Chimera is a short story-come-novella of less than one hundred pages, but it has a lot to tell you and it comes at you like a steam train (or a warp-factor starship). It's an unforgiving look at the possible end game for humanity and a commentary on the hubris and recklessness of our species. But it's also a frantic, gripping, thriller of a chase, the likely outcome of which you piece together as the survivor's memories coalesce even as she desperately tries to save her own life. It's quite the read and you'll find yourself reading at a sprint, just as the narrative is a present tense sprint in itself.

One of the things I like best about Mark Lingane's writing - and there's a lot to like - is his utter commitment to his ideas. Chimera is a final battle of a story and that's exactly how he approaches it. It's fast-paced, it's ruthless, it's unforgiving. It doesn't spend time building you up to an inevitable climax - instead, you're plunged right into the climax and he sustains a relentless pace over a few short, sharp chapters. This is how it feels when everything is just.... too late.

Recommended.