First, let me say this: if you haven’t read Gould’s Jumper, you’re missing one of the five best science fiction novels I’ve ever read. The protagonist of Jumper is a teenager, Davy Rice, who unexpectedly discovers that he can teleport himself. He discovers this as he’s about to be beaten by his drunken, abusive father; the story of what happens next is naturally and wonderfully told. Reflex is the sequel to the 13-year-old Jumper, and it’s every bit as good– if not better.
Davy’s married now and working occasionally for the National Security Agency. When he unexpectedly disappears, his wife Millie (whom you’ll meet in the first novel) sets out to find him, aided by her unexpected discovery that somehow she’s “caught” the ability to teleport from close contact with Davy. A nefarious group has kidnapped him and found an ingenious (and stomach-turning) way to control him (here’s a hint). Of course, Davy’s not inclined to go quietly, and Gould expertly cuts back and forth between his efforts to resist and his wife’s efforts to locate him. Gould is so good at this milieu: his characters are rich and real, their dialogue is crisp and honest, and the technical details he includes are accurate– but he’s content to leave them out when doing so helps the story. This is strictly an action yarn, though; there’s very little philosophical depth, which means Gould misses out on exploring some interesting themes (like whether Davy has a responsibility to use or explore his special ability more than he’s done in the past). The ending is unsurprising; unfortunately, the book just sort of stops, clearly leaving room for a sequel. I just hope that it doesn’t take Gould as long to write it.
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