04.19.09
Posted in Books at 11:31 pm by Administrator
This is the first book in the Psi Corps trilogy, and one of the first B5 books to be written based on an outline by JMS. I still have my first-edition paperback copy of the book, and it was definitely interesting to go back for a re-read after so many years.
The first thing that struck me was how it definitely feels like it was written from an outline from JMS. And I don’t necessarily mean that in a good way. The story is essentially the story of Kevin Vacit, the man who would set the Psi Corps on its course through history while also setting up a resistance to keep it in check. It’s the story of where Vacit came from, how he fooled the world into believing that a mundane was leading the effort to control those dangerous telepaths, and how he begat Alfred Bester. Along the way, Kevin Vacit manages to learn, and keep very quiet, the truth about the origins of human telepaths.
In terms of shedding light on the hyper-detailed history of the “Babylon 5” universe, the book does its job. It introduces, among other things, the interesting notion that the telepath underground was a necessary counterweight to the Psi Corps. Unfortunately, the story is occasionally too scattered for its own good. It often feels like the author was under a deadline for the first book, and just did whatever he could to get the job done as quickly as possible. As such, some portions of the book are barely more than a slightly fleshed-out bullet point. Where the story could use much more depth and consideration, the author jumps to the next bullet point.
The end result is a book that sounds a lot better in theory than in reality. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy the book the first time around, as revelations abound throughout. But the book doesn’t hold up well the second time around.
Rating: 7/10
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04.05.09
Posted in Books at 11:47 pm by Administrator
This is the third novel in the soon-to-be-completed “Wheel of Time” series. Much like the first two books in the series, the narrative is extremely detailed, almost to the point of being overly so. Jordan writes from the perspective that almost every single possible moment of a character’s life should be conveyed in exacting detail. It can be overwhelming, but there’s no question that it serves to create a deep and believable fantasy world.
After the previous novel went to great lengths to draw parallels with Arthurian legend, it felt natural for the story to turn towards a riff on the Excalibur lore. I thought that would mean that the book would focus on Rand, but I was pleasantly surprised. Rand is barely in the book, and when he is, he’s barely maintaining control. Instead, the story focuses on the Tar Valon Trio, Perrin, and Matt, all engaged in their own subplots while sliding towards a common resolution with Rand.
Considering how often the characters have mentioned that a potential Dragon Reborn must be “stilled” if he gets too far out of control, it’s interesting to note that none of the rather disturbing effects of Rand’s barely-restrained power qualifies as “too far out of control”! I suppose it’s somewhat less than the breaking of the world, when one gets down to it.
I can already see where future books could get bogged down in the details and maddening subplots. In a way, these novels remind me of the fantasy equivalent of a Tom Clancy novel. As long as there’s a sense that the extreme detail and meandering story will arrive at a logical (if temporary) resolution, then all is well. But it’s very easy to stray into territory where several hundred pages will go by without much narrative progress.
Thankfully, I’m a relatively patient reader, so my threshold for such meandering is high. This book, however, is quite straightforward and managed to hold my interest throughout. Hopefully I’ll feel the same way when I resume my journey through the saga!
Rating: 8/10
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Posted in Books at 11:47 pm by Administrator
Considering how long the editors for the Trek book line planned out the arc that culminated in the “Destiny” trilogy, a rather ambitious “reboot” of the novel version of the Trek continuity, it’s good to see that the very next book managed to set the stage for the next big event. In fact, this book is all about weaving the fallout of the Borg invasion into the next big thing on a more personal level.
I can definitely see why this wasn’t received particularly well by the masses. This is very similar to “Articles of the Federation” in style, and that was a definitely “love it or hate it” novel. I, for one, loved that book, so the similarities were much appreciated. I’m a sucker for character, so after a massive trilogy focused mostly on plot and continuity, a character-driven novel hit the spot.
Sonek Pran is the main character, and he uses his political connections from involvement in previous administrations to grease the wheels with foreign powers when the cleanup from the Borg invasion starts to break down. Sonek is a bit of an insufferable character, a bit of a know-it-all, until it becomes clear that he comes from that classic literature mold of the “expert who can’t fix his personal relationships”. That humanizes Sonek just enough to keep him interesting.
This book actually made me think about the differences between the Star Wars and Star Trek novel lines. The Star Wars line has been fairly consistent, especially in recent years, with the intention of putting together a cohesive novel continuity. They extend the story in large chunks with an overreaching arc, usually building out of the previous event. But as the recent “Legacy of the Force” demonstrated, the writers seem to be caught in a bit of a rut. They’ve all but played out the reasonable opponents to struggle against, even if the books are still readable.
