Product Description: First in a brand new Darkover trilogy— Now in paperback!
The long-awaited continuation of the popular science fiction saga is the story of Darkover’s telepathic ruling class, the comyn, and their struggles to reclaim their realm from the devastating effects of the Terran Federation...
Loved it! I loved this story! Ms. Ross has taken someone else's AU and kept the 'voices' true. And believe me, I'm picky about that. I could not tell that Ms. Marion didn't write this story herself. If anything, the characters were deeper, more complex, and more real. I highly recommend it.
Disappointing Like many reviewers, I have been a long term fan of MZB's. Probably 25 years at this point.
This book doesn't feel like it belongs to the Darkover series. It reads like a fan fiction by a person who maybe read the Coles Notes of the series and never really got to know the characters deeply. Lew is reduced to a snivelling wreck, Javanne's maliciousness is due to a brain tumor (?) Marja goes from being a very independant young woman to an overcontrolling, overprotective mother who objects to her son's growing independance but at the same time pretty well instantly capitulates to his desires.
An example of how the book strays from MZB's writing style - she never shied away from depicting sexuality of any sort, but the phrase 'wet crotch' would also never have hit the paper.
I have to admit, I'd rather just read the notes the MZB left as to the future history of Darkover than someone's botched interpretation of said notes.
Mediocre at best... Let me just preface this review by acknowledging the fact that I have been a die hard Darkover fan since I borrowed the first book from the public library when I was 12. I particularly love the earlier books in this set: Exile's Song, The Sharra Matrix and Traitor's Sun. I've read them so many times I know them almost by heart and feel like these people are part of my family. Well... this book does NOT live up to the others. The characters were always MZB's greatest achievement and what made the books so fascinating. This book does not get the primary characters right.
I was particularly upset by how Marguerida and Lew were characterized. Marja loses the essence of her character in this novel. She is no longer the strong willed, blindingly intelligent woman who is able to set aside personal concerns and think objectively about the problems facing her family and world. Instead she frequently gives in to hysterics and seems to be a burden at best once her husband and father fall ill. I also found it inconsistent that she would be so adamant about her defending role in the North Road Battle after the horrible gut reaction and depression she and Mikhail shared afterword. I understand her defending herself, but in this novel she takes a long time to admit that although she chose the lesser of two evils, it was still evil. The Marja from Traitor's Sun would have had no problem recognizing that fact.
Also Lew has used his own gift more than any character in the novel and carries that burden, but to think he comes undone over the North Road Battle? After suffering Sharra? I think not. I can understand all of it building up in him and his need to find solace even at St. Valentine's, but I don't see him losing it because of the battle.
There are also other historical and place inconsistencies that were mentioned in other reviews. These also served to undermine the quality of the novel.
I did enjoy finding out what happened next to some of the younger characters like the development of Nico's character and his own adventures. I was also glad to read about the development of Alanna's character and unique powers. (Although in one of the much earlier books I believe the ability to see multiple futures was referred to as the Elhalyn Gift and most likely came to her through her grandmother Javanne.) In all the novel was mediocre at best with most of the well written sections being compromised by the completely out of character actions of the most prominent figures.
Consequences and Reconciliations I was captured by the world of Darkover a long time ago. Bradley built her world very carefully, with a fully imagined (and very long) history, a culture that was unique and appropriately defined by the unique characteristics of the Comyn, and conflicts that grew integrally from that culture and her individual characters. Ross, with this latest work, has done a good job of continuing the story, showing the changes that happen to this world from its contact with Terran technology, and how it manages to restructure itself after the Terrans leave.
This is story of Domenic, child of Marguerida and Mikhael (for Marguerida's story, read Traitor's Sun, and I recommend you do so before reading this, as it will provide a lot of background needed to fully appreciate this book), as he tries to find his place in the world and what he should do with his talents. It is also a story of ethics and morality, honor versus practicality, what true leadership is, just what harm the Alton gift of forced rapport can do and when its use can be justified, as personified by the mental anguish of Lew Alton, all given robust treatment and not subjected to quick, slick answers. Each of these characters is well delineated, and Ross makes you feel their problems and shows how each character arrives at their own solutions to these questions.
I was a little disappointed in the abrupt end to the challenge to Mikhael's leadership, when so much had led up to the challenge, and there are inconsistencies between this book and prior ones both in terms of genealogies and the character traits of some the people. In some ways the book is a little too long; there probably could have been some judicious pruning done to keep the story flowing. But these problems are fairly minor, and won't interfere with your enjoyment while reading this, but mainly show up with a mild feeling of confusion after you've finished it. But even Bradley ended up with inconsistencies between various works - part and parcel of having such a large tapestry upon which to write.
A strong entry into the Darkover saga, and with the promise of more to come, a nice thing for those who have been captured by this very real imaginary world.
---Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)
Ross just didn't get it. I bought this expecting continuity with the prior three novels, the best MZB wrote IMHO. This novel completely lacks the atmosphere, the personalities, and the greatness of the Darkover story-telling. It didn't even seem like the same place - as if Ross hadn't bothered to read the prior novels. My advice: save your money and give this a pass. I wish I had.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
