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Stories from New Tibet
Common and Precious
Born to a life of privilege on the poverty-ridden ice planet of New Tibet, Melinda lives high above the masses, until a brutal attack on her family thrusts her into the lives of a ragged, desperate band of outlaws. In her struggles to escape them and avoid the sinister Shivers, a crime syndicate bent on tracking her down, she will learn how the people of New Tibet really live -- and how they die.
299 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2007
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 4, 2018
Common and Precious is certainly an interesting novel in many ways. The characters really help drive the interest in the story as, ultimately, there isn't really a riveting plot to keep the story going. There are entire swathes of the novel where not much really happens to the main character, Melinda, and we're instead just watching her adapt to a life that is very different to her previous experiences. It never once feels boring or dull.
Also strangely, there isn't really an antagonist. There is no 'good side' or 'bad side'. There are just people, doing what they must to survive.
This is a fascinating read, and one I certainly recommend.
Also strangely, there isn't really an antagonist. There is no 'good side' or 'bad side'. There are just people, doing what they must to survive.
This is a fascinating read, and one I certainly recommend.
January 6, 2016
Having already read anthologies set in the world of New Tibet it was only a matter of time before I picked up this book to read as well.
The world setting already intrigued me and the summary promised an interesting tale.
However while I did enjoy this book and while I love seeing novels featuring anthropomorphic animals this was a book that I could only rate as "good." Not amazing or incredible just fairly good.
The primary main character Melinda is not a likable one. Then again she isn't supposed to be. She's a spoiled and entitled tiger who feels fully justified in treating all other species as if she is beneath her. Being kidnapped doesn't change this and only brings it out in her more than ever. Her personality starts to soften more towards the end of the book but doesn't do so in a way that is too drastic or unbelievable.
While the other characters have good intentions by what they are doing they are not criminals or professionals and their kidnapping plot results in just as many problems as it solves.
One of the most interesting parts of the book was Barda and his efforts to find his daughter. His personality came across strongly throughout the book. Both his ruthlessness but also his more caring side. It would be easy to portray him as just another harsh, merciless business leader but the author did a good job of balancing him out.
The actual plot didn't offer a whole lot of surprises although I did like reading about the Ghosts and how they had set up and were maintaining their own area to live in. It was beautifully done and provided some great thought provoking moments.
Overall this was fairly good. Worth reading both for existing fans of anthropomorphic animals or as an introduction for those who are looking to get into books like these.
The world setting already intrigued me and the summary promised an interesting tale.
However while I did enjoy this book and while I love seeing novels featuring anthropomorphic animals this was a book that I could only rate as "good." Not amazing or incredible just fairly good.
The primary main character Melinda is not a likable one. Then again she isn't supposed to be. She's a spoiled and entitled tiger who feels fully justified in treating all other species as if she is beneath her. Being kidnapped doesn't change this and only brings it out in her more than ever. Her personality starts to soften more towards the end of the book but doesn't do so in a way that is too drastic or unbelievable.
While the other characters have good intentions by what they are doing they are not criminals or professionals and their kidnapping plot results in just as many problems as it solves.
One of the most interesting parts of the book was Barda and his efforts to find his daughter. His personality came across strongly throughout the book. Both his ruthlessness but also his more caring side. It would be easy to portray him as just another harsh, merciless business leader but the author did a good job of balancing him out.
The actual plot didn't offer a whole lot of surprises although I did like reading about the Ghosts and how they had set up and were maintaining their own area to live in. It was beautifully done and provided some great thought provoking moments.
Overall this was fairly good. Worth reading both for existing fans of anthropomorphic animals or as an introduction for those who are looking to get into books like these.
October 10, 2012
I had been intrigued by this book's title for years, wondering what was both common and precious, and how one could better appreciate whatever it was. I finally read it, and while my guess was different from the book, I have a new appreciation for things all the same.
It was an enjoyable foray into sci-fi for me. A good mix of exciting and relaxed-paced sections. Cool stuff!
It was an enjoyable foray into sci-fi for me. A good mix of exciting and relaxed-paced sections. Cool stuff!
April 17, 2026
This is an older work and it's not exactly subtle, but the snowbound world of New Tibet is stark and immersive and the story rattles along with plenty of action as well as more reflective moments.
