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StarBridge #2
Silent Dances
Deaf since birth and able to withstand the ear-shattering sonic cries of the Grus, Tesa is an ideal choice for ambassador to their planet, but other alien forces want to destroy the Grus and Tesa must make peace with them and save the inhabitants of her adopted planet
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1990
19 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Crispin
70 books315 followersAnn Carol Crispin (1950-2013) was an American science fiction writer, the author of over twenty published novels. She wrote professionally since 1983. She wrote several Star Trek and Star Wars novels, and created her own original science fiction series called Starbridge.
Crispin also served as Eastern Regional Director, and then Vice President, of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. With Victoria Strauss, she founded Writer Beware, a "watchdog" group that is part of SFWA that warns aspiring writers about the dangers of scam agents, editors, and publishers. Writer Beware was founded in 1998, and has assisted law enforcement and civil authorities in tracking and shutting down writing scams.
Crispin, who also wrote a prequel providing the back story for the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, died on September 6th, 2013 at the Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, aged 63.
She was married to science fiction author Michael Capobianco.
Crispin also served as Eastern Regional Director, and then Vice President, of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. With Victoria Strauss, she founded Writer Beware, a "watchdog" group that is part of SFWA that warns aspiring writers about the dangers of scam agents, editors, and publishers. Writer Beware was founded in 1998, and has assisted law enforcement and civil authorities in tracking and shutting down writing scams.
Crispin, who also wrote a prequel providing the back story for the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, died on September 6th, 2013 at the Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, aged 63.
She was married to science fiction author Michael Capobianco.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 28, 2020
For three reasons it started out awkwardly. First, I expected (and hoped) it to be about the students on Starbridge. But no, it's about a graduate, nearly 20, and her first assignment. Second, it recaps an awful lot of the first novel. I guess it kinda needs to, because so very much happened there, but it still felt clumsy to me. Third, I kept checking the references to Native culture & history for accuracy & respect.
Well, once I accepted the story for what it was, learned that I could trust the authors' research & treatment of Native concepts, and got to the meat of the story, I started to enjoy it. And by the end I realized that the only thing that would have made it better is if it weren't actually saddled with the Starbridge label & lore.
Themes include exploration, science, economics, politics, prejudice, diverse and truly alien aliens, languages, First Contact, meanings of "family." Details include some information about how sign languages differ from spoken languages, how the ability to see UV affects art, how different Native nations have different customs, how humans can walk through the wetlands that 'cranes' inhabit, etc. Highly recommended.
One interesting thing is that the first book was more YA, but had some "mature" content. This reads as adult, but is "cleaner."
"Few humans ever see the beauty of their dreams or look on them as a visionary side of their minds."
I loved it when our hero was introduced to the indigenous as "White Spirit Animal." Their contact, Taller, is so very excited: "You have a *real* name!"
Some bits of humor/ black humor. This occurs too late in the book for me to give context as it would be spoilery, but, "Like I always say, two men in one work station is one man too many."
(Shomeret says "Silent Dances can be read as a standalone. The only other book in the series that relates to it is Silent Songs.")
Well, once I accepted the story for what it was, learned that I could trust the authors' research & treatment of Native concepts, and got to the meat of the story, I started to enjoy it. And by the end I realized that the only thing that would have made it better is if it weren't actually saddled with the Starbridge label & lore.
Themes include exploration, science, economics, politics, prejudice, diverse and truly alien aliens, languages, First Contact, meanings of "family." Details include some information about how sign languages differ from spoken languages, how the ability to see UV affects art, how different Native nations have different customs, how humans can walk through the wetlands that 'cranes' inhabit, etc. Highly recommended.
One interesting thing is that the first book was more YA, but had some "mature" content. This reads as adult, but is "cleaner."
"Few humans ever see the beauty of their dreams or look on them as a visionary side of their minds."
I loved it when our hero was introduced to the indigenous as "White Spirit Animal." Their contact, Taller, is so very excited: "You have a *real* name!"
