James Nicoll Reviews

Asimov combines many of his science fiction favorites from the thirties with his personal reflections on his early years, interests, and influences 

Centuries after the last humans left Earth, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, a place many are from but few outsiders have seen. Humanity has finally been accepted into the galactic community, but while this has opened doors for many, those who have not yet left for alien cities fear that their carefully cultivated way of life is under threat. 

Tessa chose to stay home when her brother Ashby left for the stars, but has to question that decision when her position in the Fleet is threatened. 

Kip, a reluctant young apprentice, itches for change but doesn’t know where to find it. 

Sawyer, a lost and lonely newcomer, is just looking for a place to belong. 

When a disaster rocks this already fragile community, those Exodans who still call the Fleet their home can no longer avoid the inescapable question: 

What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination?

Includes One in Three Hundred: ​“McIntosh’s best work and one of the most human science fiction stories by anyone.” ~Anthony Boucher 

Flight from Rebirth: In this world, no one can hide for two hours. Benny Rice has been hiding for twenty years. For billions of people, the Rebirth Institute holds the key to eternal life. But only a tiny minority – less than 1 percent – are selected for rebirth. Benny Rice isn’t one of them. True, he’s got all the necessary traits: compassion, health, energy, potential for creativity. But intelligence tests show he’s a moron – automatically disqualifying him. And then, in the midst of a crisis that threatens more than Benny’s life, his intelligence scores must be reexamined… And he’s not exactly who he says he is. 

Transmigration: One man’s terrifying journey out of his mind – and into many others! Fletcher was dying. But it wasn’t that simple. His mind refused to follow his body; instead, it moved from brain to brain: young, old, healthy, ill, men, women. But now he found himself in the brain of Charles Searle, the twisted scientist who had altered Fletcher’s mind, leaving him a disembodied personality. Fletcher now shared his brain. And Searle was dying. 

One in Three Hundred: He held their lives in his hands. Earth was doomed. Only ten people of every 3,000 would be taken to Mars to begin a new colony. For the rest, there awaited only death. Bill Easson was a nice, pleasant, straightforward guy. But as one of the pilots for the Mars expedition, he had to handpick the ten who would accompany him. Mobs surged through the streets, murder and mayhem was rampant…and the names on Easson’s list changed again and again. He had to stay alive, get out of the city with his passengers, and get them to Mars on an untested ship. And the authorities had given him only a 60 percent chance. 

Noman’s Way: Some win. Some lose. Some die. To keep the planet’s population figures stable, Noman authorities devised the Sports – each a test of nerves, skill, and physical fitness. Those found proficient receive medals. Those found wanting, die. Sixty million Nomans died each year in the Sports. Now a human telepath has been sent to Noman by the Universal Order Force. His assignment: Find out who’s rigging the games. Before it’s too late.