Of Mycelium and Men

Edited with perfection, and true to form, Of Mycelium and Men is a great example of hard science fiction. It doesn’t shy away from the social elements, and integrates just enough future science to sate the reader’s desires, while forwarding the story’s parallel focus on the human elements within.

Tracy’s devotion to exploring all aspects of the science presented in the novel is apparent; minor aspects, such as the consequences of atmospheric entry, to the minor ways in which gravity, or the growing fungus, may affect the new colony are both creative and realistic, forming a world that really does feel whole. Even the meticulous process by which colonization is explored is rife with efficiency, again resonating the deep focus on realism within the realm of science fiction.

Interestingly, the fungus plays not only a constant, almost claustrophobic environmental character, but is in and of itself a personality throughout, and these interpolated monologues provide a creative reprieve from the process of colonization that the rest of the book explores.

The use of a unique time system juxtaposed with contemporary gauges is a bit disorienting at times, and can be confusing – but this does not persist within the latter portions of the novel, and does not pose a significant barrier to enjoyment.

A great entry novel for those who love to completely immerse themselves in not only an interesting narrative, but actually live within a futuristic, science fiction world.