Firefly: Generations

Before I begin I must state that this novel among the 8 currently released tends to be the least favourite among fans. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure why. Perhaps it's the criticism over Mal's judgement of River's input regarding the unusual map he procured. Perhaps it's the dynamics between River and a new mysterious character exclusive to this story. Personally, neither were a problem and this is another welcome story without a doubt.

While the book begins with a classic western-style event in traditional Firefly fashion, much of this book is appealing to the sci-fi nature of the series. From the original show, Earth-That-Was was just the occasional reference, and the history of the known currently-occupied galaxy remains quite shrouded. After all, the years in which the events of Firefly occur are several hundred years in the future.

Thanks to Generations, this part of the story is finally explored, and through the crew of Serenity, the reader will learn more about the history of mankind since people departed from the Earth. This element alone makes this novel a valuable entry to the franchise.

Of course, the role of the new character with respect to River is unique and interesting. It also explores some of River's abilities and gives more insight to what she thinks and feels. I find that it must be the greatest challenge to write for River out of the whole crew of nine, given her remarkably complicated backstory and mental state as a character. Seeing dialogue for her written as cryptic and puzzling foreshadowing hits the right spot, and while I can't recall precisely whether this novel excelled at this more than others, I also can't recall being dissatisfied River here.