Not Less Than Gods

As someone who has never read any of the other "Company" novels, I found this to be a fairly entertaining, steampunk spy-romp with just a bit of sci-fi "technology can be dangerous in the wrong hands" moralizing. It doesn't have a plot as much as a series of well-written episodes where the hero, the extraordinary Edward Bell-Fairfax, learns a series of bitter truths about himself or the world around him. Ignoring the other reviews about how it doesn't make sense in the context of the other novels in the series, it actually works fairly well in building its own alternate history complete with secret societies, advanced (for the time) technology, and international intrigue. The idea of a worldwide network of affiliated secret societies whose members aspire to ideals beyond nations, but who can't help but favor their own is an intriguing one that could have been explored more. Honestly, the descriptions I've read of the other books in "The Company" series don't interest me, but I would enjoy a broader exploration of the world described here.

This is an odd book, a standalone Company novel that I think would actually work better for someone who does not know the series than for those of us who know and love it (which might explain the very lackluster reviews I've seen of it online). Not Less Than Gods is written in a third-person omniscient near-objective mode, meaning the narrator knows everything about everyone in the story but rarely delves into their thoughts and feelings, staying detached. Despite what the jacket would lead you to believe, it never enters Edward's head -- he is a cipher to those around him and to the reader. I resented this mode at first -- it seemed to leave a great gaping hole in every scene -- but the introduction of Rabbi Canetti reveals that this was a very deliberate choice on Baker's part and one, in fact, that I believe would make the book for those who have not read the Company novels (and have the eyes to see it). To one who has not encountered the Company before, this novel has a central theme -- the danger of creating a monster and then giving it a soul. It is a Frankenstein tale, plain and simple, with Dr. Nennys as Dr. Frankenstein and Edward as his monster -- a subtler monster than Shelley's, but just as horrifying to the average bystander and just as innocent. We the reader cannot see Edward's perspective for this to work, however, because he does not know that he is a golem; the objective tone Baker uses reinforces her message. The novel still is not entirely effective; I think it would have been stronger had Baker dipped more into the ancillary characters' heads, and it is rather slow starting and episodic throughout. It is also more steampunk than I expected, paying far more attention to the workings of all the wondrous machines than were really warranted by the story. But I think that if I did not know the Company novels already, I would have been quite moved by the climax as Ludbridge watches Edward realize what exactly he is. However, I do know the Company novels, and I have met Edward before. I know his history already. Most importantly, I know how much more of a complete person (as opposed to a golem with a soul) he is than this book gives him credit for, so I am resistent to giving him the pass that this book provides him on all those shady ethical issues. With all that extra knowledge, I was left almost entirely cold by the novel. I wanted, instead, the novel that the book jacket led me to believe this was -- a real dip into Edward's psyche before Mendoza ran into him in California, something more realistic psychoanalysis than allegory. Or, at least, something with a bit more humor and action, some of the dashing zest for life it seemed Edward had (in amongst his raging egomania). So all in all I'm frustrated by this novel, but I nonetheless hope it does well, and it would be very nice if it finds an audience outside of Baker's core Company fans.

In London in 1825, unmarried Lady Amalthea R. gives birth to a boy. Neither aristocratic parent wants to raise him so Dr. Nennys leaves the newborn with Mr. and Mrs. Bell who recently gave birth to a stillborn. They reluctantly take the unwanted infant into their home, but mostly ignore him. Eventually Dr. Nennys ships the neglected child, Edward Bell-Fairfax, to boarding school. Edward joins the British navy, but his childhood and his unique skills of instant reaction thinking and super strength make him a loner, who fails to fit in with bands of brother warriors. He leaves unwelcome again, but Edward joins the Company of scientists and undercover agents. Dr. Ludbridge tutors Edward who is amazed with the friendly acceptance of him as well as the annual message from the future. The teacher and his prize student travel to the continent where Edward tries to influence the outcome of the Crimean War. He learns from his effort that to achieve his idealistic vision of a better world, good intentions are not enough and dirty deeds are sometimes the only solution. This work of speculative fiction is an intriguing look at the past of one of the more fascinating Company characters; before Edward and botanist Mendoza becomes a pair. For die hard fans of the recently completed saga only who will appreciate how far Edward came from being unwanted, abused and neglected with only sinister Dr. Nennys interested in manipulating the child to take advantage of his uncanny skills. Yet through all that he remains an idealist who finds his niche with the Company and his soul with Mendoza. Harriet Klausner

Kage has written a series of books that reference a mysterious group or company, "The Gentlemen's Speculative Society (GSS)." Above and apart from art, politics, money and power, the creation and protection of science and technology was this society's singular purpose. Baker's new book develops details of GSS, which is believed to have operated clandestinely in several countries during the Victorian era. Though its origins are hard to document, members reputedly included Archimedes, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Dr. John Dee. The story begins with a GSS senior member using a couple of London's vulnerable gentry to create himself a child, one Edward Bell-Fairfax, who he then raises and trains for the GSS. The story follows as Edward grows to manhood, completes his training, recognizes his personal and extraordinary powers, and takes up his first mission. Edward and his fellow agents are armed with a lethally useful array of "gadgets" and the advanced technology so essential to good spy thrillers. The agents brave the heat and dust of the Holy Land, outwit enemies in Constantinople, and fight to the death in the freezing streets of St. Petersburg. The characters are complete, the spy action is taut, the dialogue is flawless, the jokes are funny, and the details of Victorian London are rich and convincing. A delight for Baker fans, and a good place to start if you are new to her work. Reviewed by Marcia Jo