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%T A Maze of Stars
%A John Brunner
%I DelRey
%D March 1992
%O paperback, US$4.99
%P 326
%G ISBN 0-345-37554-8
The viewpoint character of this grim think-piece is a gigantic starship,
programmed to wander through space and time monitoring the histories of the
six hundred and seventy worlds it seeded in the Arm of Stars. As it
ponders the glories and horrors the diverging colonies have created and
interacts with the few outcasts prermitted to know of its existence, it
becomes increasingly obsessed with discovering the source of the peculiar
compulsions under which it labors. As usual for JKB's work, there's plenty
that's original and thought-provoking in this mix. But the atmosphere of
the whole is bitter, gray and sad. The propulsive energy of much of his
earlier work is missing. Brunner at the top of his form is one of the
field's best writers; I hope he can find it again.
%T Suisan
%A Phyllis Carol Agins
%I Baen
%D March 1992
%O paperback, US$4.99
%P 241
%G ISBN 0-671-72112-7
This slender tale is a retelling of the "Snow White myth in which the
sexual feelings of the characters -- especially the dwarves -- are openly
but sensitively handled. Unfortunately, Agins's use of modern (Jungian)
psychology is the only unusual twist in an otherwise unoriginal, clumsily
written novel. However, the beauty of Agins's imagery, which shines
despite the awkward writing, lifts this work above the rest of the slush
pile and suggests that she may eventually write memorable fantasy.
RECEIVED BUT NOT REVIEWED:
The Druid Of Shannara by Terry Brooks (DelRey). Lives down to the vomitous expectations established by its prequels.
The Faithful Traitor by Robert Don Hughes (DelRey). YA fantasy sequel to a prequel I never saw.
The Squares Of The City by John Brunner (Collier). Classy reissue of a minor classic.
Up to Eric's Home Page | To Index | Wed Feb 19 21:56:31 EST 1992 |
Eric S. Raymond <esr@snark.thyrsus.com>