The Destiny Makers

This slick, uninvolving novel from the author of Brain Child is set in Australia in 2069, when the world is strained almost to breaking by overpopulation, food shortages and economic collapse. Detective Harry Ostov of the Victoria Police force is selected for two special undercover assignments: guarding the Premier's father, who has been illegally rejuvenated, and tracking down the Premier's daughter, who, having inconveniently become pregnant by a lower-class boy, is on the run. Unfortunately, these characters are little more than stereotypes inhabiting an unoriginal, poorly constructed setting. Though smooth and stylish, the novel is riddled with inconsistencies, and therefore thoroughly unconvincing. (Feb.)