August 25, 2011
I just finished reading "Common and Precious", and I can't help but think, why did it take me so long to buy this book? The novel was an excellent read, and it's the first time in a long while that I was actually eager to go to bed just so I could lose myself in another chapter.
"Common and Precious" is the story of Melinda, the daughter of the very wealth corporate boss, Tiger Barda. Barda owns one of the largest enterprises on the ice planet of New Tibet, TeraMine. But when Melinda is kidnapped by a small band of New Tibet's common folk, the rich heiress is thrust into the poverty stricken world that resides outside her father's luxury apartment, and she starts to see things from a completely different perspective. From the dirty streets and factories, to a run down hospital, and even a ghost town blanketed by radiation, Melinda gets a glimpse of how the common people live and die, and she also uncovers startling revelations about her own life. And things only get more complicated when the ever violent Shivers get involved, New Tibet's version of the mob; and Tiger Barda is forced to do everything he can to get his daughter back, no matter what the cost.
What really made "Common and Precious" a joy for me, was the memorable cast of characters. There's Cab, the witty and stylishly verbose transport driver, Jac, the hard edged, mysterious bodyguard, and the ever so eerie Night and Bright, the strong armed, stone cold henchmen employed by the Shivers. Tim has created intriguing characters that breath life into the harsh world of New Tibet, and you start to care for them deeply; even ones that, at times, you feel like you shouldn't, like Tiger Barda and Melinda's kidnappers. He constantly blurs the line between good and bad, which will keep you turning the pages all the way to the stunning conclusion, and I didn't want the story to end. I really, really hope Tim writes another novel, because "Common and Precious" is an intense, action packed story that will warm your heart with its amazing characters and powerful message. The book also has beautiful interior artwork by Sara Palmer. So, if you buy a novel this year, make sure you don't pass up on this gem. You won't be disappointed.
"Common and Precious" is the story of Melinda, the daughter of the very wealth corporate boss, Tiger Barda. Barda owns one of the largest enterprises on the ice planet of New Tibet, TeraMine. But when Melinda is kidnapped by a small band of New Tibet's common folk, the rich heiress is thrust into the poverty stricken world that resides outside her father's luxury apartment, and she starts to see things from a completely different perspective. From the dirty streets and factories, to a run down hospital, and even a ghost town blanketed by radiation, Melinda gets a glimpse of how the common people live and die, and she also uncovers startling revelations about her own life. And things only get more complicated when the ever violent Shivers get involved, New Tibet's version of the mob; and Tiger Barda is forced to do everything he can to get his daughter back, no matter what the cost.
What really made "Common and Precious" a joy for me, was the memorable cast of characters. There's Cab, the witty and stylishly verbose transport driver, Jac, the hard edged, mysterious bodyguard, and the ever so eerie Night and Bright, the strong armed, stone cold henchmen employed by the Shivers. Tim has created intriguing characters that breath life into the harsh world of New Tibet, and you start to care for them deeply; even ones that, at times, you feel like you shouldn't, like Tiger Barda and Melinda's kidnappers. He constantly blurs the line between good and bad, which will keep you turning the pages all the way to the stunning conclusion, and I didn't want the story to end. I really, really hope Tim writes another novel, because "Common and Precious" is an intense, action packed story that will warm your heart with its amazing characters and powerful message. The book also has beautiful interior artwork by Sara Palmer. So, if you buy a novel this year, make sure you don't pass up on this gem. You won't be disappointed.
August 6, 2014
I've always been a big fan of the New Tibet setting, and this is probably my favorite of the tales set there. It's definite sci-fi with a somewhat understated nature, with the fantastical surroundings used as a backdrop for what is (perhaps ironically) a very down-to-earth and very human story.
It might be better to take a look at one of the two New Tibet short story anthologies (Shadows in Snow or Breaking the Ice) before tackling this novel, just to get some better context for the world, setting, and the planet of New Tibet itself, but what's in store is a wonderful and really rather emotional adventure with an excellent payoff (and in my opinion, a very important message).
It might be better to take a look at one of the two New Tibet short story anthologies (Shadows in Snow or Breaking the Ice) before tackling this novel, just to get some better context for the world, setting, and the planet of New Tibet itself, but what's in store is a wonderful and really rather emotional adventure with an excellent payoff (and in my opinion, a very important message).
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews