The Children of the Company by Kage Baker

The Children of the Company by Kage Baker. New York: Tor, 2005. ISBN: 0-765-31455-X

A new “Company” novel by Kage Baker is cause for rejoicing among the fans of this series involving time travel and more. Each one brings us closer to the promised denouement, but we're not quite there yet, which means at least one more novel in the series, which is another cause for rejoicing. Fans of the series, of which I count myself as one, will be disappointed to see it end.

In this volume, we read through the files and memoirs of Executive Facilitator Labenius, one of The Company's high-ranking immortals, plotting against his rivals in The Company, and perhaps, against The Company itself. Our favorite botanist, Mendoza, unfortunately, is barely mentioned, but we trust that we've not heard the last of her.

Along the way, we visit prehistoric Jericho, ancient Egypt, 5^th century Britain (or is it Ireland?), and many more, spending a good deal of time in San Francisco, just before the 1906 earthquake. Along the way we learn more bits and pieces of how The Company works its technological magic, and to what ostensible ends. We also learn about forces within The Company that seek to bring it down, or turn its secrets to their personal goals.

Highly recommended for fans of the series and the series itself is highly recommended for science fiction readers, especially fans of time travel.