Non-fiction Books

I found this book around the house, no idea who bought it or when, and read it over the last week in bits before falling asleep, or waiting in the car, then finishing the last 100 pages this afternoon.

Sam Shepard tells the kind of stories we all wish we had experienced - acting in movies, serious action, funny exploits, deep emotions. Lots of surprising twists, the narrator often detaches himself from the callow preoccupations of lesser mortals.

The brevity of some of the tales and the lack of continuity are offset by the continuing exposure of novel incidents and thoughts. It reminded me of sitting in front of a TV and flipping through the channels.

It was good enough that I ordered more Shepard writing from Amazon.

Through Cruising Paradise the voice of Sam Shepard kept me company during a week or two. I read his fragmented stories before falling asleep and felt at ease. I think it's the way he uses the language; lucid, clear, to the point, intense. The language flows and takes you to the images of endless roads, wide open spaces and the people who live there or just drive through it . You can feel the heat, you can hear the conversations, while all the time, in the back of your head Shepards voice leads you. He doesn't describe the situations in very much detail, he just lets the people talk, or think and that's enough. Wonderful experience. I believe it is the art of leaving out, to show what's there, in language and in imagery. Hope to find this again.

What can I say! This is simply the best book I've ever read! Shepard's short stories strike you right in the hart in a way other authors only can dream about. Who can for example ever forget about the boy with his drunken father in the desert, or the actor who travels by car from L.A. down to the djungles of Mexico? No other author I have read have so completly spellbound me before, and I have read all of the so called great authors. One can only hope that the Nobel foundation discovers the greatness in Shepard.

Cruising Paradise is a lean muscular book. The writing is sometimes brutal and always powerful. His writing is reminiscent of Hemingway and Jim Harrison, but with a Southwestern flair and a stronger sense of immediacy. It is not the plots or so much the characters in the story that drive the book, but the sense of movement and restlessness in the stories peppered with stoicism that make his stories so interesting. His stories seem to be autobiographical, even those he clearly passes off as fiction. Recommended stories in the book are Nuevo Mundo, A Small Company of Friends, and Cruising Paradise. If you are sick of reading books that seemed contrived or cliche' give this one a look.

While reading this book, I had to stop more than a few times either to catch my breath or close my eyes and let what I just read sink in. I grew up down on the Mexican border, and Shepard's descriptions of events in that part of the world rang true, and were written in a terse manner, as is appropriate for the setting and characters. Brilliant.

This is the third in the Moosepath series of books by Van Reid and it maintains his exemplary standard of good writing and is a delight. The story makes a great winter read as it uses all the atmosphere of the season - winter snowstorms, crackling log fires, spooky deserted houses. It follows on from the previous novel Mollie Peer although this story is complete and can stand on its own; but if I you intend to read Mollie Peer (and I recommend it most hightly) it would be best to read this novel after Mollie Peer or you will know what happens in Mollie Peer. This really is good wholesome storytelling at its best - not a watered-down-to-not-offend wholesomeness; but a rich, life-affirming novel of loveable characters in a rollicking laughter-filled old-fashioned tale that will bring tears of joy and sadness. READ THESE BOOKS!

if, like me, you're a bit plugged up from reading irvine welsh, noam chomsky, dave eggers, etc. van reid's "daniel plainway" might just do the trick.

i picked this up on a whim and afterward was scared i had gotten myself into something that was going to be a bit "precious and old-people-y", though i held on to a glimmer of hope due to the fact that "the onion" had read and liked the book.

in the end i couldn't put the thing down -- partly due to the author's way of jumping from storyline to storyline on a chapter by chapter basis, but mainly due to the fact that it was a delightful read. it reminded me more than a little bit of a rural american sherlock holmes adventure (the story is set in 1890s maine), but with tongue planted firmly in cheek (never irritatingly so though).

i won't divulge any details of the storyline, but i will say that i thought the book peaked about 2/3 in (when all the various threads finally came together) and after that it slowed down a bit. not bad, but perhaps mildly disappointing after such a fantastic build-up. one other point of note: if like me, you find yourself wanting to read the first two books in the series after finishing this one, you'll realise you've been given too many spoilers about book 2. will this affect your enjoyment of book 2? dunno. i haven't started that one yet... but i know how it ends.

i don't think you can go wrong with this one. regardless of your age or interests, a bit of good clean old-time book reading fun is coming your way.

