Eggheads

Heads #1

by Emily Devenport, Donato Giancola (Illustrator)

Jo and Ann are Eggheads, explorers specially equipped with an RNA drip that will enable them to decode the mysterious glyphs left in the ruins of an ancient civilization. But alien explorers seek the same information, and when Ann's RNA drip begins to break down, it becomes a deadly race to solve the riddle of the glyphs before she loses her mind—permanently.

Genres: Science Fiction

330 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

Look for MEDUSA UPLOADED, published by Tor, available in paper, ebook, and audio. MEDUSA IN THE GRAVEYARD is due out from Tor in July 2019.

I've been published under three pen names: as Emily Devenport, I wrote SHADE, LARISSA, SCORPIANNE, EGGHEADS, THE KRONOS CONDITION, and GODHEADS. As Maggy Thomas, I wrote BROKEN TIME, which was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award. As Lee Hogan I wrote BELARUS and ENEMIES. My books have been published in the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and Israel. I'm writing as Emily Devenport again, and I have two titles available exclusively in ebook: THE NIGHT SHIFTERS and SPIRITS OF GLORY. (Okay -- almost exclusively. TNS is also available in audio.)

I'm an undergraduate studying Geology, a volunteer at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and a buyer for the Heard Museum book store.

Reviews

[Sarahz · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some interesting ideas in here (the glyphs, in particular), although the character development isn't totally there (including a couple bits that are sort of problematic from a believability standpoint). It took me a while to get used to the slightly nonlinear way it's written, but i liked it when I got used to it. Curious to see where it goes from there.

[David]

Abandoned on page 75 after the female lead forgives her lover for attempted murder. I read fiction to escape and there is quite enough of that in reality.

[Ralph McEwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting universe and spacecrafts. I thought the first part of the book was the best part.

[Nicole Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the trippier books I've read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim at a used book store, and it's the first piece I've read by Emily Devenport. Evidently, I chose well. The author pares down the sprawl to give the likes of Stephen Baxter a run for his money. This novel has nearly everything I look for in a great science fiction romp. There's a long-arching storyline, a vividly rendered universe, provocative tech that's masterfully woven into the narrative, numerous unexpected twists and turns, and—best of all—a protagonist I can cheer for who exhibits significant growth. For an author who is so relatively obscure and whose output has been scanty and sporadic, Devenport has earned a place in my reader's heart with this past-paced, thoughtful, well-crafted novel, and I will certainly look into the other works that make up her surprisingly brief bibliography. If it's a matter of quality over quantity, then Devenport has won the game!

[Reed Compflete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good noire sci fi, intriguing characters, excellent world building with a lot of fascinating concepts. Highly entertaining.

There are some instances of sexual assault in this book, fair warning.

[BookNerdTV · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world building in this story is well-executed. The interaction with the glyphs was different and intriguing and I wanted much more of this part of the story. The ‘romantic’ plot is formulaic and tiresome and annoying. An (Ahn) is a promising character right up to the point where she becomes the ‘love interest’ of a several human/alien males who have little beyond their ability to fight to recommend them. And this happens because, you guessed it, she is the most beautiful egghead ever... yadda yadda.

Interesting plot, one-dimensional characters, good-to-great world building. The glyphs, the Vorn, and the planet Storm (and the godheads) are why this is a 3-star rating.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat ideas and fun, which makes it an easy read, though the main character's motivations seem a tad challenging to believe. And seriously, that's how it ends ... ? Without offering a spoiler, how many times have I encountered that particular conclusion?

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the glyphs concept. Doing Heavy Time made this book better than I thought it would be.