What do you think?
Rate this book
Horizons
Ahni Huang is hunting for her brother's killer. As a class 9 empath with advanced biogenetic augmentations, she has complete mental and physical control of her body, and can read other people's intentions before they can even think them. Ahni soon finds though, that there are deceptions behind deceptions, and in the middle of it lies the fate of her brother.Earth is in the midst of a political struggle between the World Council, which governs humankind, and the Platforms, which orbit high above Earth. On the Platform New York Up, "upsider" life is different. They have their own culture, values, and ambitions--and now they want their independence from Earth. One upsider leader, Dane Nilson, is determined to accomplish this goal, but he has a secret, one that could condemn him to death.When Ahni stumbles upon Dane during her quest for vengeance, her fate becomes inextricably linked to his. Together they must delve beyond the intrigue and manipulative schemes to get to the core of truth; a truth that will shape the future of the Platforms and shatter any preconceived notions of what defines the human race.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2006
2 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Mary Rosenblum
112 books15 followersMary Rosenblum was a science fiction/fantasy and mystery author. She grew up in Allison Park, "a dead little coal mining town outside Pittsburgh PA," and attended Reed College in Oregon, earning a biology degree. She attended the Clarion West workshop in 1988.
Her first story came out in 1990 and her first novel in 1993. Her career began, and has largely returned to, science fiction. However, from 1999 to 2002 she wrote the "Gardening Mysteries" novel series under the name "Mary Freeman."
She was also a cheesemaker, teaching the craft at workshops. At the age of 57, Rosenblum earned her pilot's license. Rosenblum died on March 11, 2018, when the single-engine plane she was piloting crashed near an airfield south of La Center, Washington.
(from Wiki)
Her first story came out in 1990 and her first novel in 1993. Her career began, and has largely returned to, science fiction. However, from 1999 to 2002 she wrote the "Gardening Mysteries" novel series under the name "Mary Freeman."
She was also a cheesemaker, teaching the craft at workshops. At the age of 57, Rosenblum earned her pilot's license. Rosenblum died on March 11, 2018, when the single-engine plane she was piloting crashed near an airfield south of La Center, Washington.
(from Wiki)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 3, 2022
Hmm. What to say. Well, I definitely liked the book, and there must have been some decently done suspense type stuff, because I rushed through the last 30 or so pages last night.
But, overall it felt a little lacking. I can’t put my finger on exactly what – it felt a lot like a “first work”, and I didn’t see other credits for the author so it may be. Hmm, wait, I just wiki’d her, and she does have other published works, so that’s not it. What do I mean by feeling like a “first work”? I mean it could have really benefited from some editing in places.
I like the ideas here – they are, if not original – orbital space colonies struggling for independence, interesting in their execution – a peaceful struggle for independence (vs. the standard action-fighting sci-fi fare). The use of a future incarnation of internet forums is also moderately interesting, and quite plausible (think “being jacked into .Craigslist.org”). The characters, well, there’s really only one fleshed character – the lead, Ahni. But she is interesting enough, although I found myself wondering how she could be so ignorant at many steps. Also, for being what she was (a high level empath in a very powerful political family), she seemed really naive and overconfident. But hey, maybe that was the intent.
The plot motion itself is another issue – in at least one place things are just too easy. I’m talking about the data dot here, which just happened to contain all the info they needed, and she just happened to notice on an item that just happened to fall out of her ex-lover’s clothing after it just happened to be stolen from her brother’s room that morning. It’s putting too many eggs in one coincidence, without really acknowledging how strange that is. The “love interest” also came way too quick (no pun intended). I was like “What? They just met??” I think we’re just supposed to assume that’s how things work in the future, but I had no sense of why they would be together other than “just because”.
Some parts of the narrative could have used a little fleshing out as well. There were times when I’d read a paragraph and go “Huh? How did this end here?”, but I just didn’t care enough to go back and re-read it. It was confusing, but not particularly interesting – I mean I could still follow the plot, or rather be dragged along by it.
