails powersat project participants. Radio astronomer Valerie Clayburn is irate with what has happened to her studies, but NASA engineer Marcus Judson convinces her they need her help. As Marcus travels to Phoebe, the Russians take control of powersat releasing powerful microwaves around the world to destroy alternative energy installations.



This is a fast-paced cautionary science fiction that grips the readers from start to finish. Although the cast seems out of a Cold War movie like Red Dawn, which somewhat diminishes the message, readers will enjoy this Energized action-packed thriller.



Harriet Klausner

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