What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkover (Publication Order) #39
Hastur Lord
A gripping fantasy novel set in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover universe. Regis Hastur was the heir to the most powerful domain on Darkover. When his grandfather died, he would inherit the title Hastur of Hastur, Regent of Darkover—king in everything but name. But ironically, this mantle was the last thing Regis had ever wanted. For he dreamed of a different kind of life—a life with the freedom to live and love like an ordinary man, without the expectations and responsibilities of his position. Yet even Regis recognized Darkover’s desperate need for strong, rational leadership—leadership only he had been trained to provide. But now that his time was at hand, was Regis willing to make the personal sacrifices necessary to lead his world? Or would he turn away from his destiny and finally make his real dreams come true? For on his grandfather’s deathbed Regis learns that he has a brother—an older half-brother who could finally relieve Regis of the burden of title he had never wanted…. Would Regis finally let himself be free to be the man he had always dreamed of being?
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Marion Zimmer Bradley
740 books4,638 followersMarion Eleanor Zimmer Bradley was an American author of fantasy novels such as The Mists of Avalon and the Darkover series, often with a feminist outlook.
Bradley's first published novel-length work was Falcons of Narabedla, first published in the May 1957 issue of Other Worlds. When she was a child, Bradley stated that she enjoyed reading adventure fantasy authors such as Henry Kuttner, Edmond Hamilton, and Leigh Brackett, especially when they wrote about "the glint of strange suns on worlds that never were and never would be." Her first novel and much of her subsequent work show their influence strongly.
Early in her career, writing as Morgan Ives, Miriam Gardner, John Dexter, and Lee Chapman, Marion Zimmer Bradley produced several works outside the speculative fiction genre, including some gay and lesbian pulp fiction novels. For example, I Am a Lesbian was published in 1962. Though relatively tame by today's standards, they were considered pornographic when published, and for a long time she refused to disclose the titles she wrote under these pseudonyms.
Her 1958 story The Planet Savers introduced the planet of Darkover, which became the setting of a popular series by Bradley and other authors. The Darkover milieu may be considered as either fantasy with science fiction overtones or as science fiction with fantasy overtones, as Darkover is a lost earth colony where psi powers developed to an unusual degree. Bradley wrote many Darkover novels by herself, but in her later years collaborated with other authors for publication; her literary collaborators have continued the series since her death.
Bradley took an active role in science-fiction and fantasy fandom, promoting interaction with professional authors and publishers and making several important contributions to the subculture.
For many years, Bradley actively encouraged Darkover fan fiction and reprinted some of it in commercial Darkover anthologies, continuing to encourage submissions from unpublished authors, but this ended after a dispute with a fan over an unpublished Darkover novel of Bradley's that had similarities to some of the fan's stories. As a result, the novel remained unpublished, and Bradley demanded the cessation of all Darkover fan fiction.
Bradley was also the editor of the long-running Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which encouraged submissions of fantasy stories featuring original and non-traditional heroines from young and upcoming authors. Although she particularly encouraged young female authors, she was not averse to including male authors in her anthologies. Mercedes Lackey was just one of many authors who first appeared in the anthologies. She also maintained a large family of writers at her home in Berkeley. Ms Bradley was editing the final Sword and Sorceress manuscript up until the week of her death in September of 1999.
Probably her most famous single novel is The Mists of Avalon. A retelling of the Camelot legend from the point of view of Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar, it grew into a series of books; like the Darkover series, the later novels are written with or by other authors and have continued to appear after Bradley's death.
Her reputation has been posthumously marred by multiple accusations of child sexual abuse by her daughter Moira Greyland, and for allegedly assisting her second husband, convicted child abuser Walter Breen, in sexually abusing multiple unrelated children.
(from Wikipedia)
Bradley's first published novel-length work was Falcons of Narabedla, first published in the May 1957 issue of Other Worlds. When she was a child, Bradley stated that she enjoyed reading adventure fantasy authors such as Henry Kuttner, Edmond Hamilton, and Leigh Brackett, especially when they wrote about "the glint of strange suns on worlds that never were and never would be." Her first novel and much of her subsequent work show their influence strongly.
Early in her career, writing as Morgan Ives, Miriam Gardner, John Dexter, and Lee Chapman, Marion Zimmer Bradley produced several works outside the speculative fiction genre, including some gay and lesbian pulp fiction novels. For example, I Am a Lesbian was published in 1962. Though relatively tame by today's standards, they were considered pornographic when published, and for a long time she refused to disclose the titles she wrote under these pseudonyms.
Her 1958 story The Planet Savers introduced the planet of Darkover, which became the setting of a popular series by Bradley and other authors. The Darkover milieu may be considered as either fantasy with science fiction overtones or as science fiction with fantasy overtones, as Darkover is a lost earth colony where psi powers developed to an unusual degree. Bradley wrote many Darkover novels by herself, but in her later years collaborated with other authors for publication; her literary collaborators have continued the series since her death.
Bradley took an active role in science-fiction and fantasy fandom, promoting interaction with professional authors and publishers and making several important contributions to the subculture.
For many years, Bradley actively encouraged Darkover fan fiction and reprinted some of it in commercial Darkover anthologies, continuing to encourage submissions from unpublished authors, but this ended after a dispute with a fan over an unpublished Darkover novel of Bradley's that had similarities to some of the fan's stories. As a result, the novel remained unpublished, and Bradley demanded the cessation of all Darkover fan fiction.
Bradley was also the editor of the long-running Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which encouraged submissions of fantasy stories featuring original and non-traditional heroines from young and upcoming authors. Although she particularly encouraged young female authors, she was not averse to including male authors in her anthologies. Mercedes Lackey was just one of many authors who first appeared in the anthologies. She also maintained a large family of writers at her home in Berkeley. Ms Bradley was editing the final Sword and Sorceress manuscript up until the week of her death in September of 1999.
Probably her most famous single novel is The Mists of Avalon. A retelling of the Camelot legend from the point of view of Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar, it grew into a series of books; like the Darkover series, the later novels are written with or by other authors and have continued to appear after Bradley's death.
Her reputation has been posthumously marred by multiple accusations of child sexual abuse by her daughter Moira Greyland, and for allegedly assisting her second husband, convicted child abuser Walter Breen, in sexually abusing multiple unrelated children.
(from Wikipedia)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 9, 2015
Hastur Lord (pub. 2010) credited to both Bradkey and Deborah J. Ross, but published ten years after Bradley's death, is perhaps the weakest of all the Darkover novels, at least in my opinion.