I’d say…3/5, nothing spectacular, but I would probably read something by this author again. Especially considering how much dreck is out there in the sci-fi world.
But, overall it felt a little lacking. I can’t put my finger on exactly what – it felt a lot like a “first work”, and I didn’t see other credits for the author so it may be. Hmm, wait, I just wiki’d her, and she does have other published works, so that’s not it. What do I mean by feeling like a “first work”? I mean it could have really benefited from some editing in places.
I like the ideas here – they are, if not original – orbital space colonies struggling for independence, interesting in their execution – a peaceful struggle for independence (vs. the standard action-fighting sci-fi fare). The use of a future incarnation of internet forums is also moderately interesting, and quite plausible (think “being jacked into .Craigslist.org”). The characters, well, there’s really only one fleshed character – the lead, Ahni. But she is interesting enough, although I found myself wondering how she could be so ignorant at many steps. Also, for being what she was (a high level empath in a very powerful political family), she seemed really naive and overconfident. But hey, maybe that was the intent.
The plot motion itself is another issue – in at least one place things are just too easy. I’m talking about the data dot here, which just happened to contain all the info they needed, and she just happened to notice on an item that just happened to fall out of her ex-lover’s clothing after it just happened to be stolen from her brother’s room that morning. It’s putting too many eggs in one coincidence, without really acknowledging how strange that is. The “love interest” also came way too quick (no pun intended). I was like “What? They just met??” I think we’re just supposed to assume that’s how things work in the future, but I had no sense of why they would be together other than “just because”.
Some parts of the narrative could have used a little fleshing out as well. There were times when I’d read a paragraph and go “Huh? How did this end here?”, but I just didn’t care enough to go back and re-read it. It was confusing, but not particularly interesting – I mean I could still follow the plot, or rather be dragged along by it.
I’d say…3/5, nothing spectacular, but I would probably read something by this author again. Especially considering how much dreck is out there in the sci-fi world.
November 7, 2018
This is a novel of politics set in a world in which humans have built space stations capable of supporting a large population. The people have begun to wish for independence from earth so that they can control their own destinies. In addition people conceived, born and raised in space have begun to "evolve" from the standard human physiology. What makes this book particularly interesting is the impact of political factions introducing "fake news" into the Con, an analog of the twitterverse/facebook. Since the book was written in 2006 it is surprisingly current. In addition the problems of "us" vs. "other" is reminiscent of the current problems we have in coming to grips with immigrants and people with backgrounds/religions that are different from the dominant culture.
Unfortunately the author was killed in a single engine plane she was piloting earlier this year so there will be no new books. I do plan to search out her earlier works.
Unfortunately the author was killed in a single engine plane she was piloting earlier this year so there will be no new books. I do plan to search out her earlier works.
April 29, 2012
Shallow cliche-dependent characterization (with bonus racism and biphobia), an empathic ability which wavers between revealing the obvious and serving as a plot coupon harvester, a tired 'space vs. Earth' plot. This was a complete waste of time - potential readers, learn from me and save yourselves.
September 18, 2007
So far, I am amazed! The world is actually multiracial! Also, bonus points for the heroine being part-Taiwanese and much mention of Taiwan, whoo!
I was more meh on the plot, but whatever. Taiwan!
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/641065...
I was more meh on the plot, but whatever. Taiwan!
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/641065...
March 21, 2018
This is a gem of a novel. There are several compelling secondary plots woven into the story along with many engaging characters.
MARY ROSENBLUM postulates an off-Earth civilization sometime in our future, with versions of contemporary technology extrapolated into useful application. Huge platforms with their own ecosystems orbit beyond Earth's atmosphere and are reached by space elevators.
The descriptions of the elevators and how they operate is fascinating. The emotions experienced by Earthers (down-siders) in transit to a place where gravity is greatly reduced along with depth perception (what's up now feels like down) are strong and plausible.
