In the year 2247, Detectant Maxo Magnaveer yearns for an opportunity to prove himself in the Cosmic Law Force so he can be promoted to squad captain. When a greedy privateer, Colonel Zaza D'Rump, brazenly hijacks a shipment of synthetic foods on its way to Mars with plans to starve the colony to death unless he is given control of Earth's shipping lanes, Maxo sees his opportunity to rise above, save the day, and finally move up in rank and prestige.
Fooled by those he thought were allies, Maxo stumbles on the slippery edge of failure more than once as he races to what could be a catastrophic battle above Jupiter near D'Rump's secret base, Porto Blago.
With his career and so many lives at stake, Maxo gains the help of old and new friends, and begins to realize his quest may not be about proving himself to anyone, but about discovering himself and rising to his true purpose in the universe.
First, however, he'll have to survive the showdown at Jupiter's Edge in this heroic, humorous, and inspirational space opera.
Assessment:
Plot: In this short, action-packed tale, the reader is transported to the year 2247. The solar system is patrolled by space cops, who keep a lookout for foul play in the cosmos. One in particular, Detectant Maxo Magnaveer, is a determined and multifaceted protagonist.
Prose: The Garvers' prose is quippy and fits with the purported time period. Readers will appreciate the level of detail the authors have put into the futuristic setting.
Originality: Showdown at Jupiter's Edge melds sci-fi adventure with political satire. This novel exists in its own dimension, yet is reminiscent of retro sci-fi movies with its quick-witted jokes and many references.
Character/Execution: Maxo Magnaveer, his human comrades, and the Digis are interesting heroes and heroines in this story; they are well-fleshed out with defining characteristics and idiosyncrasies. Colonel D'Rump is clearly based on the previous US president, and though entertaining, he seems to be a copy of 45, rather than his own character.
Date Submitted: August 21, 2021