It introduces a few new characters who will be important later on, and sets up the next major conflict between Terrans and Darkovans, but the main plotline is totally unnecessary and relies on a great deal of out-of character behaviour on the part of both Regis Hastur and Danilo Syrtis.
First, the important stuff. It's been about ten years since the events of The World Wreckers. The Terran Empire is going through a major sea change in structure, leadership and philosophy. Now called the Terran Federation, it seeks to end the days of protected planets. As Lew Alton, still the Darkovan Senator, says in a message to Regis:
You will undoubtedly hear propaganda about how the new Federation will extend autonomy to all member worlds, increase interstellar cooperation, and promote free trade—all the persuasive phrases that people want to hear. Even people on Darkover. Don't fall for it, Regis. This whole process is a power grab by the Expansionist party. They want free access to developing worlds, and they've as much as admitted that their goal is to bring an end to what they call special privileges and protected status.
The political situation on Darkover is not promising. Between Sharra and the World Wreckers, the Comyn are nearly leaderless; those who survive are divided between those who want to become full members of the Terran Federation - led by Valdir Ridenow - and those who want as little contact as possible. The Telepath Council set up by Regis is unable to function as a governing body. If there is any real governing authority anywhere on Darkover, it is Regis himself.
On to the plot. The dying Danvan Hastur reveals that Regis has an older, illegitimate brother named Rinaldo who was shipped off to the Nevarsin monks at the age of three. Regis visits him, and despite the fact that Rinaldo is clearly the most unctuous and hypocritical creature you can imagine, oozing with jealousy and envy and spite, brings him home to Thendara and has him legitimated. Valdir Ridenow sees in Rinaldo an opportunity to mold Darkover's future. Believing that he will be able to manipulate Rinaldo, Valdir plots with him to force Regis to abdicate by holding Danilo and Mikhail - Regis' nephew and designated heir - hostage. Regis agrees, and Mikhail is freed, but Danilo remains a prisoner.
Valdir has misjudged his pawn, however. Rinaldo, seeing in his sudden accession to power the hand of God, embarks on a plan to purge sin and impurity from all of Darkover. Forming an alliance with Dan Lawton's wife Tiphani, a fanatical devotee of a religious group with links to the same church that was the foundation of the cristoforos, Rinaldo begins to enforce his own religious beliefs across the Domains.
He forces Regis to marry Linnea Storn - the mother of his daughter Kierestelli and his unborn son Danilo - by threatening to have Danilo Syrtis killed. As his fanaticism increases, he has Comyn children taken from their families to be raised in the "true" faith. Regis finds and releases the children - a situation complicated by the arrival of Terran Spaceforce soldiers seeking to free Dan Lawton's son Felix, who has been taken from the Terran Zone by Tiphani.
Returning to Comyn Castle, he gathers whatever members of the Comyn he can find and challenges Rinaldo's kingship, but before anything can be decided, Tiphani tries to assassinate Regis and Rinaldo sacrifices his own life to save his brother. End of silly plot, press reset button but political situation remains dire.
What annoyed me the most about Hastur Lord was the total inability of all these telepaths to communicate. Regis and Danilo have spent at least 20 years together as friends and lovers, but they still doubt each other's love and haven't really talked about the fact that some day Regis must marry, and it must be someone he cares about or it's going to be pointless? Danilo still doesn't know he'll always be the one? And how is it that Regis is so blind to his brother's faults - and discounts Danilo's warnings as mere jealousy? How do they not trust each other completely after being open to each other, mind to mind, all these years? And then there's Regis' blunders with Linnea, who he's been in a relationship with before. None of this works, and that makes the book a grave disappointment.
.
It introduces a few new characters who will be important later on, and sets up the next major conflict between Terrans and Darkovans, but the main plotline is totally unnecessary and relies on a great deal of out-of character behaviour on the part of both Regis Hastur and Danilo Syrtis.
First, the important stuff. It's been about ten years since the events of The World Wreckers. The Terran Empire is going through a major sea change in structure, leadership and philosophy. Now called the Terran Federation, it seeks to end the days of protected planets. As Lew Alton, still the Darkovan Senator, says in a message to Regis:
You will undoubtedly hear propaganda about how the new Federation will extend autonomy to all member worlds, increase interstellar cooperation, and promote free trade—all the persuasive phrases that people want to hear. Even people on Darkover. Don't fall for it, Regis. This whole process is a power grab by the Expansionist party. They want free access to developing worlds, and they've as much as admitted that their goal is to bring an end to what they call special privileges and protected status.
The political situation on Darkover is not promising. Between Sharra and the World Wreckers, the Comyn are nearly leaderless; those who survive are divided between those who want to become full members of the Terran Federation - led by Valdir Ridenow - and those who want as little contact as possible. The Telepath Council set up by Regis is unable to function as a governing body. If there is any real governing authority anywhere on Darkover, it is Regis himself.
On to the plot. The dying Danvan Hastur reveals that Regis has an older, illegitimate brother named Rinaldo who was shipped off to the Nevarsin monks at the age of three. Regis visits him, and despite the fact that Rinaldo is clearly the most unctuous and hypocritical creature you can imagine, oozing with jealousy and envy and spite, brings him home to Thendara and has him legitimated. Valdir Ridenow sees in Rinaldo an opportunity to mold Darkover's future. Believing that he will be able to manipulate Rinaldo, Valdir plots with him to force Regis to abdicate by holding Danilo and Mikhail - Regis' nephew and designated heir - hostage. Regis agrees, and Mikhail is freed, but Danilo remains a prisoner.
Valdir has misjudged his pawn, however. Rinaldo, seeing in his sudden accession to power the hand of God, embarks on a plan to purge sin and impurity from all of Darkover. Forming an alliance with Dan Lawton's wife Tiphani, a fanatical devotee of a religious group with links to the same church that was the foundation of the cristoforos, Rinaldo begins to enforce his own religious beliefs across the Domains.
He forces Regis to marry Linnea Storn - the mother of his daughter Kierestelli and his unborn son Danilo - by threatening to have Danilo Syrtis killed. As his fanaticism increases, he has Comyn children taken from their families to be raised in the "true" faith. Regis finds and releases the children - a situation complicated by the arrival of Terran Spaceforce soldiers seeking to free Dan Lawton's son Felix, who has been taken from the Terran Zone by Tiphani.
Returning to Comyn Castle, he gathers whatever members of the Comyn he can find and challenges Rinaldo's kingship, but before anything can be decided, Tiphani tries to assassinate Regis and Rinaldo sacrifices his own life to save his brother. End of silly plot, press reset button but political situation remains dire.
