Tides

by Scott Mackay

Two dangerously opposite civilizations collide in award-winning author Scott Mackay’s “pulse-pounding tale of discovery” (Philadelphia Weekly Press).On a massive oceanic world, two separate intelligent species have evolved on the only two continents.Paras is a rich, vibrant realm of plenty, where the inhabitants never know want or hardship and society is built upon kindness and honesty. On the other side of the world lies Ortok, a harsh, volcanic land where the denizens have mastered deceit and cruelty in order to survive. Neither race has ever encountered the other.Until now.When a bold young Parassian explorer hears rumors of Ortok, he braves the savage seas to discover a new frontier. But his adventurous spirit is about to pull both Paras and Ortok into a conflict that could re-make both societies forever…In this thrilling science fiction adventure, Scott Mackay offers “a rousing narrative of discovery and survival in a world where you don't want to be around when the tide comes in.” (Award-winning author Jack McDevitt).

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2005

About the author

Award-winning author Scott Mackay has over thirty-five published short stories to his credit and four novels: OUTPOST, THE MEEK, A FRIEND IN BARCELONA and COLD COMFORT, which was nominated for the 1999 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel. He lives in Toronto.

Reviews

[Elana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read (and even written about) Mackay's other alien-encounter books. This one, however, was new to me and left me with mixed feelings. It is a stark story of a real clash of civilizations (and species) that raises hard issues of historical justice, universal morality, and the nature of truth. In many ways, it is exactly what SF has to be. But the writing is mediocre, the ending is rushed, and the alien world is not really fleshed out. Still, there are worse novels of military SF out there.

[Brian Gaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I miss Scott Mackay's SF but he moved on to other genres. Not my favourite Mackay book but still a good read.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very strong intro and body. The author could have finished stronger though. Conclusion felt rushed and incomplete...