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Title: Beowulf's Children by Jerry Pournelle, Steven Barnes, Larry Niven ISBN: 0-8125-2496-9 Publisher: Tor Science Fiction Pub. Date: 15 November, 1996 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.41 (39 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Fitting sequel
Comment: The trio of authors involved in this have to be commended for not basically rewriting the first book with different characters, which I think is what a lot of people expected/hoped for considering the hostile reviews this (and "The Gripping Hand" another sequel in the same vein) have garnered. Of course they can't capture the magic of the first book because that was all about the shock of the new . . . but they gamely try here and almost succeed. If you haven't figured it out yet, reading this book is absolutely useless without first having at least a passing knowledge of the Legacy of Heorot, this expands the story twenty years beyond the end of that book (one of the problems is that there was no pressing need for a sequel, the first book wrapped itself up fairly well and neatly) and follows new and old characters as a new generation grows up on the planet of Avalon and gets ready to grab the torch and settle the planet. The Grendel Wars of twenty years ago are long forgotten and the generation gap is in full force here with the "Earthborn" and "Starborn" undergoing quite a bit of friction with each other. This book is highly entertaining and you'll find yourself devouring large chunks of it in a sitting, it's not a weighty philosophical book, mostly adventure with a bunch of science thrown in to dazzle the readers. Part of the problem is it tries to be everything at once and winds up being gigantic without really satisfying any of those parts. It's a scientific exploration of Avalon, delving into the flora and fauna with typical Niven zeal, and I have to admit his ideas are dazzling, the place feels both alien and familiar at the same time. But it's also a vague attempt at social commentary, with the more conversation adults warring with the far more liberal values of their children . . . however there's also a big focus on sex for no apparent reason. They handle the large cast well and while it's hard to get a feel for the newer group, a lot of the older characters are deepened by this treatment, especially Cadmann, who while being the hero was very one note at times. Lastly it's a tense adventure thriller but the tension never really develops until the end and while it is rewarding, you spend a lot of time wondering where this is all eventually going. The resolution is a tad fuzzy, especially when it comes to motivations but those are all just quibbles. The book may not win any awards but it's well crafted and enjoyable for all its bulk and a welcome revisiting of a fascinating planet. Those wanting to go beyond The Legacy may want to look here but don't expect a carbon copy.
Rating: 2
Summary: Nothing but an interlude...
Comment: I am a big fan of Niven/Pournelle/Barnes, however this book really was nothing more than a long and only somewhat entertaining interlude in the Legacy series. I was extremely disappointed with the ending and it was even more disappointing not to find another sequel. If this is truly the end, don't bother. If there is ever a final book to finish a trilogy, this book may be worth reading to get to the end of the story, but as it is, it leaves you hanging with a lousy ending with more new questions than answers.
It was so disappointing that it almost makes me sorry that I started the series. I really hope that the authors will come up with a fantastic book that really closes everything up, but since it may never come, I recommend anyone considering this book (plus Legacy) to wait to buy it until (if) a final sequel comes out - otherwise you will be as disappointed as I am.
Rating: 5
Summary: Great Sci Fi Book!
Comment: This book really explores the idea of what life in a coloney on another planet might be like. Easy to get lost in for a while. Also, there is a book that came before this one called Legacy of Heorot. Pick up both books and enjoy. I had the books in soft covers and when I finished I bought both books in hardcover to have in my library. I know I will be reading them again!
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Title: The Legacy of Heorot by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Steven Barnes ISBN: 0671640941 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pub. Date: July, 1987 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: Fallen Angels by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Michael Flynn ISBN: 0743471814 Publisher: Baen Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Protector by Larry Niven ISBN: 0345353129 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 12 September, 1987 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: The Man-Kzin Wars II by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Dean Ing, S. M. Stirling ISBN: 0671720368 Publisher: Baen Books Pub. Date: July, 1994 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: The Burning City by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle ISBN: 0671036610 Publisher: Pocket Books Pub. Date: 22 May, 2001 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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