Ragamuffin Tobias S. Buckell pb n 316 pp Tor
Descended from the islanders of lost Earth The Ragamuffins are pirates and smugglers. Plying the lonely space ways around a dead wormhole. For years the Satraps have tolerated the Raga But no longer. Now the Satraps are bent on extermination.
Over all, this latest from Buckell moves along fairly well. I get the feeling though that Ragamuffins is in reality two separate books. The two never really blend until close to the end and from there all hell breaks loose. It is almost like Tobias had one novel in mind or more ideas than could be integrated into the first novel, but placed in the same universe as Crystal Rain but not enough to fill out a complete novel. So in truth, I felt a bit lost until I read Crystal Rain. Then I was introduced to the primary characters in the second half of Ragamuffin. My recommendation for this second novel by Buckell is to read Crystal Rain first and then Ragamuffin. Not that Ragamuffin can't stand on its own, oh no, there is plenty of independent story line to hold your interest. It's just that there is no real segway to the second part of the book. So your introduced to a whole new bevy of characters who's motivation is a bit opaque. But I can see, after reading Crystal Rain that the reintroduction of some of the characters from this novel into Ragamuffin is indeed a smart and welcome addition to the second work. I would think that Ragamuffin will be a welcomed work for those that cut their teeth on Buckell's Crystal Rain. In that light I would strongly recommend this book.
For those that have not read either yet, Get or read Crystal Rain first and you will find Ragamuffin even more enjoyable.
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