What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gap Cycle #5
The Gap Into Ruin: This Day All Gods Die
Stephen R. Donaldson's thrilling Gap series-- "The Real Story, Forbidden Knowledge, A Dark and Hungry God Arises, " and "Chaos and Order" --introduced us to an adventure as vast as the galaxy and unpredictable as the human heart. It is the work of a storytelling genius with more than ten million copies of his books in print worldwide. Now in this dark, intense story, Donaldson delivers the thrilling conclusion to one of the most powerful science fiction stories ever told.The countdown has begun. The battleworn crew of "Trumpet" is in disarray, as they attempt to pursue the pirate ship "Soar" and her captain Sorus Chatelaine. With one crew member infected by the Amnion and another stranded in the vacuum of space, all their hopes lie with Angus Thermopyle, once a bloodthirsty pirate, now a cyborg working against his will for the United Mining Companies Police--the strongest, most rapacious force in all of human space. As Angus, Morn Hyland, and her force-grown son Davies race for home across the vast reaches of forbidden space, they have no way of knowing that the final confrontation between Warden Dios and The Dragon has begun. Or that the fate of all humankind hangs in the balance.
748 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
64 people are currently reading
2053 people want to read
About the author
Stephen R. Donaldson
149 books2,726 followersStephen Reeder Donaldson is an American fantasy, science fiction, and mystery novelist; in the United Kingdom he is usually called "Stephen Donaldson" (without the "R"). He has also written non-fiction under the pen name Reed Stephens.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:
Stephen R. Donaldson was born May 13, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, James, was a medical missionary and his mother, Ruth, a prosthetist (a person skilled in making or fitting prosthetic devices). Donaldson spent the years between the ages of 3 and 16 living in India, where his father was working as an orthopaedic surgeon. Donaldson earned his bachelor's degree from The College of Wooster and master's degree from Kent State University.
INSPIRATIONS:
Donaldson's work is heavily influenced by other fantasy authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Roger Zelazny, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, and William Faulkner. The writers he most admires are Patricia A. McKillip, Steven Erikson, and Tim Powers.
It is believed that a speech his father made on leprosy (whilst working with lepers in India) led to Donaldson's creation of Thomas Covenant, the anti-hero of his most famous work (Thomas Covenant). The first book in that series, Lord Foul's Bane, received 47 rejections before a publisher agreed to publish it.
PROMINENT WORK:
Stephen Donaldson came to prominence in 1977 with the The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, which is centred around a leper shunned by society and his trials and tribulations as his destiny unfolds. These books established Donaldson as one of the most important figures in modern fantasy fiction.
PERSONAL LIFE:
He currently resides in New Mexico.
THE GRADUAL INTERVIEW
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:
Stephen R. Donaldson was born May 13, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, James, was a medical missionary and his mother, Ruth, a prosthetist (a person skilled in making or fitting prosthetic devices). Donaldson spent the years between the ages of 3 and 16 living in India, where his father was working as an orthopaedic surgeon. Donaldson earned his bachelor's degree from The College of Wooster and master's degree from Kent State University.
INSPIRATIONS:
Donaldson's work is heavily influenced by other fantasy authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Roger Zelazny, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, and William Faulkner. The writers he most admires are Patricia A. McKillip, Steven Erikson, and Tim Powers.
It is believed that a speech his father made on leprosy (whilst working with lepers in India) led to Donaldson's creation of Thomas Covenant, the anti-hero of his most famous work (Thomas Covenant). The first book in that series, Lord Foul's Bane, received 47 rejections before a publisher agreed to publish it.
PROMINENT WORK:
Stephen Donaldson came to prominence in 1977 with the The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, which is centred around a leper shunned by society and his trials and tribulations as his destiny unfolds. These books established Donaldson as one of the most important figures in modern fantasy fiction.
PERSONAL LIFE:
He currently resides in New Mexico.
THE GRADUAL INTERVIEW
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
March 7, 2012
If you can't stand violence, horrible people and or anything unpleasant do not even think of touching these books. They will utterly repulse you, and probably scar you for life.
But they are fantastic.
The Gap series, spanning five novels is a saga of abhorrent charters, deep space and political backstabbing and intrigue. By the time the third novel starts it's moving at a breakneck pace, leaping between multiple viewpoints, (about ten characters) all moving against one another, judging motivations, planning, scheming, lying, cheating and trying to maneuver people like pieces on a board. By the time the novel reaches it's climax in book five it's impossible not to be impressed by how Donaldson draws his cast together in a believable, compelling and satisfying way. It's really something very special.
The first book in the series is poor - originally intended as a stand alone novella that examines the shifting of roles it is a brutal book with few redeeming features. However, from book two onwards a remarkable degree of maturity sets in and characters really begin to come to life. Two-hundred pages in you really begin to understand Donaldsons remarkable vision, and it's hard not to be curious as to where it will go.
