Bloodhype

IF you like Alan Foster's writing and have been reading the Flix "epic" this is a must read. As usual, an above average plot and Flix's character must have become an alter ego for Foster by now. The best twist was the observation for Flix from an outside looking in viewpoint. Worth reading.

I came to the Humanx commonwealth after my friend's dad gave me "The Tar Aiym Krang" for my birthday when I was about 8 or 9. I loved the book,and began to devour any other Humanx books I could find--and fortunately, there are quite a few to choose from. Bloodhype is about a very addictive drug, and is a rather enjoyable mystery. Pip and Flinx are in the novel, but they feel a little different than they do in earlier novels. The plot is tight, the tension is tighter, and the resolution very satisfying. This one is definitely a little known gem and well worth picking up.

The Adventures of Flinx and Pip are a series of 14 (so far) books that really needs be read in a specific order which is not the order published. Bloodhype was 1st published in 1973, but is the 11th book in this series and fits neatly between Running from the Deity: A Pip & Flinx Adventure (Adventures of Pip and Flinx) and Trouble Magnet: A Pip & Flinx Adventure. The Adventures of Pip and Flinx are best read in the following order: For Love of Mother-Not (1983), ISBN 0-345-30511-6 The Tar-Aiym Krang (1972), ISBN 0-345-29232-4 Orphan Star (1977), ISBN 0-345-25507-0 The End of the Matter (1977), ISBN 0-345-25861-4 Flinx in Flux (1988), ISBN 0-345-34363-8 Mid-Flinx (1995), ISBN 0-345-38374-5 Reunion (2001), ISBN 0-345-41867-0 Flinx's Folly (2003), ISBN 0-345-45038-8 Sliding Scales (2004), ISBN 0-345-46156-8 Running from the Deity (2005), ISBN 0-345-46159-2 Bloodhype (1973), ISBN 0-345-25845-2 Trouble Magnet (2006), ISBN 0-345-48504-1 Patrimony (2007), ISBN 978-0-345-48507-6 Flinx Transcendent (forthcoming 2008) They follow Flinx's maturation and development of his special powers from his childhood through his young adulthood and beyond (I hope). We travel to amazing worlds and meet very weird and remarkable aliens following Pip and Flinx as they try to decide what to do about the dark sentience coming from the region of the constellation of Boötes (where a great dark hole in the universe actually exists). My only complaint about Foster's Commonwealth Universe, is in wanting more detail. Any one of the worlds or alien races could occupy a writer's entire life's work. There are some such in his stand-alone novels. But those are other stories.

This book is an interesting tie-in book to the Flinx series. It is enjoyable to see Flinx largely from outside his POV for almost the entire time he appears in this novel (the latter half). I found it to be a nice contrast to the 'hardcore Flinx' novels. The main characters are both deadly serious and lightheartedly silly. A strange combo that works well and provides a constant stream of banter between the main characters.In response to some of the other reviews below...While Flinx's adventures in this story seem to be forgotten in the next book (the timeline at the end of 'Flinx in Flux' places the Vom/Guardian event _AFTER_ the 'FiF' events), I have hope that there is a reason for this that will be revealed later in the series. I say this because in each novel, Flinx is forced to grow and to develop his mysterious Talent in some way. As this happens more pieces are put into place regarding his destiny and the sheaf of other ongoing plotlines that Foster weaves in.What both frustrates me (mildly) and yet draws me to the next book, is the fact that each time he aquires some new aspect of his Talent, he seems to forget he can do that particuar thing in subsequent novels. (i.e. the offensive capability he uses at the end of Flinx in Flux is never even mentioned in "Mid-Flinx," even when he is in deadly danger and would most certainly have at least considered using it.) The pattern is set in the (timeline-wise) first novel "For Love of Mother Not" when Flix experiences a haeadache and amnesia after he mysteriously resuces himself from the middle of a firefight... destroying a building in the process.Either Foster is a schitzo or there is a deliberate pattern to this. I trust it is a pattern.. and that there is a reason for it... one that will be revealed and make sense. If that is so, I feel confident that the Vom, the Guardian, & Flinx's participation in the battle from this novel will fit into that pattern. I point to the final communication between Flinx and the Guardian for an enticing possibility.I just hope Foster does not string this out too long. Too much frustration and I'll quit being interested in buying. Like I did with X-Files after a few years.But for now I am content to read and enjoy the unfolding story of Flinx.Dear Mr. Foster, WE NEED MORE FLINX! NOW! heheh

This is a truly well done novel. No, Flinx is not the only character in this book, but he is the main character. In response to a previous review, I think he is totally in character. I read this novel when it was brand new (I think I was twelve at the time) and saw the series evolve. This is truly an entertaining read, I've read it many, many times. I cannot but say that you will not be disappointed with this book, unlees you happen to be that "Reader from California". (See lame review below) :) Enjoy!