A World Between is an understandable and fun read even for those who know little about science fiction. The very young, or very conservative, might be warned off because of its explicit scenes. Discussions will probably range over several topics of current interest: worldwide information nets, political and economic structure, the "gender wars," and relationship issues.

Discussion leaders might also note examples of subtle writing effects. For example, in the first chapter, the author hooks reader interest first with stunning vistas of the Island Continent, then with the mutual seduction when Royce and Carlotta meet. He has interwoven other, drier information (such as details of the planet's economic system) with high impact passages.

1. Discussions of TV and other media often speak of "sex and violence" as if they are naturally related. The Pacificans have extremely explicit sex on their net channels, but little violence in either...