Timberjak

Debrandt's third published novel, 'Timberjak', will delight Science Fiction readers, and the 'cyber-myth' motif he developed in his previous work (Steeldriver), will doubtlessly lure readers from other genres. 'Timberjak' picks up where 'Steeldriver' left off, with some of the same characters in it; though it stands alone as well, it is not strictly a sequel. The cast of characters is very entertaining, especially because they develop throughout the story. Debrandt has taken the frontier tall-tale mythology of Paul Bunyan and his giant blue ox (combined with his own creations) and given it new life in the frontiers of interstellar space, in a well thought out future. The topics dealt with in 'Timberjak' have been well researched, as they were in 'Steeldriver'. Though the theme is of a serious nature, Debrandt has humourous touches throughout the book -- pulling it off well enough to give even a hardened curmudgeon a chuckle. The science fiction presented goes well beyond laser pistols and rocket ships, this is High science fiction. No-holds-barred-what-will-they-think-of-next kind of stuff, science that would make Captain Kirk's jaw drop -- yet within the framework of the novel, consistent. One of the most endearing features of 'Timberjak' is how Debrandt explores human nature. Redemption, revenge, and remorse are some parts of the human condition that 'Timberjak' deals with. This is a book that is worth reading. Don Debrandt's 'Timberjak' is full of a wonderful energy, a unique blend of Science Fiction, poetry, friendship, loss, humour and high drama. Read it.