Questing Beast
By: Ilona Andrews
Publisher: Ilona Andrews
Publish Date: May 2010
Format: eNovella, 30pgs
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Series: Novella, Short story. Kozlov Universe
Recommendation: For a quick Science Fiction fix, Yes!
Synopsis:
On a world far far away, where cute things eat computers and the sky is emerald green, a small team of scientists struggles to save the planet and their own careers by mixing genetic engineering and Arthurian legend. Too bad they had forgotten the first rule of planet exploration: Nature always has the last laugh.
First Sentence:
In the green glow of Nemurian midnight, the food stain on the geosurvey graph blazed electric orange.
My Thoughts and Summary:
Sean is on Nemuria with his crew researching to save the planet from development. The computers are locked behind many secret-locking doors and Plexiglas, to protect them from trogomets, two foot tall fuzzy computer-eating animals, as the most important report, Final Evaluation Report, is kept there now finished awaiting the council to arrive in four days. However, last night a millipede virus broke through the transmission and destroyed the FER and all backups, but one. The only one remains in the Nannybot that is now riding a dwarf cow acting strange by speaking as if it's Sir Pellinore from Mallory and is to hunt the Questing Beast. The only way to break the virus, is to let the machine follow through with the quest it requires.
This was a fun quick read, just a short story. There is mention of Greek mythological beings, the Arthurian legend, and science fiction is use. What a blend! It was so neat to see that there are 'genetic blanks,' ready to create an arm of foot if one happens to be lost, and this is what they create the 'beast' from. The 'beast' itself if amazing! What they try to create and get are different. And so neat to add to the planet. But do remember, adding something new to an environment...could have consequent.
But before we get to creating this amazing creature we have to get through the troubles between crew members. Sean's apology to Jennifer is perfect, and made me laugh.
I enjoyed this quick read. Actually so much so it would be neat to see Ilona & Gordon write more here on this planet. With the way the short story ended, it could be possible.
Do you want to read this one? It's FREE! Yes, it's free for your taking and enjoyment.
You can find it:
links on Ilona Andrews site
Smashwords (in all different eformats - you pick which one you need)
Barnes & Nobles Nook
I read this for my own enjoyment.