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Ariel Blum is pushing thirty and doesn't have much to show for it. His computer programming skills are producing nothing but pony-themed video games for little girls. His love life is a slow-motion train wreck, and whenever he tries to make something of his life, he finds himself back on the couch, replaying the games of his youth.
Then the aliens show up.
Out of the sky comes the Constellation: a swarm of anarchist anthropologists, exploring our seas, cataloguing our plants, editing our wikis, and eating our Twinkies. No one knows how to respond--except for nerds like Ariel who've been reading, role-playing and wargaming first-contact scenarios their entire lives. Ariel sees the aliens' computers, and he knows that wherever there are computers, there are video games.
Ariel just wants to start a business translating alien games so they can be played on human computers. But a simple cultural exchange turns up ancient secrets, government conspiracies, and unconventional anthropology techniques that threaten humanity as we know it. If Ariel wants his species to have a future, he's going to have to take the step that nothing on Earth could make him take.
He'll have to grow up.
SavvyGuard
Posted March 25, 2013
If you like speculative sci fi as opposed to a space opera this is it for you. It also has that character and plot development stuff, but it tailors it so that the sci fi background and concepts are drivers instead of simply window dressing. A great example of sci fi in the spirit of Card and Doctorow.
Ending was a letdown in my opinion. Weird metaphysical argument.
Anonymous
Posted March 25, 2013
I don't know if it has been done before, but the irreverent way the lead character dealt with the aliens was quite refreshing and funny. The entire premise and plot turns were interesting.
My only gripe would be if you are going to set a book in my home town, please actually do some research and give the locals something. It was Austin, Texas in name only.
Anonymous
Posted March 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read and had a unique perspective on alien contact.
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Posted March 19, 2013
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Posted June 12, 2012
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Posted March 2, 2013
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Overview
Ariel Blum is pushing thirty and doesn't have much to show for it. His computer programming skills are producing nothing but pony-themed video games for little girls. His love life is a slow-motion train wreck, and whenever he tries to make something of his life, he finds himself back on the couch, replaying the games of his youth.
Then the aliens show up.
Out of the sky ...