What annoyed me the most about Hastur Lord was the total inability of all these telepaths to communicate. Regis and Danilo have spent at least 20 years together as friends and lovers, but they still doubt each other's love and haven't really talked about the fact that some day Regis must marry, and it must be someone he cares about or it's going to be pointless? Danilo still doesn't know he'll always be the one? And how is it that Regis is so blind to his brother's faults - and discounts Danilo's warnings as mere jealousy? How do they not trust each other completely after being open to each other, mind to mind, all these years? And then there's Regis' blunders with Linnea, who he's been in a relationship with before. None of this works, and that makes the book a grave disappointment.
.
April 1, 2011
It had been so many years since I last read the Darkover series, I had lost touch and didn't even realize this new book would be coming out. I am SO glad I found it. First off, I have to admit it's not another "Heritage of Hastur," arguably the best Darkover book ever, but it is a wonderfully written book and fills in some important gaps in the series covering the 2nd contact with the Terrans. Most importantly this book explores the relationships between Regis, Linnea and Danilo, something I've always wanted to learn more about. True, the plot isn't exactly exciting or unexpected, but the plot is not the main thrust of the book itself.
As a young reader of these books in the 80's, it's nice to see how much more of the relationship (physical and otherwise) between Regis and Danilo is explored, with loving care and sensitivity. I can hardly imagine this book, which is in part a love story between two men, might have fared in the 80's. Thank goodness for the 21st century, which allows the book to expand upon the relationship between these two wonderfully strong men in a way which is quite touching and beautiful. I found myself moved by the strength and sacrifice Regis, as well as the serene and intelligent beauty of Linnea, the woman Regis loves (yes, he loves BOTH a woman and a man). If any of you have read Ann Rice's "Cry to Heaven," you'll find this book similarly moving.
All this said, there were flaws with this book (the contrived plot being the most glaring). Still, I am so desperate for more of Regis and Dani's story, that I'm more than willing to overlook this. I've already re-read this book about 4 times! This book is, first and foremost, about relationships between these strong characters, and for that, I am more than grateful!
Truly a gem for any hardcore Darkover fan. I hope there are many more such books to come.
As a young reader of these books in the 80's, it's nice to see how much more of the relationship (physical and otherwise) between Regis and Danilo is explored, with loving care and sensitivity. I can hardly imagine this book, which is in part a love story between two men, might have fared in the 80's. Thank goodness for the 21st century, which allows the book to expand upon the relationship between these two wonderfully strong men in a way which is quite touching and beautiful. I found myself moved by the strength and sacrifice Regis, as well as the serene and intelligent beauty of Linnea, the woman Regis loves (yes, he loves BOTH a woman and a man). If any of you have read Ann Rice's "Cry to Heaven," you'll find this book similarly moving.
All this said, there were flaws with this book (the contrived plot being the most glaring). Still, I am so desperate for more of Regis and Dani's story, that I'm more than willing to overlook this. I've already re-read this book about 4 times! This book is, first and foremost, about relationships between these strong characters, and for that, I am more than grateful!
Truly a gem for any hardcore Darkover fan. I hope there are many more such books to come.
March 31, 2010
I love Darkover books. I didn't discover them until the mid to late '90s, when I was bored at my then-boyfriend's apartment and went digging through his bookshelves for something to read. Once I started, I couldn't stop, going through his collection and then buying or borrowing the rest.
Honestly? I'm not sure if I would have developed that passion if this had been the first book of the series I read. But there's still so much I like about Darkover that's in this one: the acceptance of same-sex relationships, the acceptance of polyamory, the emphasis on being non-judgmental and accepting those that are different (i.e. in religion, in talents, in relationship styles). I've always liked Regency type romance books, so I don't have a problem with the class system on Darkover or even the way women are valued less in that society (if not by the various protagonists).
It's unclear to me whether it's the length of time since the last Darkover book I read, or if this one did a poor job in reminding me where in the series this fit timewise. But it was hard to get immersed in this novel the way I often did with others in the series. But y'know? I still stayed up later than I should have to finish it, and I feel fondly toward it if only because it reminds me of so many other Darkover books I loved and need to re-read.
Honestly? I'm not sure if I would have developed that passion if this had been the first book of the series I read. But there's still so much I like about Darkover that's in this one: the acceptance of same-sex relationships, the acceptance of polyamory, the emphasis on being non-judgmental and accepting those that are different (i.e. in religion, in talents, in relationship styles). I've always liked Regency type romance books, so I don't have a problem with the class system on Darkover or even the way women are valued less in that society (if not by the various protagonists).
It's unclear to me whether it's the length of time since the last Darkover book I read, or if this one did a poor job in reminding me where in the series this fit timewise. But it was hard to get immersed in this novel the way I often did with others in the series. But y'know? I still stayed up later than I should have to finish it, and I feel fondly toward it if only because it reminds me of so many other Darkover books I loved and need to re-read.
April 19, 2014
Okay, so there's never going to be another Heritage of Hastur and I should stop looking for it. Hastur Lord is the third in the 'Regis and Danilo' series within the greater Dorkover series, but it is vastly inferior to Heritage and Sharra's Exile.
I suspect that Deborah J. Ross just doesn't write as well about Darkover as the planet's creator did - after all, this is authorised fanfiction rather than 'the real thing'. But even reading the book with the leniency that fanfiction deserves, this is an irritating read.
I need to do some further research, but I can't remember Bradley ever using the term 'homosexuality' to describe the relationship between Regis and Danilo, or those of other 'lovers of men' (and given that a major plot point is Regis marrying a woman who accepts and supports his same-sex relationship, wouldn't 'bisexuality' be the Terran term used?) And in all its travels through time and space, did the cristoforo religion really cling to the theology of the American Religious Right. We get it, bigoted 'Christians' who condemn 'homosexuality' are bad. I, for one, didn't need to be beaten over the head with that in a Darkover novel.
Fans of Bradley's Darkover should feel free to ignore this book and leave Regis and Danilo standing on the balcony over-looking Thendara together at the end of Sharra's Exile.
I suspect that Deborah J. Ross just doesn't write as well about Darkover as the planet's creator did - after all, this is authorised fanfiction rather than 'the real thing'. But even reading the book with the leniency that fanfiction deserves, this is an irritating read.
