Jupiter by Ben Bova

In this novel, Grant, a young, newly-married scientist is shipped off by the New Morality to serve his mandatory 4-yr public service, to Jupiter, to spy on scientists in the research station there. Ben keeps the plot moving as Grant adjusts to life in the station and eventually learns of the clandestine mission to probe Jupiter's oceans. This is an exciting adventure story, but one that leaves no deep impressions. Bova's style is easy when compared to Asimov or Le Guin. The description of station life is very authentic. The characterization of Grant, thrust into the role of a grad assistant is excellent as he faces one dilemma after another. Apart from this and the characterization of his power-crazy boss, the station director, other characters are on the shallow side. This novel is very remniscent of 'Fantastic Voyage,' a sci-fi film of the 1960?s. One can safely say NASA + H.G. Wells (the time machine?) = Bova. Bova's descriptions of Jupiter is so vivid that one is almost transported to the planet's surface. If one can suspend his/her disbelief, given Jupiter's crushing gravity, (apologies to Mr Bova, no matter how well engineered the craft), this novel makes for a good travel companion.

In this novel, Grant, a young, newly-married scientist is shipped off by the New Morality to serve his mandatory 4-yr public service, to Jupiter, to spy on scientists in the research station there. The plot keeps moving as Grant adjusts to life in the station and eventually learns of the clandestine mission to probe Jupiter?s oceans. The description of life on the station is very credible and the portrayal of Grant as a grad student is compelling as he moves from one dilemma to another. Wo, the tyrannical station director and Lane the marine biologist are also compelling. Bova has even managed to give a personality to Sheena, the station's 'pet'. The treatment of other characters in the plot could use a boost. The novel is remniscent of 'Fantastic Voyage,' a sci-fi film of the 1960's and to a certain extent recalls H.G. Wells (the time machine). One gets the feeling that this is a NASA project. Bova's descriptions of Jupiter are vivid enough to transport us to the planet's surface, but enjoying the novel will require suspending disbelief, given Jupiter's crushing gravity (no matter how well engineered the craft -- apologies to Mr. Bova). All in all its an exciting adventure story set in the exciting backdrop of Jupiter.