This is a fix-up novel from the late 80's, set on a post-holocaust Earth. I know its a fix-up because I read most of it in Analog in novelettes in the mid to late 80's.
The setting has only a few power blocks. They are: The Traders, spies and merchants claiming islands around the world; The Great Republic (North America); The Unified Empire (South America); Strines (Australia); Economic Community (Europe); Heart of the World (Africa) and the Cap Federation (Antarctica). Then there's Asia - pummeled in World War III, still radioactive and most of its inhabitants subterranean bunker dwellers well on their way to becoming Morlocks. The descendants of China and Japan colonized orbital space and the Moon. Of course each of these has a insulting nickname and a strength/specialization to make for a more interesting set up.
Now, the back cover matter gives a decent overview of the whole novel, but it leaves out quite a few things. Like the fact it covers Mikal Asparian's interactions with the Traders from his rescue in Asia, to his training and first and subsequent missions. Of course all of these missions showcase all of the power blocks as well.
Now, its not a great novel, or a good one, but an OK one. I picked this up for culture and civilization ideas for Sufficiently Advanced, but gave up on it because the cultures are too broadly drawn and wouldn't work very well in the setting I was pondering. The characters are also broadly drawn, mostly living up or down to the power block stereotype. Still, I give it three stars for the ideas in it, but its not a keeper.
The setting has only a few power blocks. They are: The Traders, spies and merchants claiming islands around the world; The Great Republic (North America); The Unified Empire (South America); Strines (Australia); Economic Community (Europe); Heart of the World (Africa) and the Cap Federation (Antarctica). Then there's Asia - pummeled in World War III, still radioactive and most of its inhabitants subterranean bunker dwellers well on their way to becoming Morlocks. The descendants of China and Japan colonized orbital space and the Moon. Of course each of these has a insulting nickname and a strength/specialization to make for a more interesting set up.
Now, the back cover matter gives a decent overview of the whole novel, but it leaves out quite a few things. Like the fact it covers Mikal Asparian's interactions with the Traders from his rescue in Asia, to his training and first and subsequent missions. Of course all of these missions showcase all of the power blocks as well.
Now, its not a great novel, or a good one, but an OK one. I picked this up for culture and civilization ideas for Sufficiently Advanced, but gave up on it because the cultures are too broadly drawn and wouldn't work very well in the setting I was pondering. The characters are also broadly drawn, mostly living up or down to the power block stereotype. Still, I give it three stars for the ideas in it, but its not a keeper.