I need to do some further research, but I can't remember Bradley ever using the term 'homosexuality' to describe the relationship between Regis and Danilo, or those of other 'lovers of men' (and given that a major plot point is Regis marrying a woman who accepts and supports his same-sex relationship, wouldn't 'bisexuality' be the Terran term used?) And in all its travels through time and space, did the cristoforo religion really cling to the theology of the American Religious Right. We get it, bigoted 'Christians' who condemn 'homosexuality' are bad. I, for one, didn't need to be beaten over the head with that in a Darkover novel.
Fans of Bradley's Darkover should feel free to ignore this book and leave Regis and Danilo standing on the balcony over-looking Thendara together at the end of Sharra's Exile.
January 6, 2014
It was nice to visit Darkover again after many years away but I picked a very turbulent time to drop in. The Terran Empire is on the verge of becoming the Terran Federation and dispensing with the designation of Protected World. Darkover finds itself in danger of being taken over as a military base or being otherwise exploited by the Expansionist Party.
Regis Hastur is facing lots of pressure from his grandfather too who is determined to see him married with heirs. Since Regis is in a long-time committed relationship with his Paxman Danilo this seems like a vain hope. His grandfather suffers a stroke and dies but not before telling Regis that he has a nedesto older brother. Regis clings to this idea of an older brother both to let him gain some family and to have someone to take over the responsibilities of the Domain of Hastur - responsibilities that he never wanted.
Regis learns that his brother has been raised as a monk in Neversin Monastery. He is a devout christoforos. Regis takes him from the monastery and brings him to Thendara. He wants to honor his brother by having him recognized by the Comyn. But it doesn't take long for his brother Rinaldo to fall under the influence of Valdir Ridenow who is in favor of Darkover joining the Federation and Tiphani Lawson, Terran Council Dan Lawson's wife, who is also very religious.
Things get chaotic when Rinaldo usurps Regis's place and becomes a religious fanatic who is determined to convert all of Darkover to the cristoforos faith. One of the major tenets of which is the banning of any homosexuality. He causes Regis and Danilo to separate and forces Regis to marry. Fortunately, Regis chooses Linnea to be his wife. She is a former keeper who has already had his daughter and who is pregnant with his son. They have a close relationship but it took some time and heartache before Linnea could accept that Danilo would always be part of Regis's life.
Rinaldo's fanaticism leads him to kidnap the children of the Comyn, including his niece Ariel, and send them to a "school" to educate them in the cristoforo religion. Fearing that his daughter will be kidnapped next, Regis brings her to the chieri in the Yellow Forest to hide her from Rinaldo. While he is gone, Rinaldo has himself declared King.
This is the final straw for Regis. He can no longer make excuses for his brother and his brother's actions. He has to act or Darkover will be put under martial law by the Terrans.
This story was exciting and emotionally wrenching. Both Regis's relationship with Danilo and his relationship with Linnea were filled with emotional agony. The political maneuvering for the fate of Darkover was twisty and complex. I enjoyed the story very much and am very tempted to add further Darkover books to my TBR mountain.
Regis Hastur is facing lots of pressure from his grandfather too who is determined to see him married with heirs. Since Regis is in a long-time committed relationship with his Paxman Danilo this seems like a vain hope. His grandfather suffers a stroke and dies but not before telling Regis that he has a nedesto older brother. Regis clings to this idea of an older brother both to let him gain some family and to have someone to take over the responsibilities of the Domain of Hastur - responsibilities that he never wanted.
Regis learns that his brother has been raised as a monk in Neversin Monastery. He is a devout christoforos. Regis takes him from the monastery and brings him to Thendara. He wants to honor his brother by having him recognized by the Comyn. But it doesn't take long for his brother Rinaldo to fall under the influence of Valdir Ridenow who is in favor of Darkover joining the Federation and Tiphani Lawson, Terran Council Dan Lawson's wife, who is also very religious.
Things get chaotic when Rinaldo usurps Regis's place and becomes a religious fanatic who is determined to convert all of Darkover to the cristoforos faith. One of the major tenets of which is the banning of any homosexuality. He causes Regis and Danilo to separate and forces Regis to marry. Fortunately, Regis chooses Linnea to be his wife. She is a former keeper who has already had his daughter and who is pregnant with his son. They have a close relationship but it took some time and heartache before Linnea could accept that Danilo would always be part of Regis's life.
Rinaldo's fanaticism leads him to kidnap the children of the Comyn, including his niece Ariel, and send them to a "school" to educate them in the cristoforo religion. Fearing that his daughter will be kidnapped next, Regis brings her to the chieri in the Yellow Forest to hide her from Rinaldo. While he is gone, Rinaldo has himself declared King.
This is the final straw for Regis. He can no longer make excuses for his brother and his brother's actions. He has to act or Darkover will be put under martial law by the Terrans.
This story was exciting and emotionally wrenching. Both Regis's relationship with Danilo and his relationship with Linnea were filled with emotional agony. The political maneuvering for the fate of Darkover was twisty and complex. I enjoyed the story very much and am very tempted to add further Darkover books to my TBR mountain.
November 3, 2020
Pros: Focuses on Danilo and Regis, which is always good--there aren't nearly enough books about them. Story of a political coup is a solid plot idea. I liked the way the narrative split gave both Regis and Danilo their say. I'm also a sucker for Danilo-in-danger plots, and this book delivered.
Cons: Ross isn't that good at action scenes, and the book could have used more machiavellian plot twists and character development. Has too many references to occurrences in other Darkover novels that are unnecessary and tedious, though Ross probably thinks they're useful for background. Although I think her characterization of Danilo was okay, Regis seemed too passive and accepting. Ending somewhat weak, and needed more punch.
Conclusion: Held my attention solidly all the way through, and Ross delivered an enjoyable story. I'd read other Regis/Danilo stories by Ross if she decided to produce them.
Cons: Ross isn't that good at action scenes, and the book could have used more machiavellian plot twists and character development. Has too many references to occurrences in other Darkover novels that are unnecessary and tedious, though Ross probably thinks they're useful for background. Although I think her characterization of Danilo was okay, Regis seemed too passive and accepting. Ending somewhat weak, and needed more punch.
Conclusion: Held my attention solidly all the way through, and Ross delivered an enjoyable story. I'd read other Regis/Danilo stories by Ross if she decided to produce them.
April 15, 2010
I love Darkover. It's one of those created world like Barsoom, and Hogwarts and Middle Earth that have substance. On a sentence by sentence level Marion Zimmer Bradley was not an elegant writer, but she made this planet and this culture real.
