The Crystal Memory

by Stephen Leigh

It is 2170, Decades ago, the Great Bust destroyed Earth's space-exploration program, trapping humanity in the midst of a vast solar system. Then the T'Rajek came, flaunting their mighty stardrive... and humankind gave up. Except for a power hungry few who were determined to get the T'Raijek's advanced technology at any cost.

Free trader Jemi Charidilis knows nothing of politics and cares less -- until her ship is attacked by pirates and she awakens brainwiped -- remembering nothing of the past two years, not even the death of her four-year-old on. Who had so cruelly cut a piece from her life? And Why? The answer could determine the fate of mankind and affect the entire course of life in the solar system. But Jemi will be forced to risk her life to find the truth.

Genres: Science Fiction

248 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1987

About the author

Stephen Leigh has been writing science fiction since he was in grade school. He sold his first story in 1975 and has been publishing regularly ever since then.

He has been nominated for and won several awards for his fiction over the years. He has written and published the occasional poems and non-fiction pieces, as well.

Steve teaches Creative Writing at Northern Kentucky University in the Greater Cincinnati area. He also plays music, and studies the Japanese martial art Aikido, in which he holds the rank of Sandan.

Stephen Leigh also writes as S.L. Farrell and Matthew Farrell.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-done futuristic drama centered on the female human captain of a one-man space freighter who is determined to find out why her little boy died. A fascinating array of human societies are involved, including zombie servants, and also aliens from a more technologically advanced but even more nasty culture.

[Red Haircrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the type of science fiction I love: a setting, a premise, mystery and intergalactic space battles. Inherent to the story, which is of a woman who loses part of her memory, there are times of confusion which I experienced but not all of it was based on that. Some details were not described enough, ideas or even a few characters. You knew what their function was, but I still couldn't visualize them since physical details were sketchy, yet I've read enough science fiction and fantasy to not let that hold me back from enjoying the story as a whole. There was nothing glaring which detracted from "The Crystal Memory". I liked the heroine, she was tough and hardy but also emotional in just the right quantities. It was an enjoyable read.

I have the hard cover version which correctly portrays the main character which the one showing does not. When/if you read the book, you'll understand.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOr some reason as I was reading this I thought it was written by Cherryh. Nt sure why, but on p. 126 I was like "wtf, who the hell is stephen leigh?"
It was an ok book. Drove home the point that every decision you make has to be for yourself and that everything you do in life, you do alone.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit different. The penchant of male authors writing as female lead characters doesn't quite make it here either. The over the top obsessive behavior doesn't help. The resurrected well, creative maybe, but rather implausible. The aliens are of some interest although their cultural mores seem quirky for an advanced race. Gets the two stars of obscurity for at least allowing the reader to figure 'it' out before the big reveal at the end. Clunky, but has elements of interest.

[Alejandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty fast-paced book that I really enjoyed. it has a little bit of everything I enjoy in a good sci-fi. There's aliens, a strong character that we quickly empathize with, mystery, action, and some some social commentary about social classes and castes.

I'd read more by this author and honestly wouldn't mind another follow up book in this setting.

[Voula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book for its imaginative society. It's science fiction... always a favorite of mine, if I like the characters and the society. It was fun, light reading. I enjoyed it.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh does a good job here of creating different cultures and mixing them with a mystery and story of political intrigue. It's a thoughtful and engaging novel.