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The Deed of Paksenarrion

Elizabeth Moon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 161 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Epic, yet unemotional 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Another way to sum up my experience of this book would be to say that a neutral journalistic style was applied to a fantasy adventure story. For my part, it took some getting used to! Paks is not a female character such as I have known anywhere else -- if she has feelings, you have to deduce them for yourself from the narrative. Not that there is not intensity, triumph, tragedy, or any of that -- far from it. The story rolls along over years and experiences, and you live them all with her, from dirt to glory.

Bound here in one volume are the three books making up the tale, and they go together as well as any other epic fantasy I have read. But Moon does not write like any other fantasy writer. She writes more like a good journalist -- she gives you the story, with plenty of details, but the passion, the undercurrents, you have almost to create them yourself from the materials she gives you. (I say a "good" journalist, because we all know examples of non-neutral journalism.)

I did not like that at first. I think I was halfway through the production before I could be comfortable with this heroine who did not seem to have feelings or poetry. Later I could see how perhaps she did, but they are just not written in any sort of obvious manner. She is, you might say, a fish without a bicycle.

I think this book would appeal to a lot of people who like a more realistic narrative. I think also it would appeal to people who want to read something that isn't loaded with sex, or sexy vampires, or whatever the latest fetish might be. Also it isn't a Tolkien wannabe. It's different, it's not mawkish or sentimental, and it stands on its own. I recommend it highly!

On the other hand, if you want a series but do prefer a bit more wistfulness, or if you got halfway through this and it really isn't for you, I'd recommend Judith Tarr's _The Hound and the Falcon_, and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Count Saint-Germain chronicles, among others. Or even if you liked it, you might like them too. Other classics that come to mind include C.S. Friedman's Coldfire trilogy, McKillip's Riddle-Master of Hed books, and MacAvoy's Trilogy for Lute. If you want more of the same, well, I can't help you there. I tried reading one of the prequels, _Liar's Oath_, and it wasn't nearly as good -- I put it down before I was even halfway. I'm sure there are other solidly well-done prosaic fantasies out there, but I can't think of any offhand.

If any of this was helpful, please check the box. Thanks!

Editorial Review:

Complete at Last in a Single Hardcover Volume--the Finest Trilogy of Epic Fantasy in a Decade

The Renegades of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)

Anne McCaffrey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

As long as the people of Pern could remember, the Holds had protected them from Thread, the deadly silver strands that fell from the sky and ravaged the land. In exchange for sanctuary in the huge stone fortresses, the people tithed to their Lord Holders, who in turn supported the Weyrs, whose dragons were Pern's greatest weapon against Thread.

But not everyone on Pern was part of that system of mutual care and protection, particularly those who had been rendered holdless as punishment for wrongdoing. And there were some, like Jayge's trader clan, who simply preferred the freedom of the roads to the security of a hold. Others, like Aramina's family, had lost their holds through injustice and cruelty. For all the holdless, life was a constant struggle for survival.

Then, from the ranks of the criminals and the disaffected, rose a band of renegades, led by the Lady Thella. No one was safe from Thella's depredations, and now her quarry was Aramina, reputed to have a telepathic link with dragons. But when Thella mistakenly vented her rage on Jayge's family, she made a dangerous mistake. For Jayge was bent on revenge . . . and he would never let her have the girl who heard dragons!


From the Hardcover edition.

Beyond Armageddon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Miller's propagandizing ruins an adequate anthology 2 out of 5 stars.
11 of 19 people found this review helpful.

A series of stories selected by Miller to advance his anti-war, anti-mankind view of the world shortly before his suicide at the end of years of clinical depression. Some are clearly post-apocalyptic, while others are less firmly of that genre. Much less thought-provoking that I had hoped; in great part due to Miller's ramblings ahead of each piece. Instead of simply introducing the story, Miller uses the opportunity to preach his convictions about the sordidness of war and politics and the human condition. The comments and characterizations grow so venomous that it makes the cast of St. Leibowitz and the Wild Horse Woman seem saintly.

On the other hand, the stories themselves are a eclectic in the extreme and I mean that as a positive. Ranging from the well known ('A Boy and His Dog') to poorly unknown, the collection addresses life in the post-apocalyptic world, though, in a few cases, the term is expanded to include mental states as well as the notional rising mushroom cloud scenarios. In one case, there is not even the hint of a nuclear conflict; here, the editors - because it suited their objectives - have armageddon defined as a world where racial downsizing is underway. While I'll grant that the results are every bit as terrifying - maybe more so - I felt it was another 'brick in the wall' of Miller's anti-mankinf agenda.

Some stories are thought-provoking; some are terrifying. If only the editors had seem fit to allow the stories to speak for themselves.

Editorial Review:

In Beyond Armageddon, the distinguished science fiction writer Walter M. Miller Jr. (1923–96) and the famed anthologist Martin H. Greenberg have together collected stories that address one of the most challenging themes of imaginative fiction: the nature of life after nuclear war. The twenty-one stories in this collection, by masters such as Arthur C. Clarke, Poul Anderson, Ray Bradbury, J. G. Ballard, Robert Sheckley, Roger Zelazny, and Harlan Ellison, explore a variety of possibilities of “life after.” These richly imagined stories offer glimpses into a future no reader will soon forget. Miller’s incisive introduction and a thought-provoking and irreverent commentary are included. New to this Bison Books edition is a postscript to the introduction provided by Martin H. Greenberg.

