Gregory B. Kent, Gatecrash

Whilst reading gatecrash by Gregory B. Kent, I found myself drawn into a universe with many aliens that were not 'human'. Each race has their own particular politics, social structure and physiology. For example the Diud race thrives on team work and common goals, whereas Vagarins would remind you of pirates in that every 'man' is in it for himself. These races are very different than what you'd find in other sci fi realms, and they are very believable and interesting.

The crux of the story revolves around finding an alien gatekey; similar to star-gates or wormholes. This one however is unique. Not only can you 'gatecrash' from one part of the universe to another, but you can travel between different realities. On the surface, that might not sound like something to get too excited about. However, consider that a warring race could position supplies and other material to attack their foes in a different reality within striking distance? What would that gatekey be worth?

The novel flows from one situation to another, with different groups of aliens drawn together, eventually moving toward the common goal of finding the elusive gatekey. I found myself drawn with them: Philip teaching a group about the Nithe - a highly advanced deadly race of bio-mechanical entities. His attitude of 'do it my way and maybe you might live' at first seemed a bit arrogant, but once you get into the technological level these creatures posses, you find yourself understanding his reluctance in getting involved. Another character, Joseph Sparks, is an 'everyman'. He helps the reader to understand both the Diud and Vagarins. Then there are the Nithe themselves, involved in the politics and activities throughout the galaxy, without no one really knowing their level of involvement.