Title: Space Gamble: Volume 1: Perils
Author: J.W. Delorie
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-1949006292
Pages: 378
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Nicole Olson
Pacific Book Review
Space Gamble: Volume 1: Perils follows the busy life of a casino mogul in outer space in the year 2111. Operator Furgis’ son, Sam, comes to visit him after running into trouble on Mars. While the father-son dynamic is important to the plot of the book – their interactions seem far and few between especially in the beginning of the book. While J.W. Delorie sets the scene of the most popular casino attraction in outer space – Neptune One, readers are left wondering what Sam is up to.
Delorie crafts a perfect casino – not a single card can be counted or game rigged. Everything is perfectly operated by computers, while odds exist the gamblers are given the false illusion and security that they may have better luck on Neptune One than anywhere else. Such a busy place is run by a slew of characters, each of them directed and manipulated by Operator Furgis. His son has a great deal of learning to do if he ever wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.
While the book approaches topics of morality – an interesting character appears at the very beginning of the book. Sam refers to her as “some Asian lady” but she turns out to be the Pastor of a church. Delorie’s decision to include a pastor, church, and even devout church-goers in a Casino in outer space is interesting. As events such as murder, cheating, gambling, and adultery unfold throughout the course of the book – the characters show little remorse for any of their actions. While Delorie’s work highlights remorseless humans, the Pastor’s attempts to improve church attendance are quite feeble.
While Neptune One is a popular luxury destination for high rollers, Operator Furgis treats it like a battleground. His language and approach to leading his crew is militaristic and cold. Though Delorie reveals his weaknesses early on in the book (strawberries and well-dressed beautiful women) – readers long for him to connect with his son, before it is too late. When Sam comes to visit his father – he is thrown into a busy world where someone is constantly trying to reach his father. Nearly every interaction is interrupted or impeded by an incoming alert via vid com or ear com – communication systems of the future.
Delorie’s use of futuristic inventions and machinery are novel ideas that fit in well to the plot of the book. Though there seem to be quite a few technological advancements on Neptune One, the communication systems seem cumbersome. In the year 2020 – messages and communication are at our fingertips. Anyone who wants to reach us, essentially can. In Delorie’s 2111 – communication relies on the consent of the receiver. Systems must ask for permission, and the receiver must grant it before engaging in any sort of communication. While the world of Neptune One is highly advanced – Delorie shows the necessity of communication and human connection for productivity.
I found this science fiction novel refreshing – imagining something as specific as a luxury casino in the future is fun. Delorie’s extensive group of characters running the place adds many layers to the story about a father and a son. I think anyone can learn something from reading this book, and should the message get lost on them – at least they can visit the most exciting place in the future.
