CAPTAIN FUTURE IN LOVE
(The Return of Ul Quorn, Book 1)
By Allen Steele
Amazing Stories
108 pgs
Once again we find ourselves playing catch up with a new
pulp series. Last year we found “Captain Future – The Guns of Pluto.” Seeing
that it was a new adventure based on Edmond Hamilton’s classic pulp hero, we
eagerly snatched up a copy and loved it. At which point we learned it was the
third entry in the series by veteran writer Allen Steele. The first chapter had
been released by another publisher with the title “Avengers of the Moon.” We
found it, read and give it major thumbs up.
Sadly things went awry and that publisher chose not to
continue the series. Steele then partnered with the good folks at Amazing
Stories and wrote two more action packed entries. In “Captain Future in Love,”
he picks up the story of orphaned Curt Newton who was raised by an android,
cyborg and robot in a hidden cave on the moon. Newton’s obsession is to find the corrupt
millionaire politician who murdered his parents.
But first Captain Future must deal with possible
terrorists on attack Venus
installations. This triggers flashback memories wherein we learn of his first
visit to that planet as a teenager and his encounter with a lovely young thief
who steals his heart. It’s a fun tale and told with the proper emotional
sensitivity. As with his other Captain Future stories, Steele combines elements
of both hard science fiction with the more romantic elements of pulp space
operas. What are two radically different styles merge seamlessly in his
storytelling. Having read both the first and third, we’re delighted to have
filled in the missing chapter of this truly enjoyable saga. Ed Hamilton would
have loved these.
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