Ribofunk

Thirteen tales, 1989-95, including two previously unpublished, from the author of The Steampunk Trilogy (1995). The stories share an impressive, carefully constructed common setting of some 70 years hence. Gene "splices" or human/animal hybrids are routinely produced to act as servants or to do difficult, unpleasant, or entertaining jobs. Body modifications to any specification are available. "Tropes," or designer drugs, provide any desired effect from social pleasure to enhanced learning capabilities. North America is run by Canada. And the stories are presented in a complicated, often intriguing jargon stuffed with references to famous scientists and science fiction writers. Indeed, by contrast with this frenetic, eye-popping scenario, the stories themselves often seem rather slender: gangs defined by their body modifications, splices as slaves, fights between genetically enhanced humans, mutating infections, demanding offspring, a sentient river, and a sort of biological meltdown. Elsewhere, three yarns involve investigations by the Protein Police, ever alert for misappropriated polypeptides; the human/feline Bad Splice, Krazy Kat, offers his own brand of social correction; and a spliced revolutionary, chain-smoking Peter Rabbit overthrows a brutal, perverted Mr. McGregor. Clever, brash, hardworking, lightweight: There's much to admire here, even if the tales don't always engage the emotions. (Kirkus Reviews)