Title: Saint
Series: The Books of the History Chronicles; Paradise Novels, Book 2
Author: Ted Dekker
Genre: Action, Fantasy
This is a shining example of why Dekker is one of the premier Christian authors in Christian publishing. It is nice that he has begun to cross over more and more, striving to keep his novels less “Christianized” while still retaining a more Christian perspective and interpretation of the world. Dekker writes with almost a frantic pace – I write “almost” because though the pace of the book is rather intense, it never feels hurried or rushed. Some writers can tend to get lost in the details of their story, but not Dekker, he keeps his stories moving, moving, moving, and I like that!
Colt is an assassin of unusual skill, almost superhuman in his capacity to kill. But he has no memory of who he was. The story starts with him having to kill to save his wife and son who have been kidnapped. Afterwards he awakes to find that he has no family, that the kills were only a test of his ability to perform under extreme circumstances. And the story gets a little more convoluted from there – but not overwhelmingly so, but just enough to keep you guessing.
As most of his books, this one entails a confrontation, at some level, between good and evil. Some people are more than they seem, and the reality of what is at stake goes deeper than saving the President’s life. My only irritation in the book was how Dekker was a bit vague on exactly how good triumphed over evil in the final showdown – he seemed to hint at it, but a little more specificity would have been nice.
For how degenerate the villian is, he used no profanity, which is slightly odd, in retrospect. On the other hand, Dekker does do a pretty good job of making his personifications of evil rather psychotic. The Englishman (as he was called) enjoyed finalizing conversations with himself with this interesting phrase: “Hallelujah, amen, you are dismissed.”
Though violent, the book is clear of any sexual situations or scenarios, so the violence is the primary hesitation for recommending it for readers in or below Middle School.
The book is related to Dekker’s Circle Trilogy, and falls into what is called the Paradise series, which starts with Showdown (which is referenced in this book, and several characters from it are featured herein) and ends with Sinner. All of these, along with about eight or nine other books fall under a broader ‘univerese’ of literary reality which Dekker has categorized as ‘The Books of History Chronicles.’ All that to say the book stands pretty well on its own, though having read Showdown definitely contributed to my understanding of the background and setting of the book. You don’t necessarily have to read the Circle Trilogy (though I highly, highly recommend it), but it forms a foundation for the Chronicles.
In the end I do highly recommend this book. It’s definitely worth the time to read it – and it’s not a hard read. You pick up and then realize two hours later that you should turn out the light and go to sleep. So you read ‘just a few more paragraphs’ for about a half an hour until you finally force yourself to turn out the lights…and I digress. It’s a great, fun book. I would primarily categorize it in the Action genre, but it has fantastical elements as well, so it kind of meanders it’s way into that genre near the end.
Worldview: Christian
Recommended Age: A mature middle school aged child could probably handle the subject matter, but due to the violence I would recommend high school age as the minimum.
Author: C.J. Cherryh
Title: Rimrunners
Series: The Company Wars, Book 5
Genre: Science Fiction
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I picked this up. I have a friend who loves Cherryh’s fantasy books, so I assumed her sci fi would be roughly as good. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that impressed. Apparently this book takes place in the same universe as Downbelow Station and Merchanter’s Luck, so maybe if I had read those I might have been more interested in what was going on in this book.
Sadly, though, at the end, I found I didn’t quite care. That may sound callous, but it was true. I never quite really reached the point where I saw the point. Yeager, the main character, is an “outcast” of sorts from the very beginning, and though you could say she has found a place of sorts by the end, there really wasn’t enough resolution to that to satisfy me.
Another strong turnoff for me throughout the book was the pervasive, casual sexual encounters, some described in more details than the others. I would never recommend the book for that reason alone.
Cherryh’s did do an excellent job of moving the story along and pacing all the action and narrative. I found myself curious as to what was going to happen next – but more curious as to when I would find out why Yeager’s story was so important to tell (that latter part I never figured out). While the characters she presented and developed throughout the story were decently unique and intriguing, I could never figure out why I should care what happened to anyone in the story. I really wasn’t sure which side was good or bad, though by the end neither sounded very desireable.
In the end, I can’t recommend this book. If you have read the others (Downbelow Station and Merchanter’s Luck among others), then you might be interested, but even in that case I doubt it. The sexual attitude and pervasive sexuality as well as the continual sexual encounters, when combined with very rough language throughout, make it one book I would advise people as not missing much when they skip it.
