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jonathanpalfrey's review
3.0
This one is more hectic and exciting than the first book in the series (although that was by no means dull). It's a page-turner, which I found hard to put down, although I've read it before.
Another way of putting it is that it's moving more briskly through the plot and now lingering less over particular scenes and background details. It's a sequel worth reading, but I find it slightly less enjoyable and memorable than the first book, despite the welcome entrance of Tarani as a major female character.
The scenario is now less novel: the series has done with the introduction and is getting down to business.
We start to find out more about the politics of Gandalara and about the significance of the Ra'ira.
Another way of putting it is that it's moving more briskly through the plot and now lingering less over particular scenes and background details. It's a sequel worth reading, but I find it slightly less enjoyable and memorable than the first book, despite the welcome entrance of Tarani as a major female character.
The scenario is now less novel: the series has done with the introduction and is getting down to business.
We start to find out more about the politics of Gandalara and about the significance of the Ra'ira.
tessisreading2's review
3.0
I'm really enjoying this series, although the writing is definitely what I'd characterize as "old school" - at times it feels like reading, I don't know, a Dungeons & Dragons manual or something, as the author/narrator waxes professorial on the anthropological tendencies of a particular city-state. That said, the lack of sexism is really nice and this book introduces Tarani, a complex and interesting female lead who has an ongoing romantic/sexual relationship with someone other than our hero and a past as a sex worker (which was pragmatic and survival-based, albeit not regretted, rather than sexy-glamorous). The ongoing mystery remains unsolved so it's on to the next book in the series.
manwithanagenda's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Just as Rikardon is begining to adjust to his new world and situation, his body's past catches up to him. Markasset ran up some heavy debts, but the man he owes isn't going to be satisfied by only money...that sounds like sexual innuendo. Leaving it!
Forced to leave Raithskar in a hurry, Rikardon seeks out the Sharith, the ancient military organization and the only other people who have bonded with the Sha'um, the giant warcats.
This is much in the same line, the 'Gandalara Cycle' continues here with one very important addition, the illusionist Tarani. Before she entered the scene the only female characters were a soppy girlfriend/fiance of Markasset's, a great-Aunt (yes, she's sassy), and capable wives. Tarani still has some breaking-out to do as yet but she is precisely what this series needed to really get off the ground.
'The Steel of Raithskar' was the only book that was completed before Garrett was struck with encephalitis and could no longer write. His wife and co-writer finished up the series based off of extensive outlines they had written out at the start of the project. I'm not sure if Heydron's influence is fully felt yet but, no offense to Garrett, I remember a lot of the he-men of the desert shtick fading away after awhile.
The bond between Rikardon and Keeshah is explored more fully, with plenty of humor. I know this series came first, but I kept being reminded of the lazy cat-man mechanic from the late-80s comic book 'Dynamo Joe' (note to self: see if there was a trade paperback of that released).
Gandalara Cycle
Next: 'The Bronze of Eddarta'
Previous: 'The Steel of Raithskar'
My Review of Gandalara Omnibus 1
Forced to leave Raithskar in a hurry, Rikardon seeks out the Sharith, the ancient military organization and the only other people who have bonded with the Sha'um, the giant warcats.
This is much in the same line, the 'Gandalara Cycle' continues here with one very important addition, the illusionist Tarani. Before she entered the scene the only female characters were a soppy girlfriend/fiance of Markasset's, a great-Aunt (yes, she's sassy), and capable wives. Tarani still has some breaking-out to do as yet but she is precisely what this series needed to really get off the ground.
'The Steel of Raithskar' was the only book that was completed before Garrett was struck with encephalitis and could no longer write. His wife and co-writer finished up the series based off of extensive outlines they had written out at the start of the project. I'm not sure if Heydron's influence is fully felt yet but, no offense to Garrett, I remember a lot of the he-men of the desert shtick fading away after awhile.
The bond between Rikardon and Keeshah is explored more fully, with plenty of humor. I know this series came first, but I kept being reminded of the lazy cat-man mechanic from the late-80s comic book 'Dynamo Joe' (note to self: see if there was a trade paperback of that released).
Gandalara Cycle
Next: 'The Bronze of Eddarta'
Previous: 'The Steel of Raithskar'
My Review of Gandalara Omnibus 1
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