This is the author’s second science fiction novel for Daw, following A Thousand Words for Stranger. Esen-Alit-Quar is a shape-shifter. The youngest of the five remaining members of her ancient species, she has spent the first 500 years of her existence in learning mode, deferring to the older members of her Web who are scattered on various planets engaging in the prime directive: to find and preserve intelligence, and act as living repositories of alien culture. When the Web meets, sans adopted forms, they feed on each other’s molecules to merge their joint memories.

It is a precarious existence. Though the mission is data collection, survival depends upon adherence to the First Rule: never reveal yourself to another. But in true Heinlein and Bradbury humanist form (and with a nod to Poul Anderson) an endangered human protagonist causes Esen to break the Rule and “cycle” out of her assumed canine shape. The ensuing battle with her conscience becomes of secondary importance when she must face a more primal enemy – another web-form bent on destroying all the remaining members of her species.

This long, episodic novel is strangely engaging. Esen may be depicted as a blue teardrop of oozing matter who sports needle-like teeth, but her behaviour, thoughts, and emotions are clearly humanoid. Despite assuming various personas, including a mercenary muskox, a box of feral ooze, and a fastidious alien masseuse, she consistently conveys the emotions and insecurity of a teenager. And therein lies much of the charm of this picaresque tale, which clearly owes more to the Arabian Nights than hi-tech sci-fi. Indeed, as a parade of Christmas trees, Braille books, playing cards, and newspapers anachronistically pop up beside the server robots and star-fighters, it is sometimes difficult to remember we are in a putative future world. Here science takes a back seat to story. Although the cover is slightly Blade Runner in aspect, the book should appeal to high fantasy readers as well as early Star Trek fans, particularly girls looking for a substantive read.