Worldview: Secular
Recommended Age: College age and up
Title: Wasteland of Flint
Series: In the Time of the Sixth Sun, Book 1
Author: Thomas Harlan
Genre: Science Fiction
This would be what is called hard SF. It is based on an alternate history and future. But that setting is based on quite an amazing ‘what if’ – What if the Aztecs had never fallen, and had, instead, conquered the earth and then set out to conquer the universe? Now, that’s not what this book is about, but if you don’t understand the setting, then many things seem largely out of place. There are references to historical events and individuals which don’t exist in our world. Don’t let this dismay or dissuade you from reading this excellent novel – just be forewarned!
The novel itself is centered around two main characters, Gretchen Anderssen (an xeno-archeologist) and Mitsuharu Hadeishi (commanding officer of an light cruiser). There is also Green Humminbird who is a “wiry, bald old man” of great prestige and importance in the Aztec Empire – and the most important supporting character in the novel.
The novel itself moves along decently, though it has a few slower moments, and then others where things move along at a nice pace. Harlan has woven quite an intriguing plot throughout the book and it was that which kept me intrigued from the first few pages. Every time I thought I had figured out what was going to happen – it didn’t quite pan out like I expected.
His strongest element is his characters, and they are truly engaging an interesting. In fact, by the end of the story you really want to spend more time with them. The good news is, this is the first of a trilogy of books, so if you get the other books you can!
In the end I do give this book a solid recommendation. Being the first in a series it stands very solidly on its own, and there is enough resolution at the end to satisfy most readers. There is no sexual content and there really wasn’t any bad language that stuck out to me, so in that aspect it would be appropriate for younger readers if they can grasp enough of the scientific and social concepts which set a background for the book.
Worldview: secular, evolutionary
Recommended Age: It would be appropriate for middle school age children if they can understand some of the concepts, though a few parts may be a little scary/frightening for children that young.
Title: Komar
Series: Vorkosigan Saga,
Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
Genre: Science Fiction
Having never read a book by Bujold, I snagged this novel at a used bookstore because the premise sounded interesting. And now I think I’ve found another series to pursue. Unfortunately I started with this book, which actually take place pretty late in the Vorkosigan timeline. That said, the book actually seemed to stand pretty well on its own. I’m sure there were a few subtle character developments or backgrounds which would have been better understood had I read previous novels in the series, but I felt like the story stood very well on its own.
Bujold does an excellent job setting up the dilemma and maneuvering the intrigue with the character revelation and development. Miles Vorkosigan is quite an intriguing character, with his “mutant” physical traits adding an interesting twist on his interaction in Bujold’s future society. Ekaterin – Kat to those who know her – actually emerges as a quite complex character and Bujold does an excellent job deftly exploring and displaying her emotional and mental challenges and dilemmas.
The story itself moves relatively quickly, barely pausing here and there before rushing off in a new or different directions. Nothing felt forced, and her writing did an excellent job of moving the story along. This is not a book to put one to sleep.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to all fans of science fiction, and don’t think it would be too much of a stretch for those less familiar with the genre. The subject matter is relatively chaste throughout a majority of the book, and though a few sections get slightly more sexual in focus, nothing explicit never emerges.
Worldview: secular
Age: due to some of the subject matter and the violence, I wouldn’t suggest this for any children not in High School.
links:
Wikipedia Vorkosagan Saga page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vorkosigan_Saga
Wikipedia Bujold page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lois_mcmaster_bujold
Title: Deathstalker Coda
Series: Deathstalker, Book 8
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Science Fiction
Well, this is it, the end of the Deathstalker epic, which has spanned over seven other books, which you really must read to fully appreciate the conclusion to this novel. I would go the length of saying that if you haven’t read any of the others, you really are wasting your time and, in fact, doing yourself a disfavor by reading this one.
Green brings it all together here. Owen Deathstalker has discovered that his love, Hazel d’Ark is actually the Terror which has destroyed an entire other galaxy in her grief at the (obviously immature) news of his death and is now devouring humanity’s galaxy one system at a time. Lewis finally has an army he can return home to Logres to defeat Finn and put his best friend Douglas back on the throne.
