While FM Busby is not the greatest writer in the world (his prose will never be mistaken for, say, Faulkner), there's no doubt that he can spin a great yarn. *All These Earths* takes the "alternate timelines" sci-fi concept and gives it an interesting spin: what if all "alternaties" exist simultaneously (as opposed to "instead of"), and you can travel (accidentally, unfortunately) between them? Busby does his usual here: spends most of his time on the characters, and much less on the science involved.
But that's ok! Who needs technobabble when what's happening to the protagonists is so compelling? Of course, he has his usual peccadilloes of reminding us that his characters are human, i.e., they need to consume sustenance, and attempt to pro-create. (His recounting of those necessities often fall just short of *Gourmand* magazine and *Penthouse* forum, respectively.)
Still and all, when it comes to the main story, he doesn't disappoint. Just when you start to think "Is this going to be just a bunch of skip-jumps?" our heroes find themselves living by their wits on a world they may never manage to escape.
If Rissa Tregare is all you know in regards to Busby, this will satisfy your palate.
But that's ok! Who needs technobabble when what's happening to the protagonists is so compelling? Of course, he has his usual peccadilloes of reminding us that his characters are human, i.e., they need to consume sustenance, and attempt to pro-create. (His recounting of those necessities often fall just short of *Gourmand* magazine and *Penthouse* forum, respectively.)
Still and all, when it comes to the main story, he doesn't disappoint. Just when you start to think "Is this going to be just a bunch of skip-jumps?" our heroes find themselves living by their wits on a world they may never manage to escape.
If Rissa Tregare is all you know in regards to Busby, this will satisfy your palate.
