There's a type of science fiction that is philosophical, examines human relationships to technology or couches social problems in metaphor and thought experiments. And then there's sci-fi. "Section K" by Toronto's Timothy Carter is sci-fi.

In it you'll find ghosts, cults, invading aliens and time travel. There's alcoholic cops, gun-crazed Americans, wacky old ladies and plenty of sex and violence. Did I mention that it's a comedy?

It's about the RCMP's Section K. (Think of the X-Files and you'll start to get the idea.) No one takes Section K seriously, least of all the misfits who have been forced to work there. But then a cult starts stamping 666 on people. Armageddon is imminent and aliens, who have been drastically misinformed about Section K's importance and competence, make contact. Our heroes then stagger, seduce and fight their way to the story's conclusion.

It's a fun ride but this book does have problems. While Carter is a good writer, he is prone to some unfortunate and distracting mannerisms. His voice occasionally drowns out those of the characters and a couple of the jokes are beat to death. Another edit would have served him well.

Having said that, I enjoyed "Section K". While it never made me laugh out loud, I read it with a smile. Carter's story-telling is a refreshing change. He goes over the top and makes no apologies. While the cover art is awful (odd for sci-fi, I know) the novel is a fun and easy go. In spite of all the sex and violence -or because of it-- I'd recommend it for certain young adults. You know the ones.

"Section K" will be available from Bakka Books in the next couple of weeks or you can grab a copy from Toronto's own Burning Effigy Press's website.