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Title: Didn't like the characters, plot absurd, worthwhile science
Review: Baxter works out the science. You have to give him that. But I don't think I would want to spend an hour with any of the characters. Add death, desperation and decay, and you don't have a fun read. A five page science article would have been fine. If you like the "great ending," and the way he works out the science, try Hal Clement. All the pluses, none of the minuses.
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