Star Trek, on the other hand, is blessed with more sources of conflict than one can count (which is ironic, if one thinks about it). Yet they’ve struggled the most when they try to introduce massive and transcendent enemies like the Borg. Those threats begin as overwhelming and awe-inspiring as a result, but over time, the only way to keep them at bay for any period of time is to weaken them, bringing them down to size. And in turn, that sense of awe is lost.
It’s far more interesting when the enemy is more subtle, more relatable from the beginning. That’s what makes the Typhon Pact so intriguing. It’s logical within the context of the Trek universe as a whole, and also logical in terms of the fallout of the Borg invasion. It actually reminds me of the best elements of the Dominion War. There’s a reason why “Deep Space Nine” was my favorite modern Trek series, and I see the same potential in the Typhon Pact.
As the novel that starts the ramp-up to the Typhon Pact, this sets the tone for something a little more political, a more little personal, and a lot more complicated than invasion by an overwhelming power. This is also a step away from overused villains like the Borg, which I personally wanted to see.
Rating: 8/10
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03.14.09
Posted in Books at 11:22 pm by Administrator
This is the first novel in a quartet set during the timeline of the original series, rather than the previous prequels and sequels. On the one hand, this approach grounds the story in more familiar waters. On the other hand, this serves to highlight the glaring differences between the Frank Herbert continuity and the new canon that has been shaped around it.
All things being equal, I don’t hate the content of the new canon; I simply see it as one vision of how it might have been finished and fleshed out. It’s the same way I regard the “Second Foundation Trilogy” with respect to the original Asimov material. It proposes a more definitive ending and interpretation, but it’s just that: an interpretation. The originals stand on their own, and the new canon is, without debate, a kind of revisionist history.
As such, I’ve always viewed the books from a meta-fictional perspective. The originals present one view, the new canon another. Historical novels always fudge facts to support their interpretations, and so the same follows suit here. I don’t accept much of the new canon as the intentions of Frank Herbert, but they do manage to remain fairly consistent within their own skein.
This is, of course, why the novel is not just a bridge between “Dune” and “Dune Messiah”. It also touches on a “forgotten chapter” of Paul’s life, resolving items left open at the end of the “House Trilogy”. In the process, items mentioned in passing in “Dune Messiah” are expanded upon, sometimes in unusually satisfying ways.
Yet this is damning evidence in and of itself. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson are so consistent with their own plot threads, characterization (however shallow), and timeline that it’s hard to believe that they would somehow manage to make so many mistakes in terms of inconsistencies with the original novels. Several instances in the book are designed specifically to gloss over earlier mistakes and claim that they are, in fact, just the result of propaganda. In other words, the authors essentially use this novel to establish the novel “Dune” as nothing more than an in-story example of Irulan’s efforts to control perceptions of Paul’s jihad and empire.
This is hubris and disrespect on a level that is practically beyond words. Had such an interpretation been reserved for the epigraphs in “Dune”, it would have made perfect sense, as it serves the purpose of propaganda within “Dune” anyway. It would have been consistent. But placing the entire novel in that context? It’s effectively saying that the Frank Herbert novels were “wrong”, and the new canon is “right”.
It certainly makes sense of the decision to treat the original continuity with such poor care, picking and choosing what to absorb into their own self-aggrandizing vision of what should have happened. This is unfortunate, because the book is one of the better “new canon” efforts. One glaring and unnecessary choice of ego overshadows it all.
Rating: 7/10
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02.22.09
Posted in Books at 2:36 am by Administrator
When I returned to “Interview With the Vampire” quite some time after first reading it, I was shocked to discover how poorly it held up. The writing was horribly pretentious, the novel aspects of the story seemed to be missing, and it was hard to reconcile my fond memories of the book with the reality on the page.
Upon re-reading this follow-up novel, it was immediately apparent that this was the book upon which all those fond memories were truly formed. It’s not perfect, by any means, but the writing style seemed to be more polished and the ideas were far more substantial. The character of Lestat was always more interesting than Louis, of course, and that makes his long and tortured narrative a lot more involving.
I’ve always enjoyed stories that delve into “secret histories”, and that is a large part of the appeal of this novel. In the strictest sense, the story takes place in “modern” 1984; Lestat has decided to reveal the existence and history of the vampires to the mortal world through the 80s version of a cutting edge Goth band. Those framing sections haven’t aged well at all; they seem cheesy and self-important (which, frankly, fits Lestat like a velvet glove).
Once Lestat starts telling his autobiography, however, the story becomes almost timeless. The French world of Lestat’s young mortal life is rendered in compelling detail and his libertine sexual tastes are explored just enough to communicate Lestat’s serious psychological needs. Two things stand out as nearly perfect: the exploration of Lestat’s unique role in the vampire world, and the use of Lestat as a window for the reader into that world.