And that barely touches all that really goes on in this brilliant conclusion to such an exciting series. I must say that I was more than pleased with the way Green tied up all the loose ends – with the exception of the final conclusion for Owen and Hazel. In retrospect, I can see how he (Green) had been moving towards this from the end of the first series, but the whole idea of a circular connection between all that happened is quite illogical – it bears no initiating action. The concept of as the end is being reached the beginning is made possible, and then the conclusion of that end being the beginning of everything…well, it really was quite anti-climatic for me. Though I will admit that Green handled it much more maturely than many other authors have. Time travel and its consequences are very hard to handle logically.
That said I still greatly enjoyed the book, and if the latter statements of that last paragraph made no sense to you, don’t sweat it, if you read the series and then this final book you’ll understand what I was trying to describe without giving anything away. Enjoy!
Worldview: Secular
Recommended Age: Definitely late High School or college age.
Title: Deathstalker Legacy
Series: Deathstalker, book 6
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Science Fiction
The Deathstalker line and tradition continues in a distant relative of Owen Deathstalker (the hero of the original five volume Deathstalker saga), a paragon named Lewis Deathstalker. This is the first volume in a trilogy which serves as a sequel as well as a conclusion to the original Deathstalker saga.
You could actually start reading this second Deathstalker trilogy with this book, without having read the other series of books, but you would lose so much background and character development. But you could manage without having read them if you had to.
That said, this is a great book, very high on the action and (as is usually with this series of books) a violence which is garish and, more often than, not over-the-top. The first saga (centered around Owen) being an exploration of what it would take to jumpstart a “good” rebellion against a corrupted government, this trilogy turns that concept on its head, looking at how a villain might go about starting and effecting a rather vile rebellion against an overall “decent” government. Actually a nice little circle of circumstances.
I felt like there was actually a little bit more humor sparkled throughout this book, and the characters are very intriguing – or in some cases weird. But the key is that you keep turning the pages to see what’s going to happen next. In my mind, that’s the truest sign of a well-written book.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre. It has been constructed as an epic, and if there’s any way to get your hands on the other books I would highly recommend trying to read them in order.
Worldview: Secular, with theistic moments
Recommended Age: due to violence and a few sexual themes/situations, I’d suggest no younger than juniors or seniors in High School.
Title: Deathstalker Destiny review
Series: Deathstalker, Book 5
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Science Fiction
Well, it seems it’s the end of the line for Owen Deathstalker. He has been stranded on a planet, striving to help the neglected leper colony (basically) abandoned there recover from an invasion by both the Hadenmen (cyborgs) and the Shub (a tripartite AI bent on the destruction of humanity). And his love has been kidnapped by the mysterious and elusive Blood Runners (as freaky and screwed up as their name suggests).
Though these may seem extraordinary situations and odds, Owen Deathstalker is no ordinary human. And Green writes with an intense pace. This is definitely a book on an epic scale, and by this point in the series, Green has introduced so many diverse characters he barely wraps up many of the story lines introduced in the first four books of this series (Deathstalker, Deathstalker Rebellion, Deathstalker War, and Deathstalker Honor).
And though you could very much enjoy this book by itself, you’re just doing yourself a disfavor if you don’t attempt to get your hands on the first books of the series and read them first. In fact, it would be most wise to try and acquire all of them (including the trilogy which follows this book: Deathstalker Legacy, Deathstalker Return, and Deathstalker Coda) before starting the first book – that way you don’t have to wait between books. Because, though there is a sense of conclusion at then end of each novel in the series, and especially in this one, most all the loose ends are not completely tied up and concluded/finalized until the last book (Deathstalker Coda).
Once again, the violence is garish and over-the-top – definitely not for the weak of heart. And surprisingly, though there are allusions to sexual matters, there really is hardly any sexual material in the book.
So, if you’re in the mood for an over-the-top, galaxy spanning science fiction epic, this is the book for you. I found it very well-paced and had a hard time putting it down.
Worldview: secular, though in places theistic
Age Recommendation: Due to the more descriptive and bloody violence, High School age children at the youngest.
Title: Deathstalker Honor
Series: Deathstalker, Book 4
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Science Fiction
For everyone who could not get enough of Owen Deathstalker and his friends, Green has continued their saga beyond the original trilogy. What do heroes do after conquering their foes? Get assigned more foes to defeat by the new government they just helped establish. So off they run into impossible situations to try and work their supernatural heroics.
