Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue , by Hugh Howey
Book Review by Lyndon Perry
Here's the official blurb: Molly's story begins with her expulsion from the Naval Academy, robbing her of the only two things that truly matter: flying in space, and her training partner Cole. Months later, the discovery of her father's old starship offers her a chance to regain both.
Solid premise, not earth shattering, but if you're a regular SF reader like myself, you don't mind a standard plotline (hey, Star Wars employs a standard plotline!) as long as the writing is solid and you encounter some twists and turns along the way. And even though this is Howey's first novel, his writing is strong and yes, contains plenty of twists. This is no bland quest tale that novel novelists often produce.
While this is not space opera, neither is it hard SF. Instead, Howey has written an engaging and rollicking space journey featuring a spunky new heroine named Molly Fyde. Molly is one of those likeable kick-butt protagonists that readers will connect with from the start and cheer for throughout her adventures. Molly is that "everywoman/everyman" who struggles with doubt and is susceptible to the fickleness of love. Even as a male reader, I could identify with her.
While initially put off by the title (I like wordplay but not typically on the front of books), I've changed my mind in light of the exciting plot and quality story telling. A memorable character needs a memorable name and I believe Molly Fyde fits the bill. I'm making a prediction here, but I think she'll become a recognizable character in the years ahead. This is one of those small press books that reads like it was published by a big house. Maybe future novels by Hugh Howey will be.
In addition to the vivid writing and fast-paced story line, the plotting is nicely accomplished as the author introduces an intriguing cast of characters. Howey's inclusion of some wonderfully descriptive alien cultures is mostly integral to the story and only had me skimming a few times (which isn't bad -- the more I skim, the less I like the book!). In other words, all the elements you come to expect in an adventure science fiction novel come together in this project.
Molly Fyde is a definite recommend.
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