[Deornoth]

I just finished reading 'Dark Space' (Book One of the 'Sentients of Orion' series) last night. While it has the potential to become a decent series, I thought the characterisation was weak in places and some plot elements went off on tangents when they didn't need to... (see my review Here (http://graemesfantasybookreview.blogspot.com) )
I know Marianne de Pierres has written other stuff and I was wondering if anyone had read any of it ('Crash Deluxe' etc) and what they thought of it. Like I said, there were enough good bits to suggest that the series has potential and that it also may be worth checking out some of de Pierres other books...

[Lowlander]

I read her Parrish Plessis trilogy and I must say I liked them despite some obvious flaws.

Of course these Parrish novels are not space opera like her new series. It's set in future Austalia and it's kind of a mix of cyberpunk, pulp noir, detective story, Aboriginal mysticism all put together. The series is pretty cool. The heroine of the story is a tough but likable girl mercenary/detective/saviour type.

However it's obvious these are her first novels. The characters are very good, the worldbuilding way above average but I found the plotline rather chaotic. And the ending of the series is really weird. Can'"t say I really understood it. A bit of a cliffhanger ending which is strange because the third volume is supposed to be the end and there is no fourth volume planned.

And of course the books are rather violent. Lots of killing and sex. So not for prudes.

[Hobbit]

Marianne has her own Forum area at SFFWorld: HERE (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=51) which should answer your questions. I am looking forward to getting my teeth into Dark Space which I understand is a nicely complex Space Opera.

Hobbit

[Deornoth]

Whoops... sorry 'bout that! Could someone move this please? :)

[Hobbit]

'Tis done.

Hobbit

[MDP]

Hi All.

I don't suppose an author has a right of reply in these things but I would say two things:

The 'tangents' in the novel all relate explicitly to the main story - but the connections are subtle and are revealed over the arc of the books. The book has chaos theory at its essence, hence the message in its book trailer: http://www.andromedaspaceways.com/book_0001.htm

In terms of characterisation - well I guess people see things differently as is demonstrated in this review: http://www.andromedaspaceways.com/book_0001.htm

bests
Marianne

[MDP]

Oh...and one other thing...

The Parrish series is not necessarily over.

[Deornoth]

EEEK! :eek:

Hi Marianne,

No offense meant, honestly! I was just trying to get my reactions (to the book) out, perhaps they didn't come out as well as I wanted them to... :(
In my defence, I did say in my review that I thought the series had potential. I think perhaps my overall review (of the entire series) would be different.
As a reader I reserve the right to judge characters according to my own perceptions. I was shocked at Trin's actions towards the end of the book (never saw that coming!) and again that influenced what I wrote...
Again, sorry if I caused offence as none was meant. Believe it or not, I am looking forward to seeing where this one is going :)

[MDP]

No problems Deornoth!

Nothing wrong with healthy debate and opinion.

On the Trin issue, the reason I let him do *what he did* was this...
***SPOILER ALERT****

Even though he was beginning to grow as a person, when push came to shove the thing that mattered more to him than anything - more than Djeserit even - was the continuation of his line. It was/is so inbred in him the need for that that decency didn't come in to it.

Personal growth in someone so twisted is not necessarily a linear thing. It misfires often. He failed the test if you like.

Even is that spoiled the character for you - at least you know now why I did it :) :)

Feel free to comment more, I'm very open to discussion, time permitting!

best
MDP

[Rocket Sheep]

There's a good review at Hub Mag (http://www.hub-mag.co.uk/index.html#) for Dark Space.

Also a link to the trailer at you tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpdrbNXRxc4)