Pip and Flinx are two of my favorite characters in all science fiction. Flinx (Phillip Lynx) first surfaces as an orphan boy on frontier planet Moth. He has an unusual mental talent which allows him to sense other's emotions. He acquires a companion, the flying snake, Pip, with whom he has an empathic bond, and who defends him with a venomous spray. I love Flinx, and marvel at his increasing powers. He eventually did a favor for an alien species for which he is opulently rewarded with his own starship.
It was disappointing, then, to see Foster use the lazy literary device of deux ex machina. Flinx, newly re-united with his old flame Clarity, has escaped two attackers sent by Clarity's suitor, and then is drugged by a third set. Since Flinx had demonstrated remarkable powers even if he appeared to be unconscious, I anticipated his coming through again. Just in time two old friends, Bran Tse-Mallory and the alien Thranx "Tru" Truzenzuzex show up to shoot the villains. Bran and Tru have searched through many worlds and somehow happen on him exactly when they're needed. Pfui!
In a satisfying story, the hero must be tested as hard as possible, and then triumph through his own strength. He can have some aid, but the efforts must be his own.
Harry Potter can destroy Voldemort, but he needs all his friends and allies in Hogwarts to battle the rest of the death eaters.
This is sloppy writing, and it kept me from finishing, let alone enjoying, the rest of the book. I expected better of such a prolific writer.
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