Unfortunately this book just isn't making it for me. It features one of my favorite characters from the series -- Regis Hastur and the time period I liked the best -- the clash when Earth rediscovers it's lost colony, but the protagonist is making choices that make him look stupid, and I, as the reader, know these choices are stupid so I've lost patience.
Not sure I'm going to finish this one as much as I love the setting.
Unfortunately this book just isn't making it for me. It features one of my favorite characters from the series -- Regis Hastur and the time period I liked the best -- the clash when Earth rediscovers it's lost colony, but the protagonist is making choices that make him look stupid, and I, as the reader, know these choices are stupid so I've lost patience.
Not sure I'm going to finish this one as much as I love the setting.
October 15, 2019
Second most boring book I ever read. Took me forever. Main character is royalty raised is relative luxury, but does nothing but whine about 'wishing I was a normal person without all these responsibilities'. > 1% action, the rest of the book is all about his relationships.
Writing is nothing at all like MZB.
Writing is nothing at all like MZB.
August 8, 2017
I really enjoy the Darkover novels much better than the anthologies. This is a well done book with a few loose ends.
February 1, 2010
Not the best of the Darkover books but an easy read.
February 9, 2023
This book was hard to put down! It tells the story of Regis Hastur, and how he came to power. It begins with his grandfather's death, before which he told Regis of a secret he held all this time. Regis acted on that secret, and mayhem, kidnapping, and death ensues. More than that would be a spoiler or five.
June 20, 2020
A good story telling of the time between the World Wreckers and the later Miquel and Margarita adventures with Varzil the good. It seemed to have a lot more political commentary than other Darkover adventures.
July 22, 2020
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
May 27, 2022
Good storyline.
The decisions a public figure makes have far reaching consequences. Religious wars are the worst. The typesetting errors were very frustrating.
The decisions a public figure makes have far reaching consequences. Religious wars are the worst. The typesetting errors were very frustrating.
December 25, 2022
not as good as some of the earlier MZB books.
December 30, 2020
I gotta quit reading what is basically fan fiction....
Plus...a sex scene? Seriously? Why? Another example of how Deborah Ross is not a great successor to MZB.
Plus...a sex scene? Seriously? Why? Another example of how Deborah Ross is not a great successor to MZB.
December 8, 2016
This is not, really, a terrible story. It has a fair plot, interesting characters, and a marvelous background world. There's just one small problem: it never happened.
Both Marion Zimmer Bradley and now her successor, Deborah J. Ross, have always maintained that they won't let consistency from one "Darkover" story to another stand in the way of a good story. Although I dislike that attitude in any case, I can tolerate it in respect to minor details; there have, after all, been over 20 major novels and many short stories set in the Darkover world, and I can understand refusing to allow a worry over maintaining consistency in minor details forcing the author to review carefully every previous story that might have a bearing in order to be certain that there were no minor errors of timeline or such. But there are both advantages and disadvantages to writing multiple stories set in the same universe, and when you take advantage of the advantages, it means that you are subject to the disadvantages, as well. The advantage to writing stories set in an already-established world with already-established characters is that you have an existing, enthusiastic market for your stories, and can minimize the time spent establishing character and setting; in this case, your readers already know something of the world of Darkover, something of the personalities of Regis and Danilo, Gabriel and Javanne and some of the other, lesser characters. And you have fans who have read previous books that involve those characters, and are excited at the prospect of reading more about them. But in order to earn those advantages, you need to maintain at least a minimal consistency with your previous stories in order to satisfy those fans. To not do so is simply lazy writing; "I'm going to take advantage of the previous stories having set up some of the background for this one, but I'm not going to bother to keep things consistent because that would be too much like work." That does mean that some potentially interesting stories cannot be written, because they simply do not fit in with what has been written previously. We could not, for instance, see a story in which Regis and Danilo met as adults, because THAT ISN'T WHAT HAPPENED. Even if the potential story of how they met as adults would make a very good story.
In the case of this story, the inconsistency is not QUITE that glaring, but it isn't far from it. The story is set sometime in the gap between "The World Wreckers" and "Exiles Song". But there is absolutely no way that if the events in this story happened, they would not have been referred to in "Exiles Song", "Shadow Matrix", "Traitor's Sun" and "The Alton Gift". The events are too major, had too much impact on the characters in those stories, and too much impact on "recent Darkovan history" NOT to have been referred to. But since this story was apparently not much under way when those books were written, that is exactly what we are faced with: in earlier-written but later-set books, there is no reference to these events at all. Some readers may be willing and able to overlook this; I consider it a betrayal of Darkover's loyal fan base, and find it completely unacceptable. Decently written and potentially interesting as it is (which is why I grudgingly grant it a second star) it should never have been written and I regret reading it. I will probably read no more Darkover stories.
Both Marion Zimmer Bradley and now her successor, Deborah J. Ross, have always maintained that they won't let consistency from one "Darkover" story to another stand in the way of a good story. Although I dislike that attitude in any case, I can tolerate it in respect to minor details; there have, after all, been over 20 major novels and many short stories set in the Darkover world, and I can understand refusing to allow a worry over maintaining consistency in minor details forcing the author to review carefully every previous story that might have a bearing in order to be certain that there were no minor errors of timeline or such. But there are both advantages and disadvantages to writing multiple stories set in the same universe, and when you take advantage of the advantages, it means that you are subject to the disadvantages, as well. The advantage to writing stories set in an already-established world with already-established characters is that you have an existing, enthusiastic market for your stories, and can minimize the time spent establishing character and setting; in this case, your readers already know something of the world of Darkover, something of the personalities of Regis and Danilo, Gabriel and Javanne and some of the other, lesser characters. And you have fans who have read previous books that involve those characters, and are excited at the prospect of reading more about them. But in order to earn those advantages, you need to maintain at least a minimal consistency with your previous stories in order to satisfy those fans. To not do so is simply lazy writing; "I'm going to take advantage of the previous stories having set up some of the background for this one, but I'm not going to bother to keep things consistent because that would be too much like work." That does mean that some potentially interesting stories cannot be written, because they simply do not fit in with what has been written previously. We could not, for instance, see a story in which Regis and Danilo met as adults, because THAT ISN'T WHAT HAPPENED. Even if the potential story of how they met as adults would make a very good story.