Moving Target (Vatta's War)

Elizabeth Moon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 47 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A Romance Novel without the romance 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This was the first Elizabeth Moon book I have read, and it probably will be the last. I am not sure how this one got published. Glad I borrowed it from the library.

I didn't see a purpose to the book. The events were not particularly interesting. No plot twists. Not an event-driven book. Characters were barely 1 dimensional, and other than Ky were not at all explored--and Ky was not particularly explored. I found the attitudes of her mother and aunt to be current, even though this is supposedly set in the future. So, not a character-driven book. Technology was pretty much standard with nothing new. Not a technology-driven book.

Reminded me of Harlequin Romance Novel without the romance.

Editorial Review:

Ky Vatta was a military cadet destined for great things, until an act of kindness incurred her Academy's wrath and ended her career. Instead of the expected disgrace, her rich trader family gave her captaincy of a small ship, to sell for scrap. In flagrant disregard of orders, she saw the opportunity to make a profit and save the ship. Several upgrades later, Ky is determined to retain the ship and her independence in the cut-throat world of interplanetary trading. But a threat emerges that challenges even her sharp wits and, if she survives, could leave the military forever in her debt ...

Fevre Dream

George R. R. Martin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 73 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Vamps on a paddle steamer... a winning combination. 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

One of the best written vampire novels I have read. A real pleasure after having waded through so much tripe elsewhere.

GRRM knows how to write, and how to plot.

The main character in this book isn't really a person at all... it's a steamboat, the Fevre Dream. It is built by a Captain, and his strangely pale partner. Together they take to the river, getting involved in trying to set fast times and race other steamers.

Things hot up when it becomes obvious that the pale partner has night-time interests. He is hunting for others of his kind. And when he finds them, we get to some of the most vicious vamps in literature, along with their equally vicious human "pet"

The characters are all vividly drawn, especially Abner, the steamboat captain who just wants to be on the river, in a big boat.

And GRRM has enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader intersted through until the end, which comes with a perfect grace note. There won't be a dry eye in the house.

They really should make this into a movie... just to show what "Interview with The Vampire" COULD have been.

Editorial Review:

Fevre Dream is a bona fide vampire classic, the tale of Abner Marsh, steamboat captain, and the passenger he carries down the Mississippi. This special signed edition is limited to only 448 numbered hardcover copies signed by the author and artist.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Tokuma's Magical Adventure)

Hayao Miyazaki

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

good follow up. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

As I continue my reviews on this series I have come to Vol. 2. Nausicaa has left the Valley of the Wind to go to war with Princess Kushana of Tormekia, but on their way to the front their attack group is attacked by Asbel of Pejite. Asbel is shot down and Nausicaa goes to save him, only to be stuck under the Sea of Corruption. As the first book ends Nausicaa and Asbel are seen trying to fly out of the bottom of the Sea and get out.

This book, for those who've seen the movie, covers closely the events that take place in the second half of the movie. Here's the difference. One of the Doroke tribes, mentioned in the first book, has been driven from their lands by the Tormekia invasion and has been sent to conquer and settle the lands of the Periphery, where the Valley of the Wind lies. To do that they must first destroy Kushana's army by luring the insects out of the Sea to attack. Of course Nausicaa finds out about this and manages to not quite foil the plot, but she does save the baby Ohm larva. Much of the Tormekian army is destroyed but the Dorokes are forced to retreat. By the end of the story Kushana takes what is left of her army south to join up with the rest of her men already engaging in battle, and she takes Nausicaa with her to find the stone that controls the God Worrier.

halfway through this book it goes in a completely different direction than the movie, Nausicaa goes off to war, Asbel and Yupa foil a Doroke plan to conquer the Valley, and we are introduced to knew characters such as the Doroke Priest, who is known as the Holy One, and Ketcha, a Doroke girl who serves him. The part where the Ohm attack the Tormekian army is one of the highlights of the series, but the ending was a little odd and might feel rushed. Not the best in the series, but it is a good follow up to the first.

If you have seen the movie then there isn't anything new in the first half of this book for you. But don't just skip this book to save money, there are enough differences to make buying it worth wild.

Editorial Review:

Princess Nausicaä has left the Valley of the Wind to join Princess Kushana's forces. However, Nausicaä gets separated from the Torumekian fleet and finds herself face to face with the mysterious Ohmu, who open their hearts to her. But will Nausicaä be able to interpret their urgent warning about the southern forest? And what of the war which rages all around her?

Inside Straight (Wild Cards Novel)

George R.R. Martin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In 1946, an alien virus that rewrites human DNA was accidentally unleashed in the skies over New York City. It killed ninety percent of those it infected. Nine percent of those who survived mutated into tragically deformed creatures. And one percent gained superpowers. The Wild Cards shared-universe series, created and edited since 1987 by New York Times #1 bestseller George R. R. Martin along with Melinda Snodgrass, is the tale of the history of the world since then—and of the heroes among that one percent.

