Classic Zahn, in novella form. Much like his Hugo-winning “Cascade Point”, the central plot device is a topologically inspired method of faster-than-light travel. Add in a world-weary navigator trapped in a contract that is slowly grinding him down, a bit of mystery, and a dash of political intrigue, and you’ve got an engaging story.

Of course, I don’t expect any less from science fiction’s most consistent writer. Zahn has been doing this longer than I’ve been alive. The big news here is that Timothy Zahn is trying out self-publishing. I hope this experiment goes well for him, and that we see more like this.

If you are a fan of Timothy Zahn, you probably don’t need me to tell you to get this book. If you aren’t a fan, I can recommend Ghost Riders in the Sky for anyone who enjoys adventures in a speculative future setting where you never really know until the end who anyone truly is, or who they are working for. Going along for the ride is always part of the fun! ( )