In the case of this story, the inconsistency is not QUITE that glaring, but it isn't far from it. The story is set sometime in the gap between "The World Wreckers" and "Exiles Song". But there is absolutely no way that if the events in this story happened, they would not have been referred to in "Exiles Song", "Shadow Matrix", "Traitor's Sun" and "The Alton Gift". The events are too major, had too much impact on the characters in those stories, and too much impact on "recent Darkovan history" NOT to have been referred to. But since this story was apparently not much under way when those books were written, that is exactly what we are faced with: in earlier-written but later-set books, there is no reference to these events at all. Some readers may be willing and able to overlook this; I consider it a betrayal of Darkover's loyal fan base, and find it completely unacceptable. Decently written and potentially interesting as it is (which is why I grudgingly grant it a second star) it should never have been written and I regret reading it. I will probably read no more Darkover stories.
February 27, 2016
Deborah J. Ross richly contributes to Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Darkover series, what I believe to be is another character developing chapter in the life of Regis Hastur. His position in the Comyn is challenged along with the efforts of his Telepathic Council of common people and offworlders, but also his love for his paxman Danilo is in jeopardy. As the Terran Empire makes the swift and galaxy changing political move to establish itself as a Federation, Darkover could lose its status of being a Class D Closed World. While resisting Ridenow’s push for Federation membership, Regis will continue to struggle with his role as Heir to his Domain, his proposal to Linnea the Keeper, and he rush to move the burden of Hastur of Hastur onto the all too willing shoulders of his newfound cristoforo older brother. Here is where Deborah J. Ross will use her talents to interweave the political complications that Regis and Darkover are forced to face, in addition to the overwhelming inquisition like revolution that Rinaldo will make with his cristoforo religion. He means to cleanse the entire planet of sin, with the crazed and misguided influence of offworlder Tiphani, Lawton’s wife. Driven by his newfound power in status, Rinaldo is not above kidnapping the young children of the Comyn or those of the Thendara Trade City either. Compromising the increasingly delicate Darkoveran and Terran relations, and dangerously close to the verge of a war, Rinaldo’s actions with his believed to be prophet Luminosa, will demand that Regis not only take back his hereditary role as Hastur Lord, but he must save his marriage, family members, lover, and the planet from the manipulated mistakes of the fanatic, the brother he loves and trusts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2021
Deborah J. Ross richly contributes to Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Darkover series, what I believe to be is another character developing chapter in the life of Regis Hastur. His position in the Comyn is challenged along with the efforts of his Telepathic Council of common people and offworlders, but also his love for his paxman Danilo is in jeopardy. As the Terran Empire makes the swift and galaxy changing political move to establish itself as a Federation, Darkover could lose its status of being a Class D Closed World. While resisting Ridenow’s push for Federation membership, Regis will continue to struggle with his role as Heir to his Domain, his proposal to Linnea the Keeper, and he rush to move the burden of Hastur of Hastur onto the all too willing shoulders of his newfound cristoforo older brother. Here is where Deborah J. Ross will use her talents to interweave the political complications that Regis and Darkover are forced to face, in addition to the overwhelming inquisition like revolution that Rinaldo will make with his cristoforo religion. He means to cleanse the entire planet of sin, with the crazed and misguided influence of offworlder Tiphani, Lawton’s wife. Driven by his newfound power in status, Rinaldo is not above kidnapping the young children of the Comyn or those of the Thendara Trade City either. Compromising the increasingly delicate Darkoveran and Terran relations, and dangerously close to the verge of a war, Rinaldo’s actions with his believed to be prophet Luminosa, will demand that Regis not only take back his hereditary role as Hastur Lord, but he must save his marriage, family members, lover, and the planet from the manipulated mistakes of the fanatic, the brother he loves and trusts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2012
Quelle parole nell'introduzione, "Marion ha sempre affermato come la linearità temporale tra un romanzo e l'altro non potesse essere un intralcio al buon racconto di una storia", avrebbero dovuto essere un campanello di allarme.
Voglio dire, chiunque abbia un minimo di familiarità con Darkover sa dell'esistenza di questa regola non scritta. E sa anche che le incongruenze non sono mai particolarmente sconvolgente. Una sorella che diventa cugina, cinquant'anni che diventano quarantratre. Quindi perché mai la Ross si è sentita in dovere di aggiungere questa nota?
Il mistero diventa chiaro abbastanza presto nel libro, ma proprio nel suo svelarsi racconta già la sua fine. Evitando spoiler, è talmente evidente che, a meno di ENORMI incongruenze con i libri successivi, la fine non potesse essere che una che la suspence viene meno.
Considerazioni del genere a parte, Hastur Lord è, insindacabilmente un romanzo Darkovano. E per me, non c'è complimento migliore.
Molto prima che una scuola incantata in mezzo alla Scozia, molto prima che un popolo eletto in una pseudo Francia, molto prima di un eroe solitario ed epico in una terra dominata dall'Unico potere e dalle grette lotte degli uomini, molto prima di tutto questo e tanto altro, questo freddo pianeta dal sole rosso e dalle quattro lune è stato per me casa. Casa della mia immaginazione, casa confortevole al caldo di un camino nei saloni di Armida, casa amata al suono di un rhyll, casa mai dimenticata con i suoi proverbi, i suoi personaggi, le sue allegorie, la sua storia.
Hastur Lord non è il miglior romanzo darkovano, non è lontanamente paragonabile a L'erede Hastur, L'esilio di Sharra, la Torre Proibita e tanti altri, ma è aria di casa. Finalmente. Di nuovo.
Voglio dire, chiunque abbia un minimo di familiarità con Darkover sa dell'esistenza di questa regola non scritta. E sa anche che le incongruenze non sono mai particolarmente sconvolgente. Una sorella che diventa cugina, cinquant'anni che diventano quarantratre. Quindi perché mai la Ross si è sentita in dovere di aggiungere questa nota?
Il mistero diventa chiaro abbastanza presto nel libro, ma proprio nel suo svelarsi racconta già la sua fine. Evitando spoiler, è talmente evidente che, a meno di ENORMI incongruenze con i libri successivi, la fine non potesse essere che una che la suspence viene meno.
Considerazioni del genere a parte, Hastur Lord è, insindacabilmente un romanzo Darkovano. E per me, non c'è complimento migliore.
Molto prima che una scuola incantata in mezzo alla Scozia, molto prima che un popolo eletto in una pseudo Francia, molto prima di un eroe solitario ed epico in una terra dominata dall'Unico potere e dalle grette lotte degli uomini, molto prima di tutto questo e tanto altro, questo freddo pianeta dal sole rosso e dalle quattro lune è stato per me casa. Casa della mia immaginazione, casa confortevole al caldo di un camino nei saloni di Armida, casa amata al suono di un rhyll, casa mai dimenticata con i suoi proverbi, i suoi personaggi, le sue allegorie, la sua storia.
