Dante's Equation by Jane Jensen
01/12/2003 . Source: Lucy A.E. Ward 

pub: Orbit/Times Warner. 611 page hardback. Price: £12.99 (UK). ISBN: 0-84149-305-8.

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Farris is a 'demon' of a man and is hunting the next technological 'Big One'. Wyle is a New Age reporter, cynical and emotionally stunted by the disappearance of his sister when he was eight-years old. All of their fates are inextricably tied to a mysterious philosopher named Kobinski.

The novel is split into three 'books' and the first opens with Wyle on location in the Bermuda Triangle. Add secret experiments, kabbalism, undercover operatives, wild conspiracy theories and the plot rushes off, luring you into its intrigue like a well-paced episode of 'The X-Files'.

In the second 'book', you follow the cast as they encounter giant insects, sadistic cultists, slavering beasts, even Orwellian dystopia but the focus throughout is on the characters - what they feel and a growing sense of self-realisation. At this point, it is possible that the combination of magic, philosophy, god, romance, violence and science may become too big a blend for strict genre-devotees to swallow.

Comparisons could be drawn between this book and Greg Bear's 'Eon' with a female scientist at the fore of the plot attempting to harness super-advanced technology. Sadly, the comparisons might not be favourable as the conclusion is not entirely satisfactory here.

There is a sense of 'and with one bound, Jack was free', accompanied by a sudden, fundamental alteration of character that just didn't sit comfortably with me.
'Dante's Equation' is also inevitably going to draw criticism with more than one character expressing distaste at maintained horror regarding the Jewish Holocaust.

Not only that, but as part of one character's development, they commit rape and are swiftly forgiven by the victim. Neither plot device seemed entirely necessary, particularly the latter. It is a tale of comprehension and redemption, forgiveness and raw human behaviour. I'm not sure the big issues are handled as well as they could be and don't think it delivers satisfaction for all the questions it raises.

Despite these negative points, this book is still an enjoyable page-turner all the way and does not shy away from exploring many real social issues. It is provocative, if not revolutionary, and as an early novel it is quite remarkable. The author is already well respected for her work on the 'Gabriel Knight' series of computer games and this book leaves me in no doubt that her future novels may be extraordinary.

Lucy A.E. Ward