Some bits of humor/ black humor. This occurs too late in the book for me to give context as it would be spoilery, but, "Like I always say, two men in one work station is one man too many."
(Shomeret says "Silent Dances can be read as a standalone. The only other book in the series that relates to it is Silent Songs.")
November 4, 2012
A while back, I did a “What A POD Peep Reads” segment on StarBridge, A. C. Crispin’s debut SF novel. While on vacation last week, I found myself tired of touring and facing a nice hotel pool and a warm, sunny day. So, I fired up my tablet device, purchased and downloaded Silent Dances, book two in the series, and settled in for poolside for a good read.
Crispin’s first novel, StarBridge, ended with the creation of the StarBridge Academy, a site dedicated to training young humans and aliens to interact peacefully and work to discover other alien species. Silent Dances starts a number of years later, with one of the academy’s recent graduates, Tesa, a Native American woman born deaf, getting two offers. One involves returning to Earth and getting her hearing restored. The other involves going to Trinity, a planet occupied by an intelligent but primitive bird-like species called the Grus. They are contradictory tasks, as the bird’s alarm cries are loud enough to (literally) deafen and even kill humans.
Tesa takes the offer to go to Trinity, where she has to work with a small human crew to prove that the Grus are intelligent enough to be brought into the Cooperative League of Systems. At the same time, somebody is killing Grus for their skins, and factions of a rival alien species would love to embarrass and discredit humans. In short, it’s a sticky situation, especially for a nineteen-year-old on her first mission.
Crispin and her co-author O’Malley put a lot of work into thinking about how an avian society would work, in part based on O’Malley’s work with whooping cranes. They also put a lot of effort into understanding the culture of people born deaf (“Deaf”) who don’t see themselves as disabled and have no interest in becoming Hearing. Lastly, Tesa was raised on a living museum on Earth, and knows the ways of primitive life, something that will come in quite handy.
Silent Dances is, simply put, a romp. There’s action and adventure on nearly every page, tied to well-written characters that the reader cares about. The alien society feels real, and the humans (good and bad) are believable. One of Tesa’s jobs is unraveling a mystery, which makes this book both SF and mystery. Lastly, although this is Book Two of a series, everything you need to know about Book One (which is not much) is contained in Book Two. Silent Dances stands alone, and I really enjoyed reading it.
Crispin’s first novel, StarBridge, ended with the creation of the StarBridge Academy, a site dedicated to training young humans and aliens to interact peacefully and work to discover other alien species. Silent Dances starts a number of years later, with one of the academy’s recent graduates, Tesa, a Native American woman born deaf, getting two offers. One involves returning to Earth and getting her hearing restored. The other involves going to Trinity, a planet occupied by an intelligent but primitive bird-like species called the Grus. They are contradictory tasks, as the bird’s alarm cries are loud enough to (literally) deafen and even kill humans.
Tesa takes the offer to go to Trinity, where she has to work with a small human crew to prove that the Grus are intelligent enough to be brought into the Cooperative League of Systems. At the same time, somebody is killing Grus for their skins, and factions of a rival alien species would love to embarrass and discredit humans. In short, it’s a sticky situation, especially for a nineteen-year-old on her first mission.
Crispin and her co-author O’Malley put a lot of work into thinking about how an avian society would work, in part based on O’Malley’s work with whooping cranes. They also put a lot of effort into understanding the culture of people born deaf (“Deaf”) who don’t see themselves as disabled and have no interest in becoming Hearing. Lastly, Tesa was raised on a living museum on Earth, and knows the ways of primitive life, something that will come in quite handy.
Silent Dances is, simply put, a romp. There’s action and adventure on nearly every page, tied to well-written characters that the reader cares about. The alien society feels real, and the humans (good and bad) are believable. One of Tesa’s jobs is unraveling a mystery, which makes this book both SF and mystery. Lastly, although this is Book Two of a series, everything you need to know about Book One (which is not much) is contained in Book Two. Silent Dances stands alone, and I really enjoyed reading it.
