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Z Lensman by David A. Kyle
pub: Red Jacket Press. 256 page enlarged paperback.
Price: $15.95 (US). ISBN: 0-9748895-7-1.
check out website: www.redjacketpress.com
The
third and final part of David Kyle's continuing adventures of E.E.
'Doc' Smith's 'Lensmen' stories originally published in 1983 and
been out of print since.
Although the focus of this particular story is supposedly the multi-dimensional
second-stage lensman Nadreck of Palain VII, there is also much attention
given to the career of Benson Cloudd. Then again, the same can also
be said for other characters Kyle introduced in the other books
and appearances from other characters that Smith created even if
there is a tad too much congratulatory balls after winning significant
victories.

Get ready to join in with the chorus to their marching song, 'Our
Patrol'! The Galactic Patrol has problems from two fronts. The Eddorians
are leading their battle-spaceships in a direct confrontation with
the Patrol and the rising threat of intelligent machines are watching
both sides, seemingly impartial but likely to throw in with whoever
will give them the most freedom.
Decisive battles and exploration is required if the civilised worlds
are to remain free. If you've kept up with the other two books reviewed
last month then this is a fitting end to the trilogy. In many ways,
it's been difficult to sum up the plot in exact detail because to
do so would reveal the fate of many characters.
Unlike current day tie-ins, things change drastically and significantly
to several of them and telling you what to whom gives away far too
much of the plot. Whether you believe the 'Lensmen' books belong
to an earlier age or not is immaterial. This is still good space
opera and meeting up with old character friends again. I like the
way Kyle brings in even the Vortex Blasters from Smith's final 'Lensmen'
book in the form of Neal Cloud and illustrates their significance
in the order of things in this reality.
Gosh! I'm getting real nostalgic here. If you enjoyed the original
books, then I don't think you'll be that disappointed here. Keep
your uniform pressed and your lens polished.
Clear ether.
GF Willmetts
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