The Forever Drug
by Lisa Smedman

Novel

Pros: Great character, intriguing evolution of plot.
0 1 2 3 4 5
Cons: Unsatisfactory ending, jumping plot causes holes.

The Forever Drug represents only the second significant character in Shadowrun novels to be a shapeshifter. Rather than the Asian tiger of Striper Assassin and Who Hunts the Hunter, Romulus is a wolf. Romulus also represents a change of personality as well as breed. Where Striper was notable for her raw non-humanity, Romulus is much more human, and suffers from a mild, unacknowledged Pinochio complex (“I wish I were a real boy”).

The difference is notable, but not immediately for better or for worse. Lisa Smedman has always had a talent for strong characterization, and in The Forever Drug, she adds this to a very well-developed sense of locale. Set in what was Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Smedman brings an area previously ignored by Shadowrun into the spotlight and gives the reader a strong sense of how it works. This is bolstered by a good rendition of Lone Star (for whom our hero works).

With these additions, Lisa Smedman conquered what had been her common flaw: no gripping plot. The plot of The Forever Drug is quick changing, and edged with a sense of urgency that her previous works (Blood Sport, The Lucifer Deck, Psychotrope) lacked. Alas, the rapid plot evolution leaves holes that in retrospect leave the reader confused. I haven’t any suggestion on how this could be corrected...filling in the necessary detail of the plot jumps and the plot would become thick and tiresome.

I was greatly enjoying the story, eagerly awaiting the vital key that would bring it all together. But it didn’t really happen that way. The conclusion of the book reveals the main plot, but doesn’t give the missing details along the way, and was just not satisfying to me. Be warned, however, that I prefer happy endings where all the good guys live and the bad guys evil plots are foiled and revealed and explained. Those of you that prefer somewhat less idealistic endings may not be disappointed with The Forever Drug.