Palace of Eternity, The

Needing something light to read, I reached for this novel that I had good memories of. Initially I found it disappointing - a typical space opera with the obligatory violence, ugly aliens, beautiful women, and even a bit of implied sex. But I did find what appealed to me. This novel heads off into the extraordinary and even has a thoughtful message about the unseen harm we might be doing - even if it is inadvertent. There is also one startling moment of crisis and realisation in a dramatic moment for the lead character - even though it isn't key to the story, it is breath taking. other recommendations: 'Counter Clock World' by Philip K Dick 'Ramunujam' by Robert Kanigal