December 9, 2019
The events of this book take place 15 years after Starbridge, but aside from a few minor characters who get a couple pages at most, it can be read completely on its own.
We follow the main character Tesa, an American Indian who is Deaf and trained as a translator/interrelator (a special kind of diplomat), as she is sent to a planet where the ability to hear is dangerous due to the alien Grus's dangerous sonic cries. First Contact and intrigue abounds!
One of the reasons I was looking forward to reading this book was because I'm deaf, too, though I don't use sign language like Tesa does. I was curious to see how the authors would handle it, since you don't often see us as protagonists of SF/F books. I can't speak to everything Tesa did and felt, but I definitely found her experiences quite relatable, down to annoyances with how hearing people interact with us, or focusing too much on "fixing" us with surgery (it felt really strange to have what was basically a cochlear-implant subplot in a book set a couple hundred years into our future, but again, the book is almost 30 years old).
The book did feel a little dated or hokey, and the main romantic relationship made little sense to me given the lack of time the couple had to even see each other, and some rather condescending attitudes on his part. Another similarly patronizing character tended to say "lil' darlin'" and I pretty much wanted to punch him every time he talked.
However, the alien species in this book were fantastic--O'Malley based the Grus on whooping cranes, which she worked with at a wildlife center.
We follow the main character Tesa, an American Indian who is Deaf and trained as a translator/interrelator (a special kind of diplomat), as she is sent to a planet where the ability to hear is dangerous due to the alien Grus's dangerous sonic cries. First Contact and intrigue abounds!
One of the reasons I was looking forward to reading this book was because I'm deaf, too, though I don't use sign language like Tesa does. I was curious to see how the authors would handle it, since you don't often see us as protagonists of SF/F books. I can't speak to everything Tesa did and felt, but I definitely found her experiences quite relatable, down to annoyances with how hearing people interact with us, or focusing too much on "fixing" us with surgery (it felt really strange to have what was basically a cochlear-implant subplot in a book set a couple hundred years into our future, but again, the book is almost 30 years old).
The book did feel a little dated or hokey, and the main romantic relationship made little sense to me given the lack of time the couple had to even see each other, and some rather condescending attitudes on his part. Another similarly patronizing character tended to say "lil' darlin'" and I pretty much wanted to punch him every time he talked.
However, the alien species in this book were fantastic--O'Malley based the Grus on whooping cranes, which she worked with at a wildlife center.
May 22, 2019
This is the third book I've read in the Starbridge series. What I liked: Tesa was an awesome character. I enjoyed getting to know her as she settled on a new planet and learned to communicate with a bird species that was discovered and could help Earth become a full-fledged member of CLS. I loved how her relationship with the Grus grew until they were family. I also liked how both humans and Grus had to unlearn bias they had about a third species the Aquila. The tension built up nicely and honestly at times I was worried about everyone.
What I did not like: Tesa's relationship with Thom. The romance felt rushed. Thom was kind of obnoxious. He fell in love(?) with Tesa at first sight and then was super pushy with her and seemed to want her to feel the same even though she had just arrived on the plant. I mean like dude, she just graduated, started a new job on an alien world, and she doesn't even know you yet, maybe back off a bit and let her get her bearings first. Towards the end Tesa returned his feelings, but it wasn't very well done and instead of getting a nice warm feeling about the two of them I mostly felt like the living embodiment of the eye roll emoji, I was not buying it at all. Other then that I liked it.
What I did not like: Tesa's relationship with Thom. The romance felt rushed. Thom was kind of obnoxious. He fell in love(?) with Tesa at first sight and then was super pushy with her and seemed to want her to feel the same even though she had just arrived on the plant. I mean like dude, she just graduated, started a new job on an alien world, and she doesn't even know you yet, maybe back off a bit and let her get her bearings first. Towards the end Tesa returned his feelings, but it wasn't very well done and instead of getting a nice warm feeling about the two of them I mostly felt like the living embodiment of the eye roll emoji, I was not buying it at all. Other then that I liked it.