Hastur Lord non è il miglior romanzo darkovano, non è lontanamente paragonabile a L'erede Hastur, L'esilio di Sharra, la Torre Proibita e tanti altri, ma è aria di casa. Finalmente. Di nuovo.
January 29, 2010
I read the Darkover books before I was old enough to have the slightest bit of literary discernment. They offered me a world very far from the unhappy one I lived in. Some of them I can stand to re-read, but some of them are unrelievedly awful, and for the most part I prefer my memories of them to the actual books. When Bradley died in 1999, her world lived on and various others began publishing "Darkover" books based on alleged conversations with MZB or outlines left behind.
I think one of the more memorable of the original Darkover series is The Heritage of Hastur. Hastur Lord is a sequel, and one MZB talked about in print before her death. There's no way I could ignore it, once I knew it actually existed.
I must address the egregious mistakes. There's nothing like a glaring error to bring me out of the flow of a story, and there are plenty of them here. "Flout" for "flaunt" was relatively mild compared to this nonsensical combination of words:
"Regis raked his hair back from his face, pulled on the dressing robe that lay across the foot of the bed, and stumbled about in a semblance of his morning ablutions." Say what? Or this about going in to dinner: "Our brother has superceded (sic) you and is anxious for us all to be together..."
That aside, the writing just isn't very good. The plot is clunky, the dialog wooden, and the prose alternately turgid and purple. It's preachy, it's pedantic, and it fits into the canon the way a hand-carved wooden spoon fits into the ancestral silverware.
I think one of the more memorable of the original Darkover series is The Heritage of Hastur. Hastur Lord is a sequel, and one MZB talked about in print before her death. There's no way I could ignore it, once I knew it actually existed.
I must address the egregious mistakes. There's nothing like a glaring error to bring me out of the flow of a story, and there are plenty of them here. "Flout" for "flaunt" was relatively mild compared to this nonsensical combination of words:
"Regis raked his hair back from his face, pulled on the dressing robe that lay across the foot of the bed, and stumbled about in a semblance of his morning ablutions." Say what? Or this about going in to dinner: "Our brother has superceded (sic) you and is anxious for us all to be together..."
That aside, the writing just isn't very good. The plot is clunky, the dialog wooden, and the prose alternately turgid and purple. It's preachy, it's pedantic, and it fits into the canon the way a hand-carved wooden spoon fits into the ancestral silverware.
November 25, 2012
I enjoyed this book because it filled in some rather important gaps in the series, not least of what would happen when/if Regis ever became ruler of Darkover, which he was supposedly trained for his entire life. That said, I was not happy with the rather contrived plot in this story. Primarily, it seemed that Regis, a man of honor trained from birth to lead his people, is not only eager to give it over to the first eligible person, but does not care enough about his people to do any research / investigation about potential outcomes of abdicating his responsibilities.
The other characters seemed to just be there, with an amazing lack of ability to either communicate or to make decisions, or if they did make decisions they were bad ones.
I could have liked Brother Valentine, even though he was greedy. He is one of those whose motivations should have been explored further, and would have been if MZB had actually written this. If explored further all would have made senses - but I don't like having to interpret and guess on reasonings, upbringings, and motivations.
Also, I was not pleased with the grammatically correct but clumsily constructed conversation and descriptions. In particular, the description of physical movement was awkward (although some of the love scenes were well written). I probably will read the following books, if any, but will not save them, as I did this one, to enjoy during a relaxing session, but just read them as I find time, when I am doing nothing else, and am just bored. Singularly unfulfilling.
The other characters seemed to just be there, with an amazing lack of ability to either communicate or to make decisions, or if they did make decisions they were bad ones.
I could have liked Brother Valentine, even though he was greedy. He is one of those whose motivations should have been explored further, and would have been if MZB had actually written this. If explored further all would have made senses - but I don't like having to interpret and guess on reasonings, upbringings, and motivations.
Also, I was not pleased with the grammatically correct but clumsily constructed conversation and descriptions. In particular, the description of physical movement was awkward (although some of the love scenes were well written). I probably will read the following books, if any, but will not save them, as I did this one, to enjoy during a relaxing session, but just read them as I find time, when I am doing nothing else, and am just bored. Singularly unfulfilling.
April 28, 2010
I've been reading the Darkover books for, oh, maybe 20 years now and it saddens me to think that I won't be reading any more new ones. Having said that, I'm a little annoyed that there series is ending without a real look at what happened in the thousand years between Darkover Landfall and Stormqueen! - how did the religion evolve? Who settled the Dry Towns? Why does Zandru have seven cold hells? If the answers to those questions are any where in the canon, please let me know!
As with all the recent books, this one covers that part of Darkover's history post-Terran rediscovery. There are Renunciates, the Comyn and all the "usual" suspects; what sets this apart is the much larger role the cristoforos have in the plot. Terry Pratchett's Discworld series has been using that world to explore/expound/rant about modern events and idiocies and this book allows MZB to lace into Christianity and homophobia in a way she hasn't done before. I'm not sure I liked that part of the story because it tended to overshadow the other ideas (should they join the Federation? what about the Telepath Council vs. Comyn Council? etc.)
Still, it's a Darkover book and that's never a bad thing.
As with all the recent books, this one covers that part of Darkover's history post-Terran rediscovery. There are Renunciates, the Comyn and all the "usual" suspects; what sets this apart is the much larger role the cristoforos have in the plot. Terry Pratchett's Discworld series has been using that world to explore/expound/rant about modern events and idiocies and this book allows MZB to lace into Christianity and homophobia in a way she hasn't done before. I'm not sure I liked that part of the story because it tended to overshadow the other ideas (should they join the Federation? what about the Telepath Council vs. Comyn Council? etc.)
Still, it's a Darkover book and that's never a bad thing.
March 23, 2013
I found this book particularly weak. It doesn't feel like a story by itself, but more of a filler that, in all sincerity, didn't need to happen.
Ok, so now we know how Danilo and Linnea came to accept each other's love for Regis, and their places in his heart but, again, this is a filler. So we understand Ariele's trauma that left uncertain and unstable as we've seen on Exile's Song. Again, filler. The Ridenows are for the first time (chronologically) was in their evil/murder/betrayer role, to be seen again on Traitor's Sun (and onward). Filler.
It seems to me this book is about explaining things the didn't need to be explained, telling a weak story that, in a nutshell, doesn't mean anything to anyone.
As a long time Darkover lover, I have to say this is the worst book of the whole series. It is well written, but the story is a waste of time.
Deborah J Ross's prowess as a writer is the only reason I'm giving this book 2 stars, instead of 0, and also the reason I managed to stomach this book all the way to the end.
Ok, so now we know how Danilo and Linnea came to accept each other's love for Regis, and their places in his heart but, again, this is a filler. So we understand Ariele's trauma that left uncertain and unstable as we've seen on Exile's Song. Again, filler. The Ridenows are for the first time (chronologically) was in their evil/murder/betrayer role, to be seen again on Traitor's Sun (and onward). Filler.
It seems to me this book is about explaining things the didn't need to be explained, telling a weak story that, in a nutshell, doesn't mean anything to anyone.
As a long time Darkover lover, I have to say this is the worst book of the whole series. It is well written, but the story is a waste of time.
Deborah J Ross's prowess as a writer is the only reason I'm giving this book 2 stars, instead of 0, and also the reason I managed to stomach this book all the way to the end.
Read
June 18, 2010I hate it when this happens. The plot of the book just did not do it for me. And I know it is me more than it is the author because I did dip into the book at the end and towards the end to see how it ended. I read about 160-175 pages into the book before I realized I just did not want to go where the book was going.
I don't give star ratings to books I don't finish. I don't think that is fair unless I stopped and the fault with the book is very clear.
I loved the Darkover series when Marion Zimmer Bradley was writing it. I even came close to being a big time fan over the book. Close enough that she recognized me when she saw me at a World Con in Phoenix coming down an escalator. And I've read other books that Deborah Ross has written using what was in "the trunk" after Marion died. And although those books are not as good as Marion's were, they were good enough that I enjoyed them. And I do have hopes for the next one if there is a next one.
I don't give star ratings to books I don't finish. I don't think that is fair unless I stopped and the fault with the book is very clear.
I loved the Darkover series when Marion Zimmer Bradley was writing it. I even came close to being a big time fan over the book. Close enough that she recognized me when she saw me at a World Con in Phoenix coming down an escalator. And I've read other books that Deborah Ross has written using what was in "the trunk" after Marion died. And although those books are not as good as Marion's were, they were good enough that I enjoyed them. And I do have hopes for the next one if there is a next one.
May 2, 2011
I have read everything this author has written. Marion Zimmer Bradley died in 1999. The world lost an amazing and far-seeing woman who was born in the 50s. Bradley brought an early feminist perspective to her world-building and this is present in all of her books.
This particular novel deals with the ongoing political struggles of a planet that does not have much technology according to Terran standards, but the small population of the Comyn (local nobles) have psychic powers and have used them over the years for purposes both good and evil.
I would not suggest this title for readers new to the Darkover series, instead start with another great novel, Darkover Landfall, which is the chronologically the first book.
Anyone looking for a rich, complex series with amazing characters and moral and philosophical issues that make you think would be well served by dipping into this series.
This particular novel deals with the ongoing political struggles of a planet that does not have much technology according to Terran standards, but the small population of the Comyn (local nobles) have psychic powers and have used them over the years for purposes both good and evil.
I would not suggest this title for readers new to the Darkover series, instead start with another great novel, Darkover Landfall, which is the chronologically the first book.
Anyone looking for a rich, complex series with amazing characters and moral and philosophical issues that make you think would be well served by dipping into this series.
October 5, 2011
I'm waffling between 3 stars and 4 on this one. On the one hand, I was rather pleased with the quality of the writing. This is the first cowritten Darkover novel I've read, and fortunately the quality of the prose did not seem to suffer in comparison with "pure" MZB books. On the other hand, I didn't really believe the motivations and actions of the major characters in many instances, and I spent most of the book wanting to smack Regis Hastur upside the back of his head.
Incidentally -- for those who object to Rand and his ladies in the Wheel of Time series, this book brings the concept of Regis living in a stable threesome (one woman, two men) out into the open for examination (no three-way sex though, sorry!). If you have strong moral objections to such an arrangement, you might want to skip this one!
Incidentally -- for those who object to Rand and his ladies in the Wheel of Time series, this book brings the concept of Regis living in a stable threesome (one woman, two men) out into the open for examination (no three-way sex though, sorry!). If you have strong moral objections to such an arrangement, you might want to skip this one!
April 22, 2013
Thanks to the discovery of an older hidden half-brother, Regis Hastur is given the opportunity to lay down the responsibilities as leader of the Comyn. Unfortunately, Rinaldo had not been groomed for leadership and things quickly fall apart.
This book was written by Deborah Ross based on notes left by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley. It is well written, but I felt that it was a bit thin on plot and character development. All in all, if you are a fan of Darkover, the book is satisfying. There is also room for further Darkover novels and sub-plots with the re-introduction of the native species, the chieri.
This book was written by Deborah Ross based on notes left by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley. It is well written, but I felt that it was a bit thin on plot and character development. All in all, if you are a fan of Darkover, the book is satisfying. There is also room for further Darkover novels and sub-plots with the re-introduction of the native species, the chieri.
March 12, 2013
Although part of a series begun by Bradley, and which I loved when I read them while in high school, this book has been written by a younger author who was apparently selected by Bradley to continue the series after her death. Not the first time this has happened -- the Oz books were continued by several writers after Baum's death, there's Nancy Drew, and more recently, such icons as Andre Norton. Folks, it never works. This book was dull, much too much talking, and really quite unbelievable characters. The long lost brother who has lived as a monk all his life suddenly becomes power mad and declares himself king? And everyone else lets it happen? Just didn't work for me.
November 28, 2015
Well, we now know Regis has a failing, and that's to assume everyone is as noble as he is. Hated Rinaldo from the start. The creepy smile, the weirdly ambitious and greedy crap that didn't gibe with the monk shtick. Dani saw it. I spent 9/10 of this book screaming it at Regis, but he wouldn't listen. I kept hoping Lew Alton would zip home and bolster the good guys before everything went to shit.
Dan Lawton's wife was similarly creepy from the first time we saw her, and if that first meeting when the zealots came together wasn't a giant red flag, nothing is.
The ending is a mixed bag, some happy endings, some loss, some just desserts. Not my favorite Darkover entry by far.
Dan Lawton's wife was similarly creepy from the first time we saw her, and if that first meeting when the zealots came together wasn't a giant red flag, nothing is.
The ending is a mixed bag, some happy endings, some loss, some just desserts. Not my favorite Darkover entry by far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews