Picture the world, some years from now, under the effects of an encroaching ice age. Public opinion has turned violently against scientists and science in all forms, believing them to be responsible somehow for the inexorable spread of the polar ice sheets.

A small orbital community is left stranded as support for space research dwindles to nothing, and they must survive by their own devices or not at all. When two members of a routine flight to gather air from the upper atmosphere are shot down and crash on the North American ice sheet, survival seems impossible. Their only hope is a group of eccentric and disorganised science fiction fans who must evade the authorities and somehow return the astronauts to orbit.

In what seems to be a tribute to the often weird and wonderful world of SF fandom, Niven et al. weave a believable and tense story. Very enjoyeable (although the fan jargon can often be confusing).

Character References

Many of the characters in Fallen Angels are actually based on real-life people, i.e. Larry and Jerry and Steven, some are other SF authors, some are personal friends the authors and other name references in this book were auctioned off as prizes at SF conventions to fans.

This character list came originally from the rec.arts.sf.written newsgroup, posted by Alexander Kerste, compiled by Lee Gold.