[Erfael]

In addition to Fitz's comments on how well the discussion went this month, I would also like to mention that this is the first month in our long, long history that we have had more posts in our discussion than those silly folks over in the Fantasy club with their faeries and elves. Let's keep it up people. ;)


I have really enjoyed this month's discussion. Thanks everyone, especially Walter (have I done this part once already?) ;)


Erf.

[hotc]

Originally posted by Erfael
In addition to Fitz's comments on how well the discussion went this month, I would also like to mention that this is the first month in our long, long history that we have had more posts in our discussion than those silly folks over in the Fantasy club with their faeries and elves. Let's keep it up people. ;)


I have really enjoyed this month's discussion. Thanks everyone, especially Walter (have I done this part once already?) ;)


Erf.

Yes, you have - what's next month's book?

Walter.

[Erfael]

Next month's science fiction book will be Ursula K. LeGuin's The Dispossessed.

In fantasy, Lian Hearn's Across the Nightengale Floor.

Erf.

[hotc]

Originally posted by Erfael
Next month's science fiction book will be Ursula K. LeGuin's The Dispossessed.

In fantasy, Lian Hearn's Across the Nightengale Floor.

Erf.

The Dispossessed is a classic, one of my favorites. I'll be here.

Walter.

[Rob B]

I like your approach to the history of the novels. Something that I've been finding myself admiring lately in novels/writers is how well the novel is structured. I really like how you are doing the whole "8" aspect for these novels in fitting with the zor culture.
So four books in total. Tor must have been impressed with the sales.


Erf, you know its not ALL fairies and elves.

lemming, I'll be honest, when I first saw the book, it didn't really catch me, either. I felt how you did, that it may be too militaristic sf. However, after reading up on the book on the 'net, I was really intrigued by the premise and the praise the book received.

[Erfael]

Actually, Fitz, I can't think of one fairy or elf so far.........

Now, back on topic!!!

How was that, Fitz?


Erf.

[LordBalthazar]

Is the coast clear? Is it safe to post?

While I like the idea of military SF, I'm a relative neophyte when it comes to the genre and have to ask whether this novel is indicative of the these types of books. On the whole, I found it incredibly austere - very straightforward, devoid of any humor, it took itself so seriously that, at times, it almost read like parody. Some terrific battle sequences here (particularly the description of the marine infiltration of the booby-trapped base), but the characters read more like caricatures to me and some of the reactions of the players were simply mystifying (Given Marais's outlook prior to the mission why was anyone surprised when he actually followed through on his stated strategy? Word of the human attack on a Zor civilization manages to filter out and yet news of the Zor attack on a human civilian target is effectively covered up? Sergei and co.'s about-face turn to support Marais felt abrupt and not very convincing. Marais is faced with a huge dilemma - destroy the Zor or have them destroy themselves - only to have the problem solved for him by the sudden and convenient revelation of the Bright Wing.)