So this book has gotten a lot of positive attention. Broaddus' viewpoint is an underrepresented one and needs to be heard. He has a great idea for a solar system and galaxy-spanning tale of cultural clash. Now he just needs to learn to write. "Show, don't tell" is a basic instruction to would-be authors, and he violates it all the way through the book--right down to having the character state a line of dialog and then telling the reader what the character is expressing through that statement. The didactic prose made it a real slog. There's a bit of sex and violence (together) to try to hold interest. But it doesn't work. There's a science framework but it doesn't show any evidence of research, just kind of putting together what the author already knows and hope it sounds good. Confusing "attenuated" with "attuned" was a constant irritant. There are so many great African authors. Broaddus could be one but it will be a lot of work. It does him no favors to say that a work like this is worthy of award consideration (the Locus) when it's an early writing exercise. Keep trying, and listen to those who will work with you, Mr. Broaddus.
