Moby Slipstream is the classic story of Moby Dick, but not a retelling. It is more of an Alt-Universe version of it in outer space. Similar to Scott Westerfeld’s Alt-History series Leviathan. It is truly fascinating to re-imagine this time period in the blackness of space.
I appreciate the fast-paced, action-centered plotline and the thought-provoking idea of psychic abilities as ship weapons versus lasers and force fields. The main character’s development is intriguing as he wrestles with obeying orders which could get him and the rest of the crew killed or choosing to disregard Captain Ahab’s seemingly delusional orders to chase the slipstream even as the ship is coming apart at the seams.
The only thing I didn’t like was coming to the last page and finding myself wishing to follow the characters on to their next adventures. Considering Captain Ahab’s intense longing to find the slipstream so much it eats at him, I suppose that feels right. I eagerly await the next Alt-Classic-Literature tale!