Following a past catastrophe of unknown destruction (the Terror Wars) that is only alluded to in HORIZONS, an intrepid band of pioneers established communities in these orbital stations (cans). The events of HORIZONS occur sometime during a later stage of the New York Up (NYup) civilization, as second-generation children are conceived and born. These children have evolved, growing longer and more cartilaginous limbs for flexibility and suppleness, as they adapt to living within micro-gravity. They are viewed as mutants, or non-human by less-understanding Earthers, particularly global governors who consider them a threat.
Central character Ani Huang (there are multiple multi-racial characters throughout the novel) is a capable empath (sensing emotions), enhanced by implanted nanotech. She's a member of a powerful governing family (Earth is ruled by a global council comprised of influential family businesses from several countries) and travels to NYup for the first time to avenge the murder of her brother.
As she learns more of the differences in NYup, she becomes drawn into local politics and the struggle to remain independent from Earth.
There is so much packed into the 300+ pages of HORIZONS: off-Earth tourism, politics, socialization, orbital mining, prejudice, group mind manipulation, staged disruption and manipulation, trade and commerce. Rosenblum deftly works in the details as a mystery is introduced and the pace picks up. There are several surprises near the ending.
This is a novel that deserves your full attention, and simply can't be read quickly. There are complexities within that need to be given the proper time and reflection by patient readers. Rosenblum has researched her subjects well, and incorporates those elements into the story. The descriptions of the ecosystem and how plants and seedlings are germinated, sustained and harvested are creative and intriguing.
There's also a manipulative use (on both sides, some for good, some for malice) of social media that seems very close to recent events considering how Cambridge Analyticals and Russian hackers used Facebook and social media platforms while attempting to influence the 2016 elections. In HORIZONS all NYupers go about their business while listening (through a shared mental internet) of the gossip and chit-chat on the Con (short for conversation). Various forces within the story use this to torment unrest and dissension, along with staged conflicts and flash mobs. Very prophetic for a book written in 2006.
MARY ROSENBLUM postulates an off-Earth civilization sometime in our future, with versions of contemporary technology extrapolated into useful application. Huge platforms with their own ecosystems orbit beyond Earth's atmosphere and are reached by space elevators.
The descriptions of the elevators and how they operate is fascinating. The emotions experienced by Earthers (down-siders) in transit to a place where gravity is greatly reduced along with depth perception (what's up now feels like down) are strong and plausible.
Following a past catastrophe of unknown destruction (the Terror Wars) that is only alluded to in HORIZONS, an intrepid band of pioneers established communities in these orbital stations (cans). The events of HORIZONS occur sometime during a later stage of the New York Up (NYup) civilization, as second-generation children are conceived and born. These children have evolved, growing longer and more cartilaginous limbs for flexibility and suppleness, as they adapt to living within micro-gravity. They are viewed as mutants, or non-human by less-understanding Earthers, particularly global governors who consider them a threat.
Central character Ani Huang (there are multiple multi-racial characters throughout the novel) is a capable empath (sensing emotions), enhanced by implanted nanotech. She's a member of a powerful governing family (Earth is ruled by a global council comprised of influential family businesses from several countries) and travels to NYup for the first time to avenge the murder of her brother.
As she learns more of the differences in NYup, she becomes drawn into local politics and the struggle to remain independent from Earth.
There is so much packed into the 300+ pages of HORIZONS: off-Earth tourism, politics, socialization, orbital mining, prejudice, group mind manipulation, staged disruption and manipulation, trade and commerce. Rosenblum deftly works in the details as a mystery is introduced and the pace picks up. There are several surprises near the ending.
This is a novel that deserves your full attention, and simply can't be read quickly. There are complexities within that need to be given the proper time and reflection by patient readers. Rosenblum has researched her subjects well, and incorporates those elements into the story. The descriptions of the ecosystem and how plants and seedlings are germinated, sustained and harvested are creative and intriguing.
