For Card fans, a let down As an Orson Scott Card fan from way back, I have enjoyed his other forays into the graphic novel genre (e.g. Red Prophet and Iron Man), but Wyrms disappoints on many levels. Based on an older Card work (before he really found his voice in my opinion), Wyrms is the story of a journey of a female assassin to her destiny. There is a typical range of traveling companions, representing the distinct species groups found on the planet. The picture of the graphic novel cover shows one cool idea, the ability of the dead to speak when their heads are preserved, but even this is not carried through enough in the story. The story is somewhat incoherent, and the drawing failed to convey the difference between some characters (i.e. I couldn't always tell who was who). I am not able to recommend this graphic novel, either for fans of the genre or fans of the original novel.
Graphic novel, not a real Book I bought Wyrms along with two other novels, and was suprised to recieve a comic book (Graphic Novel). I prefer real novels, but read it anyway, it only took 40 minutes. I do like OSC and own many of his books. This is not a bad story, but I wish that it had been listed as a graphic novel rather than a Trade Paperback. I'll be a lot more careful with future orders.
One of the best sci-fi books around. Card is undoubtedly better known for his Ender series, yet I can't help but feel that Wyrms is a stronger example of science fiction, and of what Card can do as a writer. It deftly manages to give equal time to "soft" and "hard" elements, which should satisfy readers of either type of sci-fi. The character development is, as usual, spectacular, although I agree with a previous reviewer that I was somewhat disappointed by Reck's final fate, as it felt slightly out of character.
I guess I'm alone in feeling that the "yucky" scene mentioned several times in these reviews is, in fact, one of the most effective scenes in the whole book, and is one of the rare treasures of the genre. Perhaps it's just the fact that I'm a fan of dark, grim, and somewhat yucky literature, and perhaps it also has something to do with my preference for Card's darker and grimmer works (Hart's Hope, Lost Boys, Songmaster) to the more socially acceptable, *relatively* light-hearted Ender's Game. In my opinion, Card is in his element when he is writing scenes that are at once haunting and familiar, revolting and fascinating, beautiful and ugly. The climax of Wyrms lives up to this in spades. It's some of Card's most visual, evocative work and it's imagery that never leaves you. For readers who prefer a cynical view of humanity and who like their sci-fi like they like their coffee, bitter and black, Wyrms will not disappoint.
Aside from the dark theme of this book, the plot is exceptionally tight and fast-paced with some pleasant twists along the way. The world of Imakulata is wholly believable, and the characters never leave you. In some cases this is good; in others, it's bad, as the sinister Unwyrm is as vivid and alive as Patience, Will, Reck, and Ruin; and Unwyrm's final, agonized cry continues to live in your heart as much as Will's teachings or Patience's clever dialogs do.
For me, Wyrms ranks among the great works of science fiction, and it's sad that it's such an obscure title. It is, quite simply, one of the best sci-fi novels out there, with nearly every point handled with the unmatched skill and subtlety for which Card is so well know. The Ender books deserve all their accolades, but Wyrms gets a bit short-changed, as it is at least as strong - much stronger in some respects. This book has pride of place on my shelf right next to other sci-fi greats such as The Left Hand of Darkness, The Stars My Destination, and Foundation.
Fantastic Fiction KYA This is my favorite Card story. Oh very clever, and philisopical. Sort of a Nietzschean perspective with a lot of neo-scientific (Skinner/Pavlov) thrown in. No character in this book has any human failings other than their "strengths" (remember that your greatest strength may be your greatest weakness). There is no tender feeling in this book, the type of humanism valued is a detachment from the object, an objective view of sentient life. And yes, I agree with the reviewer who mentions the importance of genes (anyone read "The Selfish Gene"?) in this story. This story is really different and thought provoking, but oh so dangerous!
Wyrms Loved it. It is an remarkable journey about self-control, saving the world, and the price it takes from all to triumph over evil for the greater good.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
