Pennsylvania Omnibus by Michael Bunker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book qualifies as a first for me. It is classified as Amish Science Fiction. Yes, almost oxymoronic, I know, but it’s true. The story is one of a young Amish man, Jedidiah Troyer, who is pulled into a conflict between tyrannical Transport Authority and the rebel TRACE organization. His only goal was to move to the newest frontier, New Pennsylvania, a completely different planet, and begin his adult life in an Amish community there. But others had other plans for him.
I have to say that I was really confused by what was happening in this story. I felt that things were reveled, only to be snatched back in some awkward way to say, nope, that’s not it. I kept reading to find out what was going on, and eventually, most things were explained, but some were never fully revealed.
The characters were well developed, but I have no idea if they are realistic representations of Amish folk or not. It did not seem so to me, as they were entirely too accepting of the weirdness around them. I could be wrong though.
The tech & handwavium (aka okcillium) were only given a cursory brush-by explanation, which left me with a ‘yeah, ok, whatever’ feeling to go along with the confusion I mentioned before. The story was pretty good, but there are too many low points and philosophizing moments (some repetitive) to call it great.
All in all, I can say it was worth my time, but I have definitely read better. Try it. You might like it. I still call it a Good Read.
Words from the Wampuscat 