Jack the Bodiless, by Julian May

Set in the 2050s, Jack the Bodiless is the first book in the Galactic Milieu series, which tells the story of humanity as it enters into a confederation of worlds spread over the galaxy. It is set in the world created in Intervention and the Saga of the Exiles, also by Julian May. The action focuses on Rogi Remillard and his nephew Marc as they struggle with alien politics as well as a murderous entity known only as Fury, and the book tells the story of their fight to bring Marc's unborn brother Jack into the world.

I have read the previous books, which probably helps a little with the world; I know a little about what is going to happen since some of the earlier books make references to the future of this book, but that's not always a serious flaw in a book. In fact I'd probably say in this case there's no particular need to read any previous books before this one.

The book itself is entertaining enough. In a fairly typical trilogy fashion there are several plots going on at the same time, the birth of Jack is one, there is effectively a murder mystery, and the political maneuvering a third, and while some of the plots are complete by the end of the book, the rest are left to the sequels. Actually, this works very well in this case; I both feel that my curiosity was satisfied with a decent ending point while at the same time making me want to read the next book (when I find it!).

The trouble is, no matter how good the story is and how interesting I found the plot of the book... it was quite simply too long. A case in point; there are about four or five pages about father Christmas figures in various cultures, and this adds absolutely nothing to the story. To me, most of the interludes featuring the all-powerful Lylmik experiencing humanity just simply serve to make them look a bit foolish.

When I had finished this book and looked to review it, I was feeling that the book is pretty good, but there something just not right with it. Perhaps it's simply that there's too much in here that doesn't serve the further the plot or develop characters; too much self indulgent references to cultural issues or misplaced philosophy. Ultimately, it's an ok book, but if it were 100 or 200 pages shorter, it'd be better.

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