When John Barnes gets a visit from his old buddy and private detective Travis Bismark, he knows two things for sure: Travis needs a ride, and he’ll get at least one new science fiction book out of it.
Gaudeamus is strange. Very strange for a variety of reasons. For example:
1) Jone Barnes in the story turns out to be John Barnes the author of Gaudeamus. It’s one thing when authors have authors as a main character, but when it really is the author, it’s another thing all together.
2) John Barnes is not the most linear man on the planet. I’m pretty sure “backstory” is John’s middle name, though he prefers to sprinkle back story in as necessary, causing massive breaks in what should be simple and unpunctuated dialog.
3) I had no idea that multi-millionaire prostitutes were out to steal technology secrets from geekoid scientists in attempt to save the world from hostile alien takeovers.
4) You could actually cast Native American talentless musicians as the true heroes of a story.
Like I said. Strange. If you like your sci fi served up on a nice little plate, complete with exquisite doilies and little tiny watercress sandwiches, take a pass. If, however, you think you might enjoy a conglomeration of pulp fiction meets pop culture, where cyberpunk blends with sleuthing, and getting an education in theoretical quantum physics along the way… this is your book.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Gaudeamus by John Barnes
Published by: Tor; November 1, 2004
ISBN: 0765303299
Genre: Weird-ass science fiction
