Flinx in Flux, the fifth book (chronologically) in the Flinx and Pip series, is by far the strongest in terms of plotting and Character Development. It marks the point where the story shifts in tone from a light-hearted, episodic format into more serious Space Opera. It's a must read for any fan of the series.
It cannot have escaped any long time reader that Flinx went through the four previous books without a serious Love Interest. That problem is solved when he accidentally rescues the beautiful Clarity Held from certain death at the hands of rabid ecoterrorists. She's suitably grateful for the rescue, but Flinx, with his limited experience of women, not to mention personal insecurity issues, fails to reciprocate. Clarity is in the process of drawing him out when another attack forces them to retreat into the caves of the planet Longtunnel. Lost in the darkness, Flinx is forced to reveal the existence of his Psychic Powers. The aftermath of this revelation drives Flinx into the clutches of Clarity's opportunistic boss, who has no qualms about using him as a guinea pig in her research. As the ecoterrorists put in a final appearance, Flinx discovers that his powers have matured, allowing him to project as well as receive emotions. Then the Ulru-Ujurrians show up, revealing the existence of an Ultimate Evil that threatens to destroy the entire galaxy if not stopped. Somehow, Flinx's unique powers make him The Chosen One to deal with the menace. The book ends with his decision to seek out an answer to the threat on his own.
The book is tightly written and retains the clever banter that marks Alan Dean Foster's characters, managing to present a Flinx that is both more mature and independent than in previous books, yet still insecure about himself and his personal life. As the back cover says, "Not even the mighty minidrag Pip can save Flinx from his most dangerous entanglement yet: love!" It also marks the introduction of a greater continuity to the story — the Ultimate Evil that Flinx must deal with. The only part that may not sit well with fans is the ending, which leaves the Love Interest plot hanging, not to be picked up again until Flinx's Folly.
Flinx in Flux
Flinx in Flux, the fifth book (chronologically) in the Flinx and Pip series, is by far the strongest in terms of plotting and Character Development. It marks the point where the story shifts in tone from a light-hearted, episodic format into more serious Space Opera. It's a must read for any fan of the series.
It cannot have escaped any long time reader that Flinx went through the four previous books without a serious Love Interest. That problem is solved when he accidentally rescues the beautiful Clarity Held from certain death at the hands of rabid ecoterrorists. She's suitably grateful for the rescue, but Flinx, with his limited experience of women, not to mention personal insecurity issues, fails to reciprocate. Clarity is in the process of drawing him out when another attack forces them to retreat into the caves of the planet Longtunnel. Lost in the darkness, Flinx is forced to reveal the existence of his Psychic Powers. The aftermath of this revelation drives Flinx into the clutches of Clarity's opportunistic boss, who has no qualms about using him as a guinea pig in her research. As the ecoterrorists put in a final appearance, Flinx discovers that his powers have matured, allowing him to project as well as receive emotions. Then the Ulru-Ujurrians show up, revealing the existence of an Ultimate Evil that threatens to destroy the entire galaxy if not stopped. Somehow, Flinx's unique powers make him The Chosen One to deal with the menace. The book ends with his decision to seek out an answer to the threat on his own.
The book is tightly written and retains the clever banter that marks Alan Dean Foster's characters, managing to present a Flinx that is both more mature and independent than in previous books, yet still insecure about himself and his personal life. As the back cover says, "Not even the mighty minidrag Pip can save Flinx from his most dangerous entanglement yet: love!" It also marks the introduction of a greater continuity to the story — the Ultimate Evil that Flinx must deal with. The only part that may not sit well with fans is the ending, which leaves the Love Interest plot hanging, not to be picked up again until Flinx's Folly.