The Traveler by Peter Krausche Published by: Baker Book House (2005) 384 pages Rating: 7/10 Buy it Now:

This is impressive for sheer wealth of information. Peter Krausche is not only striving to create a compelling Christian science fiction series, but he's putting an immense amount of work into developing a realistic setting for that series. In short, I haven't seen world-building on a scale equal to this since J.R.R. Tolkien or Frank Herbert. If the 50 pages of appendices at the end of The Traveler were not enough, there's yet more information at Peter's website, including a picture of the Selanian Brooch (one of which Peter was kind enough to send to me).

The Traveler is the first book in what is a projected seven-book epic series. If this time/world-traveling epic weren't enough, Krausche also has plans for another series after that! By anyone's measurement, this is an astonishing, audacious plan. And it appears he's on his way toward accomplishing it!

The story actually opens with a Prelude entitled The Rose. At first read, this appears to have very little to do with the main storyline that takes place within the story of The Traveler itself. The author has chosen this odd structure for a reason, however, which he explains at the beginning. In addition, I think I see hints of how they tie together later on.

Of course, world-building isn't everything. A good scholar could put together a self-contained universe every bit the equal of this, but without a good story to set within it... it's just an exercise. Fortunately, Peter Krausche has the beginnings of a good story here, as well.

I say "beginnings" because that's all this really is. Despite being the first "book" of the series, it's really little more than an introduction (but does it ever whet the appetite...). The Rose is a (seemingly) separate story about a man in Oregon who falls in love with a mysterious woman he meets on the road. In the main story, a mysterious traveler shows up at the little town of Nadil on the planet Piral. He attracts a lot of immediate attention by his initial actions, causing many to believe he is the prophesied "Traveler" who heralds a major change in the world's history.

Vilam, as he is called, isn't convinced that he's who some people think he is. In fact, he's not entirely sure what (or when...) he's doing. But many competing factions are in play here, and he may not have a choice.

The biggest problem in the book is also its greatest strength: its complexity. At times, it's very easy to lose track of who specific characters are and how they fit in, when the story switches scenes. It's at points like that when the appendices become more than just intriguing filler - the list of names and descriptions is almost essential.

In addition, Krausche occasionally falls victim to one of my pet peeves with some science fiction - using modern-day idioms, curses, and speech patterns for futuristic or otherworldly characters. For example, at one point, a female character states "your life really must have been one hell of a mess." Up until this point (and indeed, throughout the book, as far as I recall), there's been no indication that these people believe in any kind of hell. If they do, has the use of the word paralleled Earth's use, leading to the exact phrase "hell of a..."? It's not a recurring problem, but it does crop up from time to time, interrupting what is otherwise much "higher"-sounding dialogue.

Speaking of the dialogue, there are some major info dumps included (in addition to the appendices!). Vilam has much to learn about the society and culture he is visiting, and a couple of other characters are happy to deluge him with facts.

Despite its flaws, The Traveler is the beginning of what looks to be a massive storyline that could be a great epic. Time will tell whether that promise is fully realized, but it's off to a good start! Recommended.