There's also a manipulative use (on both sides, some for good, some for malice) of social media that seems very close to recent events considering how Cambridge Analyticals and Russian hackers used Facebook and social media platforms while attempting to influence the 2016 elections. In HORIZONS all NYupers go about their business while listening (through a shared mental internet) of the gossip and chit-chat on the Con (short for conversation). Various forces within the story use this to torment unrest and dissension, along with staged conflicts and flash mobs. Very prophetic for a book written in 2006.
May 2, 2019
This book is set in a future Earth defined by a conflict between the World Council, the one-world government, and the Platforms, huge orbital space stations that have permanent populations. Those in the Platforms have evolved both physically and culturally to a point where they can no longer return to the planet they once called home. However, the platforms were built to serve the home planet, and Earth wants its due. Those on the Platforms, on the other hand, seek independence and the freedom to chart their own course.
Ahni Huang is the daughter of a major political power broker and wealthy industrialist. She is sent to one of the platforms to hunt down her brother, whom their family believes was kidnapped and murdered by a rival clan. Through a serious of intrigues and conflicts, Huang learns new and disturbing facts about her family and becomes embroiled in the politics of the Platforms.
The story is engaging and well-written, with believable, likable protagonists and hate-able antagonists. The bad guys usually have reasons for what they do, but not many people would consider them good reasons. The good guys always seem to do the right thing. Nonetheless, the story is engaging and interesting despite its shortcomings. It's worth a read if you enjoy science fiction that focuses on human development and evolution.
Kevin DeMello
Ahni Huang is the daughter of a major political power broker and wealthy industrialist. She is sent to one of the platforms to hunt down her brother, whom their family believes was kidnapped and murdered by a rival clan. Through a serious of intrigues and conflicts, Huang learns new and disturbing facts about her family and becomes embroiled in the politics of the Platforms.
The story is engaging and well-written, with believable, likable protagonists and hate-able antagonists. The bad guys usually have reasons for what they do, but not many people would consider them good reasons. The good guys always seem to do the right thing. Nonetheless, the story is engaging and interesting despite its shortcomings. It's worth a read if you enjoy science fiction that focuses on human development and evolution.
Kevin DeMello
June 7, 2019
Mary Rosenblum envisions a future Earth where economies are powered by businesses run by several large families whose membership is both genealogical and geographically focused. Overall governance is by the World Council, whose representatives reflect the planet's diversity of ethnic and racial assortments. Off-planet are a number of orbiting platforms owned and operated by large corporations, connected to Earth by space elevators. Within one such platform is a movement for independence from Earth, both politically and economically. It is a quiet movement until someone plants an operative to disrupt and agitate. Therein lies the tension and intrigue that gives the book its technological, genetic, and social surprises.
The book is an interesting mixture of social science, technology, human evolution, and romance. It is also a good mystery with plenty of plot twists. Rosenblum's storyline includes current themes quietly woven into the tapestry of what might be. I liked it.
The book is an interesting mixture of social science, technology, human evolution, and romance. It is also a good mystery with plenty of plot twists. Rosenblum's storyline includes current themes quietly woven into the tapestry of what might be. I liked it.
October 9, 2025
Mary Rosenblum gives us a story: Ahni is part of an Asian cartel family who finds herself sent to assassinate her half-brother's killer by her overbearing father but when she discovers that her brother is still alive she puts the hit off, and since she doesn't inform her father because her mother told her no to for reasons of her own, she is punished. Her arrival on the space elevator platform of NYUp sees her own life imperiled and while attempting to elude her xwould-be killers she discovers a secret enclave of fast-evolved humans who are much better adapted to micro-G but are considered an abomination by Earth council. Add to the mix that her brother is aiding a revolutionary group opposed to a Chinese cartel taking over NYUp and a terrorist offshoot who plan an Earthside disaster and you get a whole lot of intrigue. Interesting enough for the most part.
