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An Evil Guest

Gene Wolfe
Tor Books

Highly regarded science fiction author Gene Wolfe creates a work that I can only describe as Pulp Fiction, H.P. Lovecraft style. Beautiful but mediocre stage actress Cassie Casey finds herself transformed into a star by a mysterious magician/detective. In turn, she agrees to help him catch up to wealthy businessman/spy Bill Reis. She promptly falls for the detective, Dr. Gideon Chase. He leads her into a world of danger and espionage, and begins to fall in love with her as well.

Reis is an ambassador to a human colony on the planet Woldercan. He’s learned many things, some lucrative business methods as well as a few magic tricks. Under the alias of Wallace Rosenquist, he funds an original play that will showcase Cassie’s newfound charisma. He is enchanged with the red-headed star of the play. He romances her, and as she becomes more attracted to the businessman, her loyalties are torn. The wealthy man offers to make her his queen and co-ruler of a series of islands. Cassie’s life becomes one of swift and tumultuous change.

Wolfe is an award winning author that is comfortable mixing genres and blazing new paths in the world of science fiction. Numerous awards and a place in the Science Fiction Hall of Fame indicate that his unique style is a winning one. He writes his books with the intention that readers should enjoy them more than once.

I picked up the book mainly because I liked the cover art. I don that sometimes, and often I am disappointed. Not this time. An Evil Guest is not a frivolous book to be read on a beach, or in one rainy afternoon. Be ready for something a little more intense and interesting.

10/10