The Delphinus Chronicles transports readers to a world similar to our own -- until the communication between an advanced supercomputer and some dolphins in a tank next door begins. Humans find this out by the computer translating the bleeps and squeaks into English and spitting out printouts. The students begin asking the dolphins innocuous questions and culminate in asking how humankind began.

The answer is a brilliant part of the complex and fascinating plot. While there are those who might be offended by the answer the dolphins give, they are not the type of people who would be reading good science fiction, anyway. And this is very good science fiction.

While the humans take a distinct back seat to the computer, Simon, and the dolphins, their characters are aptly written and given enough personality to stand alone. The pacing of the storyline is excellent. In fact, you might just finish this book in one sitting. There are passages of graphic but not gratuitous violence that serve to reinforce the jeopardy in which the humans find themselves.

In sum, The Delphinus Chronicles is a speculative fiction reader’s best friend. Give it a read; you will be glad that you did.