Review by: Linda Workman-Crider
Lanyon is a 43-year-old, sexually promiscuous Earthling available for hire within the planetary system that includes Telluria, Argon, Vanadia, Selenia, Luthania, Terbania, Guardon, and Malcosia. He has his own Rator, a gun small enough to conceal within the the heel of his boot. No job is too big or too small. From lover’s quarrels to political revolutions, Lanyon’s the man to call.
This book is set into three parts during which we follow Lanyon, and a varying list of companions, as he takes on assignments. The plot-lines for each job almost always introduce a sub-plot and each brings new characters and cultures into the mix. Moreover, each section builds a greater insight to the web of planetary politics. The ease of understanding these complexities of plot-line makes me believe that this book is an excellent bridge-builder from mainstream reading into literary works.
The inclusion of such things as sexual promiscuity, prostitution, sexual open-mindedness regarding a diversity of partners, a society that revolves around daily drug use, a religiously radical planet where the entire society oppresses women, and a main character still learning to cope with the loss of his wife and child are all topics leading to contemplation, and hopefully conversation, regarding the human condition. Lanyon for Hire is an excellent and enjoyable example of Young Adult Literature. While it may be controversial to include with a classroom setting, I would still recommend it for that use. I believe this book could be an amazing tool for relationship building when read in partnership with friends, family, or even within a therapeutic setting.
Lanyon for Hire is unique in that this book can be as light or as heavy of a reading as the individual reader would like to make it. For those not prone to introspection or contemplation beyond the words the author has set down, this book is still a fun read. The story-line is not dependent on the literary commentary on the human condition. It is an entertaining book that has a high probability to lead to personal and/or global insights. Is it the best book that I have ever read, no, but it is the first Sci-fi book that I have ever read that I would consider useful to society while still being highly enjoyable. A definite recommended read.
Lanyon for Hire is available on Amazon, Kobo, at Barnes & Noble, and at the Champagne Bookstore.
interesting sounding
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