Dark Water's Embrace

"Dark Water's Embrace" revolves around a tiny colony of humans marooned on an alien planet, whose biology induces in them a high rate of mutation and infant mortality. In their struggle for life, they encounter odds that predict their long-term survival is impossible. Interspersed in this impending tragedy is the story of the planet's previous - and now ominously extinct - native race, the Miccail.But more than this, "Dark Water's Embrace" is a first-class social treatise on human nature. In it, author Stephen Leigh conveys how blind faith, obstinate prejudice and racism work against the human, in totally irrational yet completely familiar ways, leading him to self-destruction. The issue in particular in this well-paced story is the element of the Miccail's third gender. Without spoiling the reader, suffice to say it allows the book to deal with the notion of alternate sexualities, or what we call "deviant sexuality" and how, in the context of a science fiction drama, mankind's stubborn inability to re-adapt or re-evaluate old and now irrelevant taboos can spell his doom. Stephen Leigh writes in bite-sized chapters (or sub-chapters?), each alternating between different times, different people, different contexts and even mediums. With this he strips away a strict chronological linearity and makes the unfolding very much timeless. The weaving of his plot is without cliché, a credit to its relative simplicity. A small glossary is provided for some of the colonists' colloqualisms as well as the Miccail's language - this incidently reflects on Leigh's attempts to make his worlds culturally distinctive, an authorial effort which always deserves praise.Although the central theme of alternate sexuality may "disturb" some readers, in my opinion, Stephen Leigh has successfully rendered his story with abundant grace, intelligence as well as compassion. The solemn-tragic atmosphere of the story unfolds with feeling as well as dignity, and at no point does it descend into anything tasteless or gratuitous, not even in terms of sex. The lessons of sacrifice which take place across time are particularly moving. And ultimately we are treated with a conclusion brimming with humility, enlightenment and hope, out of nothing less than the quest for preservation and procreation of life, regardless of its means.

I bought this book on a whim (it was on my recommended list) and read in in one day. Wow. Very interesting writing style, combined with wonderful characters and a fabulous idea... I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys "What if?" stories.

It's hard to decide what to say about this powerful example of great storytelling. Few books have plunged me into such a powerful, sad emotional state as did parts of this wonderful story. I was not totally hooked from the very begining, but once I got beyond a few chapters I could not put it down. The stark contrast of hate, prejudice, hard-headed stupidity versus acceptance, kindness, caring and unselfishness makes for an emotional knock out. A completely original, imaginative, and most memorable masterpiece. Run out & buy it!!

Moody, atmospheric, and sometimes grim, Leigh has created an eerie world which feels complex and real. The mystery presented to the characters has several layers, and a very satisfying conclusion. Contains some intensely emotional sequences which heighten the book's appeal.

What a fascinating read! Compelling, ambitous and intelligent. The handling of multiple storylines is deftly handled, and the thought provoking issues raised make this story one of the best reads in a long time. Evolution, gender, society and survial are explored in parallel but intertwining stories -- one human, one alien. Highly Recommended.