Crossroads
by Steve Kenson

Novel

Pros: Refreshing change from recent power-happy titles, excellent writing.
0 1 2 3 4 5
Cons: Sub-plots and non-main character development limited.

When Technobabel was released, my review stated that Steve Kenson should stick to writing sourcebooks, because he made a much better sourcebook author than a novelist.

I hereby offer my public apology and retraction of that statement.

I still think he’s a better sourcebook writer than a novelist, but that is now due more to my respect of his work in the SR magic system than my disdain for his writings. Where I found Technobabel to be disjointed, predictable, and unsatisfying, I found Crossroads to be refreshing, involving, and very satisfying. Mr. Kenson skillfully used the tools of a writer, such as foreshadowing, monologue, and dramatic irony, in an genre where I have become used to textbook examples (writing textbooks, in general, have examples that involve the subtlety of a hand grenade in an aquarium).

First, I must confess that I am very pleased with the main character, Talon. Talon is a mage. He is not vampiric, not a shape-shifter, not even trained by a dragon. He doesn’t own 5 Fairlight Excaliburs, he isn’t the greatest master of defensive spells on the planet. He is just a skilled mage. He _is_ associated with the power-rife Assets Inc., but almost immediately the plot becomes one that ignores Assets (with the exception of Jane-in-the-Box) entirely.

Second, the story doesn’t revolve around his abilities. Magic is used only occasionally, and isn’t always successful. Talon may very well be the best mage in the world, but he’s a believable best.

Third, the opponents are powerful, but not so powerful as to make you doubt their existence, or the possibility of his victory as completely impossible.

Crossroads is a return to a good story. Too often SR authors replace characters and plot with gee-neato from powerful characters and entities.