The cast is the most impressive thing about The Gap, it's rare to see an author realize one fully rounded character, let alone the expansive cast that fills the Gap. You'll move between antagonists and protagonists and understand and sympathies with most of them, love some, hate others, make improper judgements to based on one characters assumptions of another. It really is impressive the way Donaldson toys with perspective to manipulate his readers, keeping them on their toes - allowing for the plot to twist in turn in realistic ways.
Admittedly, there are flaws as with any work of such scope, the first novel and the initial political scenes in the third book may bore some readers, but these things are negligible when you look at the series as a whole. Epic, well written, poignant and extremely moving this is a series that will firmly hold it's position as a cult classic for a long time to come.
But they are fantastic.
The Gap series, spanning five novels is a saga of abhorrent charters, deep space and political backstabbing and intrigue. By the time the third novel starts it's moving at a breakneck pace, leaping between multiple viewpoints, (about ten characters) all moving against one another, judging motivations, planning, scheming, lying, cheating and trying to maneuver people like pieces on a board. By the time the novel reaches it's climax in book five it's impossible not to be impressed by how Donaldson draws his cast together in a believable, compelling and satisfying way. It's really something very special.
The first book in the series is poor - originally intended as a stand alone novella that examines the shifting of roles it is a brutal book with few redeeming features. However, from book two onwards a remarkable degree of maturity sets in and characters really begin to come to life. Two-hundred pages in you really begin to understand Donaldsons remarkable vision, and it's hard not to be curious as to where it will go.
The cast is the most impressive thing about The Gap, it's rare to see an author realize one fully rounded character, let alone the expansive cast that fills the Gap. You'll move between antagonists and protagonists and understand and sympathies with most of them, love some, hate others, make improper judgements to based on one characters assumptions of another. It really is impressive the way Donaldson toys with perspective to manipulate his readers, keeping them on their toes - allowing for the plot to twist in turn in realistic ways.
Admittedly, there are flaws as with any work of such scope, the first novel and the initial political scenes in the third book may bore some readers, but these things are negligible when you look at the series as a whole. Epic, well written, poignant and extremely moving this is a series that will firmly hold it's position as a cult classic for a long time to come.
July 4, 2007
Stephen Donaldson's "Gap" series is one my favorite series.
My father handed me the first one, saying, "This is full of violence and rape and you'll probably hate all the characters in this first book, but the story just keeps getting better."
He was right. The story begins with a space pirate attack on a police ship and the "rescue" of the last survivor on the police ship and concludes with the human race fighting the Amnion, an alien species capable of extreme genetic manipulation. Despite the ever-increasing complexity of the plot (which starts with a three main characters and ends with inter-galactic political intrigue) the characterization is what really makes these stories worth reading. It is a masterful study of hero and anti-hero.
My father handed me the first one, saying, "This is full of violence and rape and you'll probably hate all the characters in this first book, but the story just keeps getting better."
He was right. The story begins with a space pirate attack on a police ship and the "rescue" of the last survivor on the police ship and concludes with the human race fighting the Amnion, an alien species capable of extreme genetic manipulation. Despite the ever-increasing complexity of the plot (which starts with a three main characters and ends with inter-galactic political intrigue) the characterization is what really makes these stories worth reading. It is a masterful study of hero and anti-hero.
January 4, 2025
Third time I read this incredible series and its glorious final book. What a satisfying ending. It is, without doubt, my favorite science fiction/space opera series. Such a dark, bleak and epic story. These books have some of the greatest anti heroes I have read. So much scheming, tension and passion. Dialogues are so fitting, the characters feel so compelling and realistic. Cunning, intelligent, vulnerable.
The plot is so clever and multilayered. Political machinations, brilliant twists, betrayals, strong emotional moments and high octane action. The alien threat feels genuinely horrifying.
The Gap is one of the few series that the scope is masterfully revealed gradually and that each book is better than its prequel.
Highly recommended for people who would like a much grimmer, rustier, better written version of the Expanse.
The plot is so clever and multilayered. Political machinations, brilliant twists, betrayals, strong emotional moments and high octane action. The alien threat feels genuinely horrifying.
The Gap is one of the few series that the scope is masterfully revealed gradually and that each book is better than its prequel.
Highly recommended for people who would like a much grimmer, rustier, better written version of the Expanse.
December 23, 2022
A satisfying conclusion to a great (though rough beginning) space opera. I don't think it quite lives up to book 4 due to a meandering middle section, but per usual, Donaldson is quite good at climaxes, and this one is no different. Glad I took a chance on this series, and I look forward to reading more Donaldson in the future.
February 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Put a mark on the wall, I actually enjoyed a SRD book! Nevertheless, I’m glad to be finished this particular series and know where all the chips have fallen. I will give Donaldson this, he is particularly skillful at recognizing when to end a chapter and when to switch view-points. I found his timing in this book to be right on the money.
I don’t require likeable characters, but for whatever reason, I find SRD’s characters to be particularly difficult to care about. What I could get into was the downfall of Holt Fasner (and the eventual release of Norna, omg I felt for that woman despite her unpleasantness).
