Fool's War

By: Sarah Zettel

Narrated by: Parisa Johnston

In this New York Times Notable Book of the Year, a strange new life form threatens all of humanity, and only a fool would stand in its way. Katmer Al Shei has done well with the starship Pasadena, cutting corners where necessary to keep her crew paid and her journeys profitable. But there are two things she will never skimp on: her crew - and her fool. For a long space journey, a certified Fool’s Guild clown is essential, to amuse, excite, and otherwise distract the crew from the drudgeries of interstellar flight.

Her newest fool, Evelyn Dobbs, is a talented jester. But does she have enough wit to save mankind? In the computers of the Pasadena, something is emerging. The highly sophisticated software that makes interstellar travel practical is playing host to a new form of artificial intelligence, one with its own mind, its own needs, and its own desperate fears. Combatting this terrifying new threat becomes the fool’s secret fight. Evelyn Dobbs’s personal war might just cost Katmer Al Shei everything, and everyone, she holds dear. But if they fail, humanity itself is lost for good.

©1997 Sarah Zettel (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

A better future

The title doesn't refer to the world of the novel, but to the future of sci-fi as a genre. Ms. Zettel presents a more inclusive world, exposing not just compelling hypotheticals but also a diversity of people, viewpoints, and cultures.

This book WILL get you outside your cultural bubble, if you give it a chance.

History rhymes though, we should remember the first modern work of science fiction can be credited to Shelley's Frankenstein. The new Prometheus was also a story that chafed at the edges of cultural norms. It wasn't just great because it explored the cultural ramifications of conquering death, and Fool's War didn't just postulate about the potential form and politics of machine sentience. Both books have real insight into what it is to live a meaningful and good life.

Amazing characters. Amazing story. I loved it.

This is a great story with wonderful characters and a lot to say. The fool is great fun, and the leader of the ship is strong, vulnerable and real.

There are several twists, each of which is fascinating.

I highly recommend this book.

interesting universe

Any additional comments?

Interesting book. The universe the book was set in was interesting. Each planet, ship and other setting was well thought out and wonderfully described.

The complexities of the main character's family and religion were also interesting and lent a realistic dimension to the characters.

However, the plot grew well beyond the characters control. The turns in book lead the main character down a rapidly declining slope with all hope lost again and again. Although the characters were colorful, their roles morphed beyond reasonable expectations.