While “Interview” certainly gained the attention of millions of readers, this is the book that cemented Anne Rice as a mainstay in the “erotic horror” genre, something that she all but jump-started in the first place. It’s also interesting to note that the quality of her novels is in direct proportion to the depth and extent of the history that her characters are led to explore. “The Vampire Lestat” was the first substantial look into her vampire universe, so as one would expect, this is one of the strongest novels she produced.
Rating: 9/10
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02.09.09
Posted in Books at 1:01 am by Administrator
When I began reading this trilogy, I considered tackling each volume individually. I discovered, soon enough, that it would be a mistake to see this as anything other than one massive tale. This is more than just the culmination of the recent Next Generation relaunch; this is the culmination of several years worth of novels published in the post-“Nemesis” era.
As many know, I’ve grown tired of the Borg as the stock villain of the modern Trek era. They had become ravaged by internal contradictions of purpose and watered down by the vagaries of convenient depiction. In the wake of a few disappointing efforts to restore them as a threat, notably “Resistance” and “Before Dishonor”, I was disappointed when “Greater Than the Sum” failed to bring the Borg to their final and deserving end.
The Borg were also the subject of the initial attempts at a “Voyager” relaunch. Those books stalled before they had a chance to find their own identity. Instead, the threads that began in those novels were ultimately subsumed or ignored in the Next Generation relaunch.
This trilogy takes all of that into account, adds unexpected connections to the “Deep Space Nine” and “Enterprise” relaunch novels, and brings it all together into one unifying concept. The resulting conflict not only brings about the best depiction of the Borg since their original appearance, but manages to resolve their threat and expose their origins in one fell swoop. More impressive by far is the deft management of those aforementioned contradictions; the nature of the Borg now makes sense, as compared to those muddled depictions of the past.
There have been some complaints about characterization in the novels, but I disagree. What is often forgotten is that the characters have grown and changed since their last on-screen appearance. They’ve evolved. And frankly, this trilogy places them in the worst crucible imaginable, with no expectation of success (except, of course, on the part of the reader). Who wouldn’t seem out of character under that kind of pressure?
And that was another thing I found remarkably about this trilogy. It’s impossible not to recognize this as a major cataclysm for the Trek universe. It reminds me, in a good way, of “Unity”, the novel that culminated a few years worth of books in the “Deep Space Nine” relaunch. Everything since “Nemesis” has been leading to this. The trilogy delivers on that promise.
Rating: 9/10
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Posted in Books at 12:59 am by Administrator
I’m relatively new to the Harry Potter fandom; it’s only been about a year since I first picked up one of the books, let alone finished reading the series. So much of what is described in this memoir is enlightening to me. I heard of some of it from friends devoted to the series, and I’ve been basking in some of the fruits of those frantic fandom labors (particularly wizard rock), but I’m well aware of the fact that the peak years of the fandom have come and gone.
This book provides a glimpse into how the fandom emerged, how it grew, and the best and worst of the response to Harry Potter. It’s built around the framework of the “Deathly Hallows” release in July 2007, and for me, that was a nice touch. That it was one person’s journey through the fandom, and the journey of someone at the center of the maelstrom, gave it an educated perspective.
I honestly don’t understand some of the negative comments I’ve read about the book. A lot of criticism seems to be devoted to the author’s supposed attempt to ride on J.K. Rowling’s coattails. I don’t see it that way at all. Throughout the book is a sense of awestruck humility. It’s a testimony to one of the best aspects of fandom: literally anyone can end up being a voice for thousands, even millions, who share a common passion.
The book is riddled with dozens of examples of people who believed in the Harry Potter concept, believed in the world that J.K. Rowling has created, and have wanted to honor that through action and homage. As a fan of the Leaky Cauldron and a regular listener to Pottercast, I believe the author to be someone devoted to Rowling.
Sadly, the book doesn’t shy away from those who have sought, or continue to seek, some reflected personal fame and glory. Frankly, the author goes to great lengths to be fair and balanced, even when talking about certain individuals who have parleyed their connections to the fandom (or just the existence of Harry Potter novels) to their own ends.
This is not, in my opinion, a book written by someone who wants to make money off of Harry Potter. This is one person’s amazing accounting of how a fan came to experience some amazing things in the name of supporting something she loves. In the process, she gives voice to those who seem, to Muggles, a bit odd and a little frightening. But, as J.K. Rowling says herself in the foreword, this is a perspective that should not be missed.
Rating: 8/10
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01.18.09
Posted in Books at 2:54 am by Administrator
This was the final novel to be published under the original book contract, and it is by far the shining jewel of the collection. In a very real sense, this book presages the kind of tight continuity that marks the trilogies that followed. The story of what happened to Sinclair between his arrival on Minbar and his eventual return to Babylon 5 in “War Without End”, this is a gift to any dedicated Babylon 5 and Jeffrey Sinclair fan.
