King of the Dogs, Queen of the Cats

Genetically modified cats and dogs stage an uprising in this disappointing novella from Kelly (The Promise of Space). The isolationist colony on the far-flung planet of Boon is in turmoil. The human ruling class squabbles among themselves to cling to scraps of faded glory, while intelligent, “uplifted” cat and dog citizens chafe in servitude. When a circus composed entirely of cats and dogs from another planet visits this political tinderbox, it brings entertainment in the ring while plotting revolution behind the curtain. Gio Barbaro, a human junior senator with sympathy for the animal population, must decide whether to betray his noble family and join the revolt or protect the status quo. Kelly’s sparse, utilitarian prose evokes classic science-fiction, but the characters have no room to breathe in the condensed narrative and become bland and forgettable. An abrupt ending gives the story an unfinished feel. Readers will wish for more depth from this political allegory. (Feb.)