July 6, 2013
Suffering from a lack of sparkling, solidly good science fiction? Enjoy Lois McMaster Bujold, Elizabeth Moon and C.J. Cherryh at their very best? Fear not, I've found you another candidate.
Ahni Huang is hunting for her brother's killer. As a Class 9 Empath with advanced biogenetic augmentations, she has complete mental and physical control of her body and can read other people's intentions before they can even think them. Faced with deceptions behind deceptions, Ahni is caught in a dangerous game of family politics and in the middle of it all lies the fate of her brother.
Horizons review at SFReader.com
Ahni Huang is hunting for her brother's killer. As a Class 9 Empath with advanced biogenetic augmentations, she has complete mental and physical control of her body and can read other people's intentions before they can even think them. Faced with deceptions behind deceptions, Ahni is caught in a dangerous game of family politics and in the middle of it all lies the fate of her brother.
Horizons review at SFReader.com
July 8, 2014
I have finally refound this book after years of looking. This is a very interesting futuristic novel. Babies born in zero gravity are evolving and some people want to wipe out the "freaks." The space station New York Up must fight for their independence to protect their children and future children from genocide. Empath Ahni Huang from the Taiwan ruling family gets caught up in this battle on one side while her half-twin fights against her. NYUp resident Dane Nilsson another strong empath is accused of illegally experimenting with non-human genes in humans, a crime punishable by death. Now Ahni must also fight to save the man she loves and the family of second generation zero-g "kids" he has adopted, hidden and protected for years.
December 7, 2007
I started this book this morning only to discover I'd already read it, but I for the life of me can't remember when. How irritating.
One week later:
So I pushed through, and it appears that I only read the first chapter of this book at some dim moment in the past year. Beats me when that might have been. Maybe it was a short story that turned into a book.
In any event, I'm glad I persevered. This is a book with a lot of cool ideas. Human evolution in low-g, space elevators, people living long-term on a giant space station, a universe where the United States is NOT the dominant power in the world. What a concept!
One week later:
So I pushed through, and it appears that I only read the first chapter of this book at some dim moment in the past year. Beats me when that might have been. Maybe it was a short story that turned into a book.
In any event, I'm glad I persevered. This is a book with a lot of cool ideas. Human evolution in low-g, space elevators, people living long-term on a giant space station, a universe where the United States is NOT the dominant power in the world. What a concept!
September 30, 2008
This author runs the website for Long Ridge Writer's Group, who I've taken writing classes with. She's a great person, always so helpful and gives out tons of advice. I decided to try her latest book and I loved it.
Horizons is about a new world being created in earth's orbit and the changes taking place in human DNA because of this. There's tons of politics, danger, and even a steamy romance to keep you hooked. The sci-fi is easy to follow and is still rewarding for hard science fans. Enjoy!
Horizons is about a new world being created in earth's orbit and the changes taking place in human DNA because of this. There's tons of politics, danger, and even a steamy romance to keep you hooked. The sci-fi is easy to follow and is still rewarding for hard science fans. Enjoy!
January 11, 2009
I just couldn't get into this book, stopping at about the halfway mark. While her vision of the future was very interesting, the characters were rather bland, and I just couldn't bring myself to care very much about what happened to them. Plus, I thought she tried a bit too hard with her version of what a culture aboard a space station would be like.
Anyway, the basic ideas of this book are interesting, but the execution, not so much. It's not horrible, but it's not particularly memorable either.
Anyway, the basic ideas of this book are interesting, but the execution, not so much. It's not horrible, but it's not particularly memorable either.
May 22, 2016
Horizons is a great science fiction story, fast-paced and full of my favorite SF elements. Ahni seeks her brother's killer on an orbital platform. There she finds complex corporate and political games, unexpected allies, and a dangerous secret. . The romance doesn't have much depth, but all the characters are interesting and well-written. Betrayal lurks on all sides in this thought-provoking and action-packed mystery.