The author spends a great deal of time reconciling some apparent contradictions within the series proper: specifically, the political changes in Minbari society and the rise of the Rangers, a force consisting of Humans and Minbari. Why would a Grey Council, dominated by an isolationist warrior caste, agree to fund and foster a group of warrior-priests with a Human leader? This book makes the case fairly well, and explores Sinclair’s personal development in the process.
Two other topics are explored along the way: the personal history of Marcus Cole and the fate of Catherine Sakai. It’s always been odd to imagine that Marcus could undergo such strenuous training, substantial enough to make him an effective fighter and teach him so much else, when it had to happen in less than a year! It’s still a stretch of the imagination, but this novel does make a bit more sense of the notion.
Seasoned “Babylon 5” fans know that Catherine Sakai was originally meant to fulfill the role that Anna Sheridan ultimately held, had Sinclair remained the central character of the series. This book adjusts the overall story to give Catherine’s later absence a reasonable explanation, and even alludes to her ultimate fate.
The author was given the daunting task of repairing some of the damage done when the original plans for the series were altered after the first season by network intervention and the realities of syndicated television. The only complaint one might have is that the novel simply isn’t long enough or detailed enough. The reader is left wanting more. Is there any better compliment that can be made?
Rating: 10/10
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Posted in Books at 2:53 am by Administrator
This is the second book in the soon-to-be-completed “Wheel of Time” saga, as most fantasy fans are aware. It’s been several months since I read the first book in the series, and I was a bit concerned that the second book would be hard to crack without full memory of the details. Thankfully, this book eased into its plot slowly enough that I was rarely lost or confused. In fact, if anything, I was quickly reminded that Jordan’s writing style makes it rather easy to find out what’s happening, because not a moment passes that isn’t explored in endless detail.
That probably sounds like a bad thing, but I’m already aware that the books can bog down in sections that appear to go nowhere. Forewarned is forearmed, and while this is still one of the earlier novels (and thus more quickly paced than some of the later novels, as I’ve been given to understand), I was ready for the long setup process.
After reading this novel, I had a much better understanding of the Aes Sedai and their structure, and that part of the series continues to be my favorite aspect. The trials of Egwene and Nynaeve shed light on how magic works in this particular universe. This stands in stark contrast to Rand’s own channeling and his battle at the end of the book, which I found somewhat confusing.
One thing that has struck me, both in this novel and the previous one, is the invocation of themes from Arthurian legend, Christian dogma, and European myth. Certainly there are parallels to Tolkien’s work, but there are aspects that seem very similar to “Dune” as well. In particular, having just re-read “Dune” again, I saw parallels between the Aes Sedai and the Bene Gesserit. Thankfully, these connections, while fairly blatant, are never cloying enough to undermine my enjoyment of the novel.
Two additional things came to mind in the course of reading the novel. First, Jordan appears to have a massive story to tell, and while he’s taking his time, there does appear to be a game plan. Second, I can only hope that all of the parallels and connections are intentional and tie together into a point to the entire story. Because this doesn’t simply feel like a massive story meant to be told well; it has the unmistakable feeling of a story meant to hold Meaning.
It’s more than I could say for a number of popular fantasy sagas currently on the shelves.
Rating: 8/10
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Posted in Books at 2:49 am by Administrator
I’ve read “Dune” so many times in my life that the binding of my hardcover copy has long since been broken. There’s really no need to discuss how wonderful the book is, or how much it changed my perception of the world, science fiction, and how it all tied together. To call “Dune” a tour de force of imagination is practically a cliché.
Instead, this time around, I was looking at the novel in light of the recently published prequels. A great many things stood out in the prequels as inconsistent with my memory of the original novels, and having tackled the “Legends” and “House” trilogies, it seemed like a good idea to refresh on the classic novels.
Considering how many basic facts were contradicted (such as Paul’s birthplace), it’s stunning how many of the broad plot elements in the trilogies were right there in the original text. It wasn’t hard at all to understand why the new authors went in the direction they did on certain topics, particularly in terms of the “Legends” trilogy. Oddly, most of the discrepancies and tonal disharmonies take place between the “House” trilogy and the classics.
It’s also interesting how the saga as a whole has created such a mystique around the novel that it always feels like something is missing on every new re-read. “Dune” is actually the most straightforward of the classic novels, despite the depth of the universe, and it’s almost as if the words themselves only scratch the surface. That quality only serves to reinforce the primary weakness of the Herbert/Anderson novels; the new novels may be detailed and might cover a dozen plot threads, but they lack the substance of Herbert’s original creation.
Rating: 10/10
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