With Lionstone overthrown and the Rebellion a success, one might think Owen Deathstalker might be able to take a hard-earned break. But now he and the other Maze-changed (or enhanced, depending on your perspective) individuals who survived the rebellion no longer have a place in their world – they are too different and too powerful.
Yet, though they are supernatural, in a sense, they are not immortal. Green continues to draw the reader in through his ever evolving characters and an unencumbered bloodfest of action. Please note that last part, because Green is not squeamish at all about describing the violence happening in the fighting and/or killing in his books.
If you enjoyed the original trilogy, you’ll definitely enjoy this book, though you might want to pick up Destalker Destiny when you grab this one because there is only slight resolution at the end of this book. Green also utilizes these two books to bring resolution to other story arcs which can be traced all the way back to the original trilogy.
Deathstalker Honor is a solid addition to the Deathstalker series, and it continues Green’s established method of preposterous plots, fantastical and gory action, and almost heroic heroes. It is not for the weak of heart, nor for those unwilling to accept some more fantastical and preposterous elements in their stories. But if you are, strap yourself in for a ride!
Worldview: Secular
Age Recommendation: Due to very graphic/descriptive violence and some more mature sexual themes, mid to late high school age.
Title: Deathstalker War
Series: Deathstalker, Book 3
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Science Fiction
Well, he started it, and now it has come time to finish it. Owen Deathstalker, on what seemed a mere whim of the empress, was stripped of his titles and sentenced to death. But he is not one to die easily. So he ends up starting a rebellion, and now time has come to reap the seeds he has sown.
Like all the novels in this series, the narrative seems almost more operatic than epic, though it’s scale is definitely more on the epic side. Green keeps the action moving along, and the climactic battle confronting Lionstone does not disappoint.
In the course of the series Green has developed so many characters and varying plotlines that one has to wonder how he can tie up all his “loose ends”. Well, he doesn’t tie them all up – most of them, but not all of them. Note that though this book does end the initial trilogy of the series, there are actually eight books in the full run of it.
I do tentatively recommend this book. It’s kind of like Star Wars meets Rambo, with a bit of aliens and Blade Runner mixed in for good measure. Incredibly – almost comically – violent, but written at a very strong, driving pace.
I also highly recommend trying to start the series from the beginning, just so you can enjoy the depth of vision Green had for this series.
Worldview: Secular, slightly evolutionary in places
Age Recommendation: Definitely late High School, early college age, due mainly to the over-the-top violence (which is quite garish in places) as well as some of the more mature sexual situations and/or themes.
Title: Deathstalker Rebellion
Series: Deathstalker, Book 2
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Science Fiction
This sequel to Green’s Deathstalker picks up right where the previous one left off. The first book details more the events which lead to Owen Deathstalker’s decision to start a rebellion – this book covers what he does to get it off the ground.
There is an interesting tension in the primary characters, because you have Owen, Hazel d’Arc and Jack Random who are focused on overthrowing the Empress, Giles Deathstalker (Owen’s ancient ancestor awoken from a stasis field) who seems to have the same motivation, and Ruby Journey, who is more there for the killing and fighting all weighed against an Empire with many intrigues going on within its various factions, as well as Captain John Silence and Investigator Frost, the latter of which actually went partially through the Maze and are manifesting their own mysterious powers. Silence and Frost I found to be very interesting mainly because they are the only ones who really even stand a chance against the other Maze survivors.
All in all I found this to be quite an exciting read. It is quite fascinating to watch Owen and his companions begin to exercise their new powers and explore the limits of what they can do. I have not found any inconsistencies within the characters, as some have claimed. These are pretty decently developed characters which, as you’re getting to know them, have been through something (the Madness Maze) which changed them on the inside, so even as you’re becoming aware of who they are, their personhood is slightly evolving or transitioning.
Just don’t over-analyze it. This is supposed to be a grand swashbuckling epic of galactic proportions, and Green does an incredible job with that. Make sure you’ve read Deathstalker first, as much of the story will seem a little weird without that foundation. The violence is both explicitly described and rather ghastly at that – so don’t say I didn’t warn you!
So just toss out your expectations for a “realistic” tale, and set yourself to be swept away by a incredibly creative and innovative tale of galactic rebellion!
Worldview: secular, though theism of a sort sneaks in here and there
Age recommendation: solidly late High School age.
Title: Saint