September 19, 2008
This is such a great book! Yes it is SF but you are exposed to the world of the deaf and how they relate to each other as well as to the hearing world. Tesa is a wonderful protagonist that I just admire. At the end of this book, Crispin told her readers that Tesa's adventures would continue in Silent Songs. I have looked for years for this book and finally found it two days ago...needless to say I just finished Silent Songs and highly recommend it as well. This series is a wonderful read for not only SF lovers but also anyone who is interested in seeing how people learn to relate to each other and even themselves.
October 2, 2010
When you want to read a unique sci-fi mystery based on a world of giant intelligent birds, a deaf heroine, and AmerIndian religion, try Silent Dances. It is definitely not a run-of-the-mill story. I solve most mysteries before half way through a book. Not this one. I was confused until the end, where everything made sense. For a good weekend escape, this is a good book to read.
April 11, 2020
Crispin, A. C., and Kathleen O’Malley. Silent Dances. Starbridge No. 2. Ace, 1990.
A profoundly deaf American Indian woman teaches an avian alien race, whose vocalizations are in the hypersonic range, to communicate with signs. She is an intriguing character, as are several of the aliens. I do wish the linguistic elements were treated in more detail, and sadly, the melodrama of the plot in which money-grubbing “privateers” aim to destroy the alien habitats is quite predictable. I will keep reading the series, whose novels so far are only loosely connected.
A profoundly deaf American Indian woman teaches an avian alien race, whose vocalizations are in the hypersonic range, to communicate with signs. She is an intriguing character, as are several of the aliens. I do wish the linguistic elements were treated in more detail, and sadly, the melodrama of the plot in which money-grubbing “privateers” aim to destroy the alien habitats is quite predictable. I will keep reading the series, whose novels so far are only loosely connected.
March 14, 2021
Think this is my favourite of the series, both for how it advances the story (and boldly leaves a fair few years after the original) and for the introduction to deaf culture and American Indian folklore that it offers. The aliens in this instalment are truly alien, with a culture and belief that doesn't match anything from earth. And there's a very intense 'whodunit' at the heart of the novel with a perhaps surprising denouement.
It's a very promising start to the series proper and promises great thing to come.
It's a very promising start to the series proper and promises great thing to come.
September 1, 2019
Awesome read
This is an awesome read. Tessa, the main character, is deaf and a contrary. What is seen as a disability to most of the universe becomes a critical asset when she is asked to help with securing Earth’s right to full membership in the Cooperative League of Systems. There are good twists in the story and pretty good pacing. There is a resolution to this story, but things left unanswered to keep you reading the series.
This is an awesome read. Tessa, the main character, is deaf and a contrary. What is seen as a disability to most of the universe becomes a critical asset when she is asked to help with securing Earth’s right to full membership in the Cooperative League of Systems. There are good twists in the story and pretty good pacing. There is a resolution to this story, but things left unanswered to keep you reading the series.
November 6, 2019
Our senses can be a distraction from obvious occurrences
We miss things with each day, such as body language, various body odors, different languages, .... Dogs understand some basic human languages and follow commands. We don't seem to understand their language. How well do we adapt to the environment around us?
We miss things with each day, such as body language, various body odors, different languages, .... Dogs understand some basic human languages and follow commands. We don't seem to understand their language. How well do we adapt to the environment around us?
March 5, 2021
I read this book because it has a deaf central character, and I wanted research & insight for my own book.
Whilst it is Sci-fi, it's probably not my normal fare, but the premise and plot were certainly interesting and the use of Native American heritage gave it another dimension.
Vividly described with a tense final act.
Whilst it is Sci-fi, it's probably not my normal fare, but the premise and plot were certainly interesting and the use of Native American heritage gave it another dimension.
Vividly described with a tense final act.
September 22, 2017
Beautifully written story, one of the best in this series
October 26, 2017
I am enjoying this series of books. I like the world building and how this book has its own story, but still ties into the story from the first book.
July 31, 2020
4++. Amazing world building, great characters, wonderful story. Wish I could dance with the Grus.