Van Reid is just a great story teller. This is the best (so far) in his Moosepath trilogy.

Hurray for the Moosepath League!! Maine novelist Van Reid now has published a series of his comic, sweet novels, each more pleasurable than the last, featuring Tobias Walton and his companions Ephram, Eagleton and Thump. His most recent offering, Daniel Plainway: Or the Holiday Haunting of the Moosepath League, is the perfect Christmastime or winter fireside book. Woven with so many pleasurable amiable asides and subplots, the main story about a kidnaped boy and ancient Norse writings seems almost an afterthought. To take one example, Walton, whom Reid describes as "himself a pearl, and good things did seem to surround him", starts the novel losing his hat in a sudden wind; the peregrinations of that topper itself, and the goodwill it seems to bear from its owner, flow delightfully through the story. In another delightful scene, Reid waxes rhapsodically on the perfect qualities of snow for snowballs, leading to a delightful snowfall fight involving the novel's heros, villains, and local youngsters. A particularly pleasurable turn for me, a former classicist, is that the interpretation of the writings depends on hearing the Greek spoken in a seemingly nonsensical English phrase, "she'll bust her feeding." Although always lighthearted, Reid's novel is not without serious purpose, as expressed in the dialogue as to whether "there are so many people in the world willing to drive tragedy" or whether "there are as many, more, really, who are willing to put things right." In Reid's world, those who good-heartedly "put things right" - most especially the comical Moosepath League - predominate. I finished his book with a fair certainty that the same prevailed in my own place and time.

'Daniel Plainway' is the third foray into the adventures of The Moosepath League for Van Reid, following 'Cordelia Underwood' and 'Mollie Peer'. If you have not read those volumes, do so now.

In this episode, the charter members of The Mossepath League encounter their alter egos in the form of the Dash-it-All Boys, while the other members of the league match themselves against a secret society, obsessed with discovering lost Viking riches, known as the Broumnage Club.

These adventures, however, are once again woven into the fabric of the continuing story of Bird, a small boy whose story has been heretofore a mystery, in great Van Reid style. That is to say brilliantly. Reid's talent for intertwining story threads is unmatched by any author in my eclectic library, and it is a singular pleasure to find recurring, peripheral characters scattered about the pages of 'Daniel Plainway', as well as 'Mollie Peer'. When these characters appear, it is sometimes to deliver a funny anecdote or story, or to be merely a small participant in an ongoing conversation; and whether identified by name, or left for me to surmise their identity myself, I always feel like a participant in an inside joke.

I would love to apprise you as to the identity of Daniel Plainway, or hint at how he is connected to young Bird, but I feel I would be diminishing your reading pleasure, not enhancing it. The best turn I could do for you, in regards to this review, is stress upon you the joy you will have in reading Van Reid's chronicles of The Moosepath League, starting with 'Cordelia Underwood', then 'Mollie Peer' and ending with 'Daniel Plainway'.

I feel confident when you are finished with this trio, you will be anticipating the fourth installment in this saga as eagerly as I am.

This is such a wonderful story its editing flaws (lots, but not fatal) can be brushed aside. The characters are mostly familiar if you ever took studies about the Mediterranean gods--Ares, etc.,--but the main character of Niala is new. She's amazing. A goddes who doesn't know that's what she is. The visuals of this book, and the dizzying plot, and the passions (both the steamy and non-steamy variety)will take your breath away.

If you like a terrific, exciting, sexy, emotional story, get this book!

IMMORTAL JOURNEY, the DEATH of INNOCENCE
I have not been a fan of Science fiction, Westerns or Mythological books. I am too much of a snob, to waste my time reading the likes of these books. I read Death of Innocence as a favor to a friend. Much to my surprise, I had to force myself to stop reading it. I enjoyed the book so much; I would only allow myself to read one chapter at a sitting. I read three other books; during the time it took me to finish this one. I knew it would come to an end, as I read each chapter, and then set the book aside, for a day or so before getting drawn back into web of enjoyment. It was a treat and agony to sit down and read only one chapter. I have but the final chapter to read, and have put it on hold for a week now. The book sitting
next to my recliner, tempting me to finish the final pages. I DO NOT WANT TO FINISH THE BOOK.
I know the book says Volume I, But when will Volume II, be out?

I can count the fiction authors I read on one hand. I'm adding Ruth Souther to the list of James Michener and Jean Auel. Souther's slant on Greek mythology makes for an exciting read. It makes me want to review my text books on Greek mythology so I can imagine where she'll take me next. After the cliffhanger of an ending, it's the only thing I can do while I wait for the next volume. I anxiously await the next page turner, although the first one kept me up way past my bedtime. I just couldn't put it down. Thanks for a great story Ruth.

Intricately woven tale, beautifully written. Ms. Souther's use of the language transports the reader with graphic description of mythical locales. Once started, it was hard to put down. A refreshing view of the constant need for balance in the world. Looking forward Volume 2.

This book is great. Not being a fan of fantasy, I approached it not expecting to ever feel compelled to write a review. I got hooked immediately. The characters are very real. Souther makes the reader care about them, and feel sympathetic about the dilemia that each of them finds himself/herself in. As it is fantasy, the reader has to accept some "truths", in order to enjoy the book. Not a problem. I got into the parallel god world that same way I did Harry Potter's broom. The author makes you a believer. The plot is interesting and intricate, but not confusing. Her descriptions are complete without being wordy. Buy the book, you won't regret it and then sit back and wait for her to write the next one.

I first read this one about fifteen years ago and I was very impressed. There's always the risk when you revisit childhood favourites - you might find them utterly daft. Not this one! While the book is somewhat naive - it's a book for kids, after all - it was still quite charming.

After an apocalypse of sorts, group of people locked themselves in Arc One, trying to maintain knowledge through the dark ages. The society has become a rigid class society: lords on top, workers in the middle, slaves on the bottom with soldiers controlling them.

Main character Tomi is a son of a lord, part of the ruling elite. When he comes of age, he's given proper access to the information databases. Unfortunately there's a slave rebellion, which ends up with Tomi being tossed out of the Arc. What a strange world he finds outside!

It's a lovely, positive story. I'd recommend this to kids that are into science fiction without a doubt - and also to adults, looking for a quick and pleasant read. (Review based on the Finnish translation.)

I've re-read several times and I love reading evey word or punciation mark of it. The twists in the plot makes the classic sci-fi story oine an unbelievable read. It the kind of book that lingers in your head and mentailly forces me to write a sequal to "The Dream Catcher" and "Devil on my Back" with my mind; using he brillantly made characters in different situations with different characters. it's immense! I wish Monica Hughes could could develop a series of these Ark stories!

Gratefully Written by,

Caroline D.

Devil on my back- Simply outstanding!, June 22, 2005
A Kid's Review
I've re-read several times and I love reading every word or punciation mark of it. The twists in the plot make the classic sci-fi story line an unbelievable read. It the kind of book that lingers in your head and mentally forces me to write a sequel to "The Dream Catcher" and "Devil on my Back" with my mind; using her brilliantly made characters in different situations with different characters. It's immense! I wish Monica Hughes could develop a series of these Ark stories!

Gratefully Written by,

Caroline D.

this book was a really well written book. i am just starting to read her books and they are really interesting. i read the isis series and i recomend that to anyone who likes science fiction. i can't wait to read the seqiul to this book!

I haven't read this book before but i'm looking forward to reading it. The summary on the back is very incisive and informative. I'm in my first year of high school and i had to choose a book to write an essay on. I chose this book for it's good title and summary! I really hope i enjoy reading this book!

I just returned from Napa Valley and particularly enjoyed reading about the harvest and scenery as described by the author.

The characters we're well planned and described. I hope that as the series continues we learn more about them and what makes them tick, both the good and the bad.

I thought the author did a good job of telling a clever story. The answer to "who done it' wasn't obvious but the author didn't take the easy way out and withhold clues to make the culprit impossible for the reader to figure for him or herself.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I don't normally read fiction. (As my previous reviews indicate.) I had just finished reading a beautiful big coffee table book - "Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley" by Michael Chiarello. I was certainly in the mood.

Author Nadia Gordon did her homework about the Napa Valley. As a biologist I wasn't sure the glassy-winged sharpshooter was an actual insect. Well, it certainly is. She creates a very real "sense of place" about this world famous valley. She weaves in a lot about wine making, believable local politics, society and personal relationships.

I guess I am being a little bit picky, but I wish the book were a little bit longer to flesh out some of the characters more. However, this is the first of a series, so I guess it is a complement that I would like to know the characters better. The only other comment would be one of the main characters is named Rivka. It is a little bit difficult to mentally pronounce.

I must admit it was a great read and I look forward to the rest of the series.

this book was really great. I hope nadia gordon will match this book's superbness with her next one. can't wait! she expresses the napa wine valley beatifully and makes the story easy to follow.

If you love Napa, the wineries, the bistros, the relaxation, you'll love this mystery! Nadia Gordon weaves a wonderful story, full of friendship and memorable characters - not to mention the scenery. Sit down with a glass of Pinot Noir and read this book!

Especially nice if you know the Napa Valley and if you like to speculate on just WHO in real life would make the best verisons of the fictional characters in this easy-to-read, enjoyable book. I even learned how to enjoy that left-over red wine the morning after!

Good read, nice holiday gift along with a bottle of a great Napa Rutherford Cabernet!

When future psychologist and temporary bartender Liz Prescott seed quiet and shy Mark McAlister nursing a drink, she knows he needs her help. All the unassuming accountant needs to do is boost his confidence.. and get rid of that boring wardrobe. Once the transformation is complete, Mark can have any woman he wants. But what Liz never expects is that underneath the geeky glasses and bad haircut Mark is perfect... for her.

Jane Sullivan has turned the Pygmalion tale upside down! Liz and Mark are two characters readers will adore.

Too bad the story had to end. Thank you, Jane Sullivan, for such a great beach read!

BETWEEN THE COVERS by Cathie Linz is a laugh out loud keeper. A librarian named Paige Turner has to help cop Shane Huntington find the "Perfect Wife" with hysterical results. I loved the scene with the grandmother! What a great book! I have all of this author's books on my keeper shelf -- she's always a great read!

I've heard some people say romance doesn't represent "real life." Well, those people haven't read this book. We all know this hero and heroine. We like them. And we're pulling for them the whole book through. This author really made me care for the couple. And I loved her writing. It's funny and intelligent. It isn't often that an author can make me really laugh out loud when I'm reading, but Jane Sullivan accomplished it. Brava! I'll be picking up the rest of her books in a skinny minute.

This is definitely a Duet worth reading!

Cathie Linz' story, "Between The Covers" tells the tale of Paige Turner, a woman destined by her name to become a librarian. She's a "nice" woman, and becomes friends with Detective Shane Huntington, the Huntington family's black sheep. It seems he turned his back on his family's tradition of becoming proctologists by joining the police force, and they've never quite forgiven him. In order to meet conditions of an inheritance, he has to get married to a woman who meets a set of exacting conditions. Of course he turns to Paige the librarian for help in finding the perfect wife.

This was an amusing and fast-paced story. It had some classic themes of the genre - Paige's transformation in designer gowns, snobbish family members, the answer to Shane's dilemma being right before his eyes, etc. - but they were all done with style and wit. It was a very enjoyable story.

Jane Sullivan's "The Matchmaker's Mistake" is another excellent example of why I'm always on the lookout for one of her books. Her stories never fail to entertain. This story tells the tale of Mark McAlister, accountant. He's up for a coveted partnership in his firm, but he can see his chances slowly diminishing because he has neither the style nor the connections nor the trophy wife to advance the interests of the firm. Mark is not a one-dimensional character; he's overcome a lot in his earlier life to get where he is today, and it has scarred him. He goes to a bar to try to meet his perfect future wife, and is ultimately taken under the wing of Liz Prescott, the bartender. Liz takes pity on him and decides to take him in hand and help him achieve his goal.

This story was a version of Pygmalion in reverse. Liz is the free spirit who is trying to loosen up up Mark and recreate his image. Both characters were wonderful, the writing sharp and humorous, and the romance lovely. This book is definitely a keeper.

This was the first book I had read by this author, I found her style captivating.She has the ability of making the personality become real in one's world.I wanted the book to go on and on.

I've read this book several times over the last 10 years. This time, it had been packed away after a move and I hadn't seen it in quite a while. When I pulled it out of a box I was searching through for something else, I immediately sat down to read it again. I would love to pass it on to my daughter, who is 14, but I had forgotten about some of the more "romantic" scenes. Someday, though, I know she'll enjoy it as much as I have. This is just one of those books that you carry with you forever. Treat yourself to this one and you'll be glad you did.

I'm always looking for books about Africa. The fact that Ms. Bickmore has never been to Africa was an initial turn-off. It's strange to me that she didn't travel there before using it as a setting for her book. So I think that her descriptions of Africa was what a well-read American would expect. From my limited travel in African (five trips to East and South Africa), I'd say she did that part pretty well.

As to the story itself, it's all about indendent women and the price they pay for that independence. Her three women all married (or committed) too young!

What can I say, I absolutely loved this book. I hated for it to end. I was so drawn in right from the beginning and stayed that way through the entire book. The characters were well developed and believable. I have read three of Bickmores other books and loved all of them as well, but this one is my favorite.

This book is absolutely the best book I have ever read. I've read it about 5 times(both books)and I just love it. It's catching, you can't tear yourself from it until you're finished. You feel like your right there, living their lives and I cry everytime I read the sad parts. I recommend this book to everyone, read it, you won't be the same.

It is sad that John Chrisopher isn't more well known.
Unlike his other books that deal with sci-fi themes like space ships and aliens, Empty World deals strictly with reality and in many ways is all the more chilling because of it.
I have only ever found it in Children's libraries, which is a shame because even though this book is short (easily read in an evening) it is a very thought provoking examination of the nature of being human.
I first read it in 7th grade and now that I am 27, I am happy to report that the book is still as powerful as ever and has the same effect as a really good Twilight Zone episode.

I had read many of Christophers books before and found Empty World after looking through the library under Christphers name. It is the best book that I have ever read. In amost ten years of further reading I have not found a book so deep, moving and realistic that has captured my imagination and sent my mind reeling. I have read Empty World about 15 times now and it is still as gripping as the first time.

Read this first as a 14 year old and at that age it made a real impression on me, more so than the classics you get fed at that age. I was reminded of this great book a while ago when I moved to Dulwich (the setting of the family home for the lead character)
Just having turned 30 and with a stressful job in the city I felt the need to be 14 again for an evening. I went in search of a copy yet was disappointed to find the book out of print and not in any library close-by. The copies available from booksellers came at a price but I parted with my hard earned cash and once again enjoyed Empty World. I would highlight the parallels between adolescence / turning 30 /standing looking out on the threshold of responsibility, feeling lonely and vulnerable but there are people who could do a much better job then me. To sum-up, well, its a great book.
I will be lending my copy to mates if I see them getting wound too tight, but only if they can promise not to bend the page edges...

Young Neil Miller is orphaned following a car accident of which he is the sole survivour. He goes to live with his grandparents and whilst there, civilisation is almost entirely wiped out by a plaguee of pregoria. This is a disease which causes premature ageing in younger people. Neil must learn to survive alone and meets two girls in London and the fact that 'three is a crowd' makes for an interesting conclusion...

It's too bad that fiction written for young adults is also written off by literary critics - if not, I couldn't imagine a work deserving higher praise than Christopher's "Empty World," which accomplishes the near-impossible task of rejuvenating the stale genres of coming-of-age novel, apocalyptic novel, and survival novel, all wrapped up into a touching, insightful, and compelling story.

The power of Christopher's fiction relies largely on a simple device: his heroes are never the biggest, strongest, or even smartest in their environments. They are usually quiet, unassuming, and have the great misfortune to be witnesses and unwilling participants in Events (often catastrophic). In the most heartbreaking scene in "Empty World," the hero finds another boy his age who has just committed suicide, only to realize that that boy was otherwise more intelligent and more capable of survival than he. With these kinds of realizations generating the plot, you can see that this is no ordinary teen fiction.

In "Empty World", the hero is emotionally dead long before a devastating virus sweeps the planet clean - and he begins to come alive (metaphorically) only after the rest of the world dies off (literally). His quest to find survivors turns into a near-parody of Sartre's "Huis Clos," as they struggle with their ability - or inability - to live together at all.

It's an amazing work from start to finish, full of beautifully painted atmosphere, well-drawn characters, leisurely pacing, and a helluva emotional wallop. Such a pity that the book is so difficult to find anymore. :-/

This was the first Wing Commander book I read and I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it. It tells the story of mission conducted by a new light carrier, Tarawa, and its pilots and marines as they conduct a suicidal mission on the enemy homeworld. The main body of the story, dealing with the light carrier Tarawa, was exciting, fast-paced and a great ride. A brief prologue wasn't necessary but still set the story up well, and I enjoyed reading it.

Even though some aspects of the story, whether dialogue or relationships, seemed a little cliche, they were written with enough heart and emotion to feel genuine. Main character Jason "Bear" Bondarevsky had enough depth and introspection to avoid becoming a fighter jock sterotype. He often questions the barbarism he sees in war, especially compared to the Marines that bunk aboard Tarawa who do things like collect Kilrathi ears as trophies. The book does a good job of showing that the Marines see the dirtier and more personal impact of war compared to the pilots, without being too heavy handed in its stance on war in general.

This book is great pulp science fiction with some heavy issues discussed in an way appropriate the tone of the story. You'll be cheering on the Tarawa as it tries to survive its mission.

I have read all the Wing Commander novels even the horrible ones written for the movie, which in and of itself was a horror, and I believe this is the best book of the series. Yet, I wonder of all the books why this won hasn't been reprinted? None of the other books in the series are as complening and captivating as this book.Without giving to much away, the plot seems to be a combination of the World War Two Dolittle Raid, and the Battle of Midway and like the US Naval the Confed fleet is outnumbered, out gunned, and the Kilrathi like the Japanese are winning the war, but out numbered and stretched to the limit the humans in the ConFederation have to take an all or nothing through of the dice on a plan that has almost no chance of success. Read the Book and Find out if the Confederation hits the heart of the Kilrathi, their homeworld, or we lose? Find the book, the answers will surprise you, the cost will be high, and don't stop reading to the end.

I know this probably won't help those who are looking for this book, but all I can say is that it's worth it in the end. It's one of the best Wing Commander novels that I have ever read, and I really hope that you find the book. So don't give up. You'll find it. I did...

I finally found this book on my own at a local used book store and, needless to say, I was excited. This book was great. Well, the first part, "Milk Run", was a little stale, but the bulk of the story, "End Run", was masterful. There was a lot of great action and interesting characters. I liked how Kevin Tolwyn transformed from a spoiled rich brat into a mature soldier of the Confederation. Though not as good as Fleet Action, End Run was a superb novel set in the Wing Commander Universe and I, for one, am glad I found it.

Stasheff sets them up, while Forstchen knock's em down. This book is a one-two punch for any fan of the PC video game, but also simply as a tale of science-fiction. It is broken up into two parts, a short story which acts as a 'prologue' (Milk Run, written by Stasheff) that will just rip your heart out with deep characterization and plot; the title 'novel' portion, written by Forstchen, follows up the result of the short story with continuation of the character Jason 'Bear' Bonderevsky aboard a slapped-together escort carrier _Tarawa_. Where Stasheff rips your heart out, Forstchen stomps on it with character interaction and the tragedy that is war. The last scene in this book always brings me to tears. I highly recommend this novel, and urge you to hit up one of the auctioneers or go to a used book store. This book is sadly out of print!

Cugel has made a mistake. He has been caught, and by a wizard that could pretty easily blast him into being an ex-Cugel.

Instead, the wizard sends him on a quest. Said wizard will let
Cugel live if Cugel can bring him back one of the Eyes of the
Overworld. A lot easier said than done, of course.

Dying Earth : 2 Eyes of the Overworld - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 1 The Overworld - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 2 Cil - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 3 The Mountains of Magnatz - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 4 The Sorcerer Pharesm - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 5 The Pilgrims - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 6 The Cave in the Forest - Jack Vance
Eyes of the Overworld : 7 The Manse of Iucounu - Jack Vance


Cugel busted and drafted.

3.5 out of 5


Poison, no magic and monsters.

3 out of 5


Cugel finds female companions vexing.

3 out of 5


Stone patterns and philosophy.

3 out of 5


Bemusing bunch with a spot of swordplay and harpooning.

3 out of 5


Collared into spelunking.

3.5 out of 5


Mastering magicians can make poetic justice boomerang.

4 out of 5

I first read this engrossing story when I was 18 and living in the barracks in Germany in 1975. After I read it, almost everyone who could read in my Tank Batallion(killer tank, not water tank) read it and I never saw my copy again. It brings back so many memories to read again of Cugel the Clever and dream of the cusps. Tho' now I am 50 years of age.

Set in the time of Vance's Dying Earth series, when our sun is on the verge of going dark forever, we are introduced to one of Vance's more remarkable creations: Cugel - a/k/a, Cugel the Clever (as he refers to himself).

In the annals of fiction, Cugel is without doubt in a class by himself. He is anti-hero rather than hero - egotistical beyond belief, selfish beyond all doubt, vain as a peacock, and with an inflated sense of self-worth that would put a greek god to shame.

Caught in an attempt to steal from a powerful wizard, Cugel is exiled rather than slain, sent by that very magician on an impossible quest halfway around the world. In a world populated by monsters, madmen, magicians and mayhem, Cugel's odds for success are almost non-existent. Added to his burden is the fact that the magician, in an attempt to spur Cugel to success, has attached a demonic creature to Cugel's spleen; if Cugel delays overlong in accomplishing his mission, the creature will kill him. But Cugel, who aptly styles himself "Cugel the Clever" is nothing if not resourceful; with pluck, bravado and Narcissian vanity, he sets about accomplishing his mission via outrageous schemes and outlandish scams.

In short, the book is an absolute delight; laced with action, humor, and magic, it is an easy read that you won't easily forget and won't want to end.

I first read "The Eye of the Overworld" in 1965 in the serialisation in MF&SF when the name Jack Vance meant little to me. A generation later my original soft-cover copy has fallen apart with over-use...fortunately a later copy still serves me well when I want to forget about mortgages and school fees ! I can dip into the book at almost any part....Azenomei Fair, the river, the Silver Desert, Iucounu's manse....to be transported for a while to the strange world of the dying earth. Cugel must be the most engaging scoundrel in fantastic literature, combining low cunning, self-interest,and innocent amorality with the survival instincts of a sewer rat.The great humour of this book is brought out by Jack Vance's mastery of English and love of resounding phrases, when even an inn-keeper speaks like a character from Jane Austen.I mean, would you like someone to answer,"Such was the specific appelation" or "Yes"? The combination of bizzarre characters, creatures, and situations makes "The Eyes of the Overworld" my favorite Vance book,a book to read again and again as the wonders therein are unending.

Jack Vance's Dying Earth Series, of which 'The Eyes of The Overworld' is an integral part, takes place far in the future when the sun is a bloated red orb that may wink out at any moment. Denizens of this time are a technoglogically backward and disaffected lot. The setting of this story is when human history is at its end. Everything possible has been tried and tried again. Indeed, every molecule of air has been breathed before by countless individuals.

Anti-hero of this decaying world is Cugel, raconteur and self-serving everyman. Through the caprice of a magician Cugel is sent to a far-flung corner of the Dying Earth to retrieve items that the magician covets. His return, if it is to be effected, will be by any means that he can manage.

Vance's descriptions of his world are vivid. The plot is picaresque and linear and Cugel's motivation(s) to get home adds momentum to the tale. Vance's underlying philosopy may seem mordant to those raised on the Hollywood ethos, but the reader eventually realizes that no one cares for Cugel but Cugel. The Dying Earth stories take up an oft-neglected theme in literature; that of the individual against everything. Antagonists abound and surcease of life's travails seems almost impossibly far off.

However, what really distinguishes Vance's work is his use of dialogue. Best described as mannerist, characters speak in an archaic, overly-detailed mode that is at the same time descriptive, emotionally evocative., and humorous. While a pleasure to read, it is doubtful that this dialogue could ever be convincingly spoken. Accordingly, one should not expect audiobook formats of Vance's work anytime soon.

'Eyes of the Overworld' is followed by the excellent 'Cugel's Saga' wherin the same plot is reworked in an entirely different way. The other main component of the Dying Earth stories is a collection of short stories with the same name as the title of the series. The series is not for everyone, especially those who favor Harlequin-type plots and characters.