The second installment in F. Paul Wilson's 'Sims' saga is every bit as gripping every bit as compelling as the first novella. Any readers who thought that there might be a letup, might be a slip are bound to be happily surprised. 'Sims Book Two: The Portrero Method' demonstrates that Wilson is writing an effective serial novel, one in which each novella chapter is a nice, little story that leaves the reader craving more. Hints are dropped, agendas are advanced and the pages cannot fly fast enough. Don't read this review or this novella unless you've read the first. And for that matter, if you've read the first, buy this novella and the next installment, as well as making your claim on the forthcoming Sims Book Four. Strap yourself into your seat ladies and gentlemen. Your flight of imagination is now leaving the pages.

As 'The Portrero Method' begins, it's been two weeks since the inspection if SimGen, which failed to turn up anything more interesting than a glimpse of the license plate number a truck leaving the premises. Romy Cadman, the frustrated inspector and a member of the mysterious group opposing SimGen, is bringing Patrick Sullivan into the fold. The lawyer hired by the Sims to represent them is finding resources within himself that he did not previously know to exist. Hard times bring out hard edges.

Wilson rockets the action with some wonderfully turned set-pieces that will play in the reader's personal theater with the power and immediacy of a movie. He effectively advances the conceptual plight of the Sims, his polemic take on the complexities that industrial-strength genetic engineering will bring to society while keeping the reader glued to the pages with a whirlwind of activity.

Wilson also scores high in creating characters who are sympathetic and likable but far less than perfect. He adds more shadows to the mystery, and while readers can pretty easily guess where portions of the narrative are headed, others remain deftly hidden. Prepare to have 'Sims Book 3: Meerm' lined up as you start this one. Also, remember to give yourself some space. Book 4 is not out yet, and it's looking like s six book series to this reader. Pace yourself, you'll want to enjoy every last bit of this delectable series.