Merari

Mari Atherton
Swimming Kangaroo Books (2006)
ISBN 1934041033
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Superb salesman for Space Technologies, Inc, Aviv Gerbo, eagerly looked for a planet with enthusiastic buyers, when his talking computer, Albert alerted him to danger.  His space ship was about to explode.  When Albert lands the ship, on an earth-like planet in sector theta-1, the humidity level is extremely high.  There’s a garbled message warning to wait inside the ship until help arrives and to watch out for Secures.  Overcome by curiosity, Aviv opened the door of the ship and stuck his head out side.   There was a sickening odor.  “The air smelled like the Jovian Mining Colony soccer Team’s locker room after a losing tournament.”  “Aviv, I have a problem,” Albert informed Aviv that the ship was being eaten by fungi. Albert transfers to his belt computer and the two escape the ship as it dissolves into a green carpet.  The Secures are humanoids but look a lot like reptiles.  They ride in a vehicle that is bubble-like.  Aviv manages to stun all four of them when they show up looking for him. 

Merari and her mother Moreina are brought before the Authority, A-5.  Merari is expecting the commissioner’s baby and has been placed under guard 26 hours a day.  Meri is very thin and almost rejected as a surrogate; those rejected are sent to the Oster.  When Merari wonders off, searching for quiet and peace she meets Aviv.  Was it a chance meeting or fate?

“Merari,” written by Mari Atherton, is well done.  Ms. Atherton’s style of writing is humorous.   I eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen next.  The plot is filled with adventure and twists that keep the reader on the edge of her/his seat.  The ending was unexpected.  The cover is a tease to what lies inside, depicting the giant mushrooms.  I recommend this book to those that enjoy science fiction.

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