#37. NOVA By Samuel R Delany

Published : 1968
Pages : 224
Overall Mark : 6/10

Illyrion: the most precious energy source in the galaxy. The varied and exotic crew who sign up with Captain Lorq van Ray know the search for it is dangerous, and they soon learn that they are involved in a deadly race with the charismatic but vicious leader of an opposing space federation. But they have no idea of Lorq's secret obsession: to gather Illyrion at source by flying through the very heart of an imploding star.

SAMUEL R. DELANY (1942-)
Born and raised in Harlem, and published his first novel in 1962 at the age of 20. He won the Nebula Award for best novel in consecutive years with Babel-17 (1966) and The Einstein Intersection (1967). His other novels include Dhalgren and the Neveryon series. He teaches literature at Princeton University.

VERDICT
This is an action-packed space opera that attempts to combine futuristic ideas with mythological ones, including the use of tarot cards. The idea of a race to a goal is central in this book, and the very quest itself largely proves to be interesting in part, though the destination itself is a bit of a let down. Fans of Delany's later works might be disappointed by this, as it isn't anywhere near as experimental, but personally I prefer it as books such as Dhalgren were just too much hard work.