Shapers

by Robert R. Chase

Patrick Hickock was a stranger on the alien Shapers' world. Alone, with no memories of his origins or his purpose, he found himself among the Shapers' humans the descendents of those evacuated by the aliens from a dying Earth.

There was Reeve, the human psychic who had predicted Hickock's arrival. Jason and Howard, bodyguard and biochemist - and very unusual spies. Ali, a victim of Shaper experimentation who used his special gifts to turn on hrs creators. And
above all there was Innovator, the Shaper who was afraid of growing old and dying, and Who trusted the scientists of its human herd to keep it alive.

Hickock's only chance to unlock his blocked memories lavy with Innovator and its humans. But what he didn't know could destroy them all...

Genres: Science Fiction

Paperback

First published March 13, 1989

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

#22 - 2010

Rereading this for the first time since I read it originally. Robert Chse has created a truly innovative alien species and we are thrust into his universe willy nilly along with the protagonist ... who is an amnesiac recovering from a space ship crash. What is his goal? Who is he really? And how do we understand the Shaper species and their human "herds?" Fascinating and says much about what it means to be a human being, as do all his books.

Wow. Finished it. I had forgotten just how strong a statement this book makes about the value of life and the power of the human spirit. Highest recommendation, with the warning that it can be a difficult book to grasp. Just go with the flow the first time through.

[Kevin Phyland · Rating 3 out of 5]

20 million humans were evacuated from Earth by alien intelligences known as Patriarchs, members of the Shapers, just before a limited nova event devastated the biosphere. The Patriarchs are constantly vying for power in this section of the galaxy and the human refugees have become essential work force as they are intelligent, and over three centuries have integrated themselves into Shaper hierarchies to the extent that they are now almost essential. Into this mix comes Hickock - a human of unknown provenance and with forbidden knowledge, military skills and other abilities that only manifest themselves under duress. In short Hickock appears to be a human spy within the Shapers. When one of the Patriarchs is consumed by another (an event not unknown in their internecine struggles) it emerges that humanity survived the nova on Earth which may have been triggered by the Shapers! If this became known to the humans working for the Patriarchs an insurrection might arise which would threaten the existence of the Shapers themselves! Robert R. Chase has given us an entertaining, if at times confusing, look at a future where humans have been used as serfs but have secretly created a hidden power base.

[Russtman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. I liked the titular Shapers. One of my favorite kind of aliens

[Peter Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

B, good but unmemorable. Have (or used to?)