September 17, 2013
I loved Silent Dances, even more than the first Starbridge novel. Crispin creates such a fabulous alien world and vibrant cultures. Tesa's Deafness and Native American heritage were beautifully layered and useful to the storyline.
I have one complaint about the sequel, which holds true for the first book as well: the relationships between humans are TERRIBLE, especially those romantical in nature. Old boy would have gotten to call me "lil darlin'" ONCE before I karate chopped the hell out of his patronizing throat. This is particularly disappointing because Crispin's heroines are so bold and intelligent, strong in their identity and gender even while exploring who they are but they fall for total douchebags, y'all. Tesa spends a month surviving in the wild with almost zero supplies while training a vicious predator and yet when she returns her boyfriend has the gall to say to her, "Okay, you can come, but you've got to do as I say. If you give us away, we could all be killed." Seriously dude?
I have one complaint about the sequel, which holds true for the first book as well: the relationships between humans are TERRIBLE, especially those romantical in nature. Old boy would have gotten to call me "lil darlin'" ONCE before I karate chopped the hell out of his patronizing throat. This is particularly disappointing because Crispin's heroines are so bold and intelligent, strong in their identity and gender even while exploring who they are but they fall for total douchebags, y'all. Tesa spends a month surviving in the wild with almost zero supplies while training a vicious predator and yet when she returns her boyfriend has the gall to say to her, "Okay, you can come, but you've got to do as I say. If you give us away, we could all be killed." Seriously dude?
September 2, 2014
This is a much stronger, focused book than the first. Tesa is a great protagonist, and the authors did a great job envisioning how deaf and Native American cultures would continue to grow and evolve in the future.
The conceptualization of the different bird cultures was great as well, and I really enjoyed those characters.
The second book in the Starbridge series however suffers from one of the same major problems as in the first, that of a whiny, overly controlling romantic interest. I didn't see any reason for Tesa to like him or much narrative evidence that she did, and I hope the sequel that follows her ("Silent Songs") doesn't include him.
The conceptualization of the different bird cultures was great as well, and I really enjoyed those characters.
The second book in the Starbridge series however suffers from one of the same major problems as in the first, that of a whiny, overly controlling romantic interest. I didn't see any reason for Tesa to like him or much narrative evidence that she did, and I hope the sequel that follows her ("Silent Songs") doesn't include him.
December 8, 2021
I'd give this a 3 1/2 rating if I could. New characters within the same StarBridge universe. In this case a deaf woman is the main character and you will find in the prologue that deafness will be a real asset for this particular planet.
I woman from StarBridge Academy has a chance to have her deafness cured, but as she struggles to figure out if she could get the operation, she is given an assignment to a planet that is populated by animals that screech so loud that human beings pass out and some even die. Her assignment is to determine whether these animals are intelligent, and she notices that the animal are signing.
I enjoyed this book and I will likely move on to the sequel.
I woman from StarBridge Academy has a chance to have her deafness cured, but as she struggles to figure out if she could get the operation, she is given an assignment to a planet that is populated by animals that screech so loud that human beings pass out and some even die. Her assignment is to determine whether these animals are intelligent, and she notices that the animal are signing.
I enjoyed this book and I will likely move on to the sequel.
October 24, 2012
The world building can't get any better than it did here. The different people, the cultures, I didn't think it could get better than the first book. Native American, Deaf, the new peoples... I love it all.
November 17, 2010
I loved the Starbridge series in general, and this one in particular - I keep coming back to this one periodically
December 15, 2010
Enjoying the re-read,great story and culture
November 23, 2013
native american story... shows the depth of belief and self sacrifice
May 21, 2012
3.5 stars
March 17, 2015
I like the book overall, but the preachy tone really killed it for me.
A deaf, native American, girl struggles to cram in all the judgmental diatribes she can.
A deaf, native American, girl struggles to cram in all the judgmental diatribes she can.
March 30, 2015
It's a sci fi novel with a deaf protagonist. it rocked. the identities of the villains could be fleshed out a bit more, but that's ny main complaint.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews