Orion Arm by Julian May

Orion Arm

Julian May

This is a fast-paced space opera that weaves science and corporate politics into an entertaining whole. The storytelling has a satisfyingly twisty plot - but is both light on its feet and punctuated with humour. A hugely enjoyable ride.

Extract
Fifty-six year ago in 2176, Galapharma Amalgamated Concern decided that its remote Perseus Spur colonies were no longer economical and retreated to the Orion Arm of the Milky Way. Seven years later, a spunky, shoestring outfit called Rampart Interstellar Corporation, founded by my uncle Ethan, my father and their friend Dirk Vanderpost (my mother's brother), came along and proved that the Concern had made a big fat mistake.
Parallels
  • Perseus Spur by Julian May
  • Sagittarius Whorl by Julian May
  • Dirk Pitt novels by Clive Cussler