June 21, 2007
Very very good. There was one chapter that was a tad slow, and what I've read and heard leads me to disagree with her about the slowness of Darwinian evolution, but generally she did a great job. I liked the Chinese culture references. I loved the good job she did with the station and the food. I am still confused by how she got her brother's medal, though. Small complaints for what was a very good read.
October 4, 2011
Orbiting space habitats on the verge of independence from their earth-bound sponsors, natural genetic changes to their second and third generations, internation intrigue, nanotech, family in-fighting, and much more. Plausible enough sounding near-history, economics and politics, environmental extremists, coupled with romantic developments, and enough betrayals to keep you guessing. Sci-fi like it's supposed to be!
January 19, 2012
Horizons was an intelligent examination of the sociological implications of humans living in outer space. The storyline, full of feuding corporations, crime families and governments, was gripping in and of itself. Rosenblum’s depictions of how humanity might wrestle with the question of evolution in outer space were even more compelling. The story was a little hard to get into, but the thought-provoking content has definitely convinced me Mary Rosenblum is an author worth reading more of.
February 15, 2008
Gothic space opera near future novel with orbital and evolutionary politics. Kick ass privileged heroine, with inborn fetalware implants and a high empathic rating, finds her politically important family is enmeshed with a revolution at the top of the space elevator. Good characters, well written, very engaging. Most of the folks in my book group liked it.
May 22, 2009
Good sci-fi. The people were believable as a human society, actions were believable and nothing was too unrealistic. There were obvious sci-fi advancements, like Ahni's nanoware and space platforms, but it wasn't utopian or overly advanced. The story was good too. Enough layers to keep things moving but not so many that you couldn't keep track. I liked this one.
July 9, 2010
Okay. So we have this at the library, it's got rave reviews all over the flaps, so I take it out. In a 300ish-page book, it takes nearly 160 pages to actually get into anything interesting. While I'm glad I didn't give up on the book, I'm also kind of angry it took so long to get interesting. Sci-fi mysteries don't always do it for me, but the big reveal here simply took too long.
August 9, 2012
I truly wanted to like this more, and the beginning (the setting and central character) were stellar, just didn't carry that energy through to the end. I may read this again, and likely my impression will improve with age ... don't discount reading this book because of my one fairly insignificant review.
September 3, 2013
A relatively near-future sci-fi thriller. Not far-out sci-fi, as the only sci-fictional elements are orbital habitats, asteroid belt mining, some dubious evolutionary biology, and capital-e Empaths. Relatively competent, but the characters didn't really stand out, and the villains were a tad Snidely-Whiplash. Decent beach read.
September 7, 2015
I give this book a solid "OK." There were some interesting ideas, but the overall story arc and the characters never completely piqued my interest. The evolutionary biology tricks seemed too drastic to have happened in the short time since the orbitals were built. Ahni's mother only appeared when necessary for a plot turn, which seemed a bit too convenient.
August 29, 2010
A very good and quick read. Mary Rosenblum hasn't lost her touch. I last read books by her over a dozen years ago, but was just as entertained by this book as I remember her Drylands book. Definitely recommended.
February 13, 2015
A sci-fi thriller! Two of my favorite genres in one. Fun quick entertaining read and... it's a single! I do like series but sometimes one just want to read 'a book' singular.
This is a new author for me. I enjoy reading female sci-fi authors so looking forward to reading more Mary Rosenblum.
This is a new author for me. I enjoy reading female sci-fi authors so looking forward to reading more Mary Rosenblum.
November 2, 2008
This was a really interesting read with a somewhat complex plot line. I rather enjoyed it.
I wish there was a bit more character development, but... it was still enjoyable.
I wish there was a bit more character development, but... it was still enjoyable.
February 10, 2009
This has everything; suspense, drama, and romance. Horizons is a well written and crafted story that kept my interest throughout the book.
September 10, 2009
A story about people living above the earth in cans. Frames a vivid tale of what the next stage of human experience.
May 3, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book, but I don't think it could stand up to a 2nd read. Interesting setting though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews