Author: Sean Williams, Shane Dix
Cover Artist: Chris Moore
Publisher: ACE
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: February 2006
Geodesica Descent is an intense, intricate tale of revenge, desolation, and the evolution of humanity. Isaac Forge Deangelis, former Exarch of Bedlam waits centuries for the return of Melilah Awad from Geodesica. Melilah Awad escaped into Geodesica with Palmer Eogan and a fragment of Exarch Deangelis after attempting to assassinate the Archon of Sol for its annihilation of Bedlam and Sublime.
Meliah Awad’s journey through Geodesica challenges her beliefs about who is human and who isn’t. Her growth as a human being is mirrored by the events that occur outside of Geodesica. However, Meliah’s desire for vengeance and sorrow prevents her from accepting the changes occurring within and outside of her. Meliah search for answers and revenge set the tone and pace of Geodesica Descent.
Palmer Eogan has altered his body that he may travel among the stars. Meliah does not see him as human; even so, he hopes to convince her that though his body has changed his humanity remains. As they travel throughout Geodesica in search of a way home, Eogan actions confuse and comfort Meliah. Will she accept him as human or not? Palmer Eogan was a captivating and complex character whose curiosity about Geodesica added to the story.
Isaac Forge Deangelis was created by the Archon to rule and care for Bedlam. After the Archon’s actions he is fragmented and separated. While a part of him helps Meliah and Eogan, a part of him works with the Archon to stop them from ever leaving Geodesica. Will he ever be an integrated whole again? Present day humankind’s inability to view everyone as equal is seen in Isaac’s struggle to be accepted as human by Meliah.
Sean Williams and Shane Dix have created a multifaceted story of humanities development through the choices made by its rulers and itself. The concept of freedom and choice are delved into throughout Geodesica Descent. What it means to be human is explored through the stories of Isaac, Meliah, and Eogan. Geodesica Descent is a thought provoking, intellectual saga. The characters are interesting, but they will not captivate you emotionally. It is the ideas and thoughts that will fascinate the reader.