 

Originally begun in 1986, long before George R. R. Martin became a household name among fantasy readers ("The American Tolkien" --Time magazine), the Wild Cards series earned a reputation among connoisseurs for its smart reimagining of the superhero idea. Now, with Inside Straight, the Wild Cards continuity jumps forward to a new generation of major characters, entirely accessible to Martin's hundreds of thousands of new readers, with all-original stories by Martin himself, along with Daniel Abraham, Michael Cassutt, and Stephen Leigh, among others.

No One Noticed the Cat

Anne McCaffrey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

No One Noticed the Cat 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I usually really love this author, but this book is really only ok. Maybe if it was a series or longer, you would have more time to care about the characters.

good little book 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I love everything by this author, and this was no exception. I was a little disappointed with the story about the twins, however. It was a great story, but felt a bit 'knocked out'. It could have been fleshed out much more than it was with the rich detail Ms. McCaffrey is so well known for. Still, I enjoyed the book and stories and still would buy it. The detail in the illustrations are great. It's a good 'gift book.'

Just OK 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am a huge Anne McCaffrey fan but this book was a little disappointing for me. It was a cute story, no doubt about that, but it seemed more like something a child would write. It was too short, seemed to drag in parts and had a very predictable happy ending. It's not worth 6 bucks. If you can get it for 50 cents or a dollar then buy it because it is a cute story and a fun premise.

Editorial Review:

A best-selling fantasist presents the tale of Jamas Tighe, an embattled young king with a foolish heart, and his right-hand cat, Niffy, an extraordinary feline who tries to save Jamas from his circle of enemies.

Dragonseye (Dragonriders of Pern Series)

Anne McCaffrey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 80 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In Anne McCaffrey's New York Times bestselling DRAGONSEYE,
join Weyrleaders, Holders, and Craftmasters in the creation of the legendary Star Stones and the teaching ballads of Pern!

It's been two-hundred years since the deadly Thread fell like rain upon Pern, devouring everything in its path. No one alive remembers that first horrific onslaught and no one believes in its return--except for the dragonriders. For two centuries they have been practicing and training, passing down from generation to generation the formidable Threadfighting techniques.

Now the ominous signs are appearing: the violent winter storms and volcanic eruptions that are said to herald the approach of the Red Star and its lethal spawn. But one stubborn Lord Holder, Chalkin of Bitra, refuses to believe--and that disbelief could spell disaster. So as the dragonriders desperately train to face a terrifying enemy, they and the other Lord Holders must find a way to deal with Chalkin--before history repeats itself and unleashes its virulence on all of Pern. . . .


From the Paperback edition.

Promethea (Book 2)

Alan Moore

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not for everyone, but a magnificent book! 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Alan Moore is perhaps the most groundbreaking and innovative comic book scribe in the history of comics. Sure, the field has provided many groundbreaking and innovative comic book artists (from Windsor McKay to Will Eisner, from Jack Kirby to Frank Miller, from Alex Ross to Steve Ditko, and many many more...), but in my opinion, no other comics writer (emphasis on the term "writer") has brought so much to this often maligned art form. Alan Moore has proven that sequential storytelling can be as interesting, thought provoking, inspiring and imaginative as prose storytelling (and indeed, even more at times, since comics have one advantage over prose alone: imagery).

Alan's best known work is of course "Watchmen", often copied and emulated but still unequaled in depth and richness after more than a decade. However, it must not be forgotten that Alan has provided his avid fan base (and an immense number of casual comic book readers from all walks of life) with many delightful comics works since Watchmen. Of these, Promethea stands apart as a very emotional and personal work from its author.

This series is a vehicle for Alan to explore and expose to the readers many themes presumably dear to him. To be able to do so, he has devised a rather interesting trick for the story, creating a framework in which the primary characters (Promethea and her immediate supporting cast) evolve and convey the message to us readers (at some point, the so called "fourth wall" is even breached, much to the delight of Scott McCloud's fans). This trick consists, in fact, of a gigantic road trip through various realms (that is, places the characters visit during the stories) existing outside of our perceived "real" or physical world.

These places can be called psychic realms or metaphysic worlds or the imagination space, they are intended to convey Alan's views concerning various concepts such as the Kaballah, the numerous earthly religions and their impact on us, the relationship between magic and technology (hint: they are two sides of the same cosmic "coin"), mysticism and spirituality, the liberating power of imagination, the neglect of our spiritual sides, the divine nature of womanhood, etc.

This mind bending road trip makes for a unique comics series, and through it all we get to see what are Mr. Moore's views and beliefs. For those willing to put up with the non-traditional approach in words and pictures (the artists, J. H. Williams III and Mick Gray show us how superb draughtsman they can be, adopting many different styles throughout the series - an aspect of this comics series worth the price of admission in itself) Promethea makes a fine and enriching read! Not only do I highly recommend this series, but I recommend the purchase of all the trade paperbacks, and the reading of them in sequence, preferably over a few days... A guaranteed mind trip!