Deathstalker Returns – Simon R. Green (Deathstalker, Book 7)

Title: Deathstalker Return

Series: Deathstalker, Book 7

Genre: Science Fiction

Author: Simon R. Green

Green has done an excellent job with Deathstalker Returns. My only real regret is that I started the Deathstalker series with the second to last book… Oh well – what a way to start! This book has it all, political intrigue, action, adventure, amazing science fiction, a love triangle – and weaving it all together with vivid and intriguing characters struggling through a plot which is as intriguing and entertaining as it is outrageous and outlandish at times.

I definitely would not call this hard science fiction, it’s more like fun science fiction. Its been placed in the “space opera” category by some, and I think rightly so. It definitely concerns itself with grand themes and a plot concerning the existence of the human race and the known universe.

I truly did enjoy Green’s characters, which were reminiscent of the bands put together in many a fantasy adventure. But they are vivid and fun, and he does an excellent job of revealing the intricacies of who they are, as well as exploring how being banded together and adventuring together changes them.

My only true complaint is the suddenness of the end. There really is not much of a conclusion at all. There is a slight climax, but throughout the book Green has been setting up conflict coming from so many different varied angles that there is no way he could wrap all the strings up in one book – so he settles for about four. Not bad – but the last line is a cliff-hanger. Completely frustrating if you don’t have the last book!

I do recommend this book, but I strongly advise anyone interested in reading it to try and start at the beginning of the series and not with this book.

Worldview: Atheistic.

Recommended Age: High School age and up; the book is very violent – though not overly graphic,
and it does have a nominal amount of sexuality in it, though there is nothing explicit.

Additional links:
Deathstalker Series Wikipedia page