It may have been Frank Herbert who wrote about “wheels within wheels” when writing about plots, but Donaldson wrote the superior plotting and backstabbing novels with this series. All the twisty, turny bits required close attention to know who was fooling whom. And Donaldson’s characters do it without spice to see into the future.
Book number 353 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy reading project.
Put a mark on the wall, I actually enjoyed a SRD book! Nevertheless, I’m glad to be finished this particular series and know where all the chips have fallen. I will give Donaldson this, he is particularly skillful at recognizing when to end a chapter and when to switch view-points. I found his timing in this book to be right on the money.
I don’t require likeable characters, but for whatever reason, I find SRD’s characters to be particularly difficult to care about. What I could get into was the downfall of Holt Fasner (and the eventual release of Norna, omg I felt for that woman despite her unpleasantness).
It may have been Frank Herbert who wrote about “wheels within wheels” when writing about plots, but Donaldson wrote the superior plotting and backstabbing novels with this series. All the twisty, turny bits required close attention to know who was fooling whom. And Donaldson’s characters do it without spice to see into the future.
Book number 353 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy reading project.
October 15, 2017
And so ends the finest sci fi series I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
This beats Red Rising.
It’s even more epic then Dune :O
I seriously want to give this guy a standing ovation.
Over 5 books Donaldson has weaved together a dark, unpredictable and incredibly compelling story with unforgettable characters that grabs you by the scruff of your neck and doesn’t let go until you’ve made that final inevitable Gap jump into Ruin.
Not much else to say except if you haven’t read this yet you are in for one hell of a treat. Highly recommended.
This beats Red Rising.
It’s even more epic then Dune :O
I seriously want to give this guy a standing ovation.
Over 5 books Donaldson has weaved together a dark, unpredictable and incredibly compelling story with unforgettable characters that grabs you by the scruff of your neck and doesn’t let go until you’ve made that final inevitable Gap jump into Ruin.
Not much else to say except if you haven’t read this yet you are in for one hell of a treat. Highly recommended.
August 8, 2017
There are many reasons for me not liking the concluding book in Gap series, I am going to try listing few of them below.
1. Poorly edited.
This is one of the biggest reasons because I don't know what the editor was thinking when reviewing this book. This book is 500 pages long but the story could have been told in just 300 pages.
2. Predictable plot.
This book is predictable from page 50, you know what is going to happen from that page, and Donaldson does not surprise you a bit when you reach page 500, because whatever you have thought exactly those things happen exactly in that sequence.
3. Repetitive bordering on insulting.
Donaldson repeats traits of each of the pov character when you encounter them each time, so when you encounter Warden Dios he tells you he is sacrificing himself, when you encounter Morn he tells you that she has been through a great ordeal.
And this pattern goes on till the end of the book, and for me it is insulting as a reader, because I am not that dumb to remember traits of each of the pov characters after reading last four books in the series.
What happened to the crisp plot which were part of last four books, everything just goes for a toss in this book.
4. Unbelievable plot.
From the book I know that Angus Thermoplae is on redemption spree, but suddenly he develops a conscience and starts taking orders from the person he has abused previously, this just borders on insane and unbelievable for me.
I really got so tired with this book that after reaching 80% mark I straight way skimmed the end and was not all surprised with the end.
Poorly written end for me, which has ruined such a good series for me. 2/5 stars.
1. Poorly edited.
This is one of the biggest reasons because I don't know what the editor was thinking when reviewing this book. This book is 500 pages long but the story could have been told in just 300 pages.
2. Predictable plot.
This book is predictable from page 50, you know what is going to happen from that page, and Donaldson does not surprise you a bit when you reach page 500, because whatever you have thought exactly those things happen exactly in that sequence.
3. Repetitive bordering on insulting.
Donaldson repeats traits of each of the pov character when you encounter them each time, so when you encounter Warden Dios he tells you he is sacrificing himself, when you encounter Morn he tells you that she has been through a great ordeal.
And this pattern goes on till the end of the book, and for me it is insulting as a reader, because I am not that dumb to remember traits of each of the pov characters after reading last four books in the series.
What happened to the crisp plot which were part of last four books, everything just goes for a toss in this book.
4. Unbelievable plot.
From the book I know that Angus Thermoplae is on redemption spree, but suddenly he develops a conscience and starts taking orders from the person he has abused previously, this just borders on insane and unbelievable for me.
I really got so tired with this book that after reaching 80% mark I straight way skimmed the end and was not all surprised with the end.
Poorly written end for me, which has ruined such a good series for me. 2/5 stars.
August 29, 2009
A wonderful, gripping and devastating finish to this series. Despite Angus being the biggest badass in the history of SF (especially in the first book), you can't help cheering him on in this one.
I have to admit to feeling very emotional at the end of the story. Warden Dios's message to Morn was a fitting ending to this emotional rollercoaster of a series. His ultimate sacrifice was worthwhile to ensure that all was set right but devastating in the same way that Covenant's loss was.
All in all, this is SUCH a powerful series. The first two books are incredibly difficult to read because of the harrowing nature of the abuse that takes place. However the abuse is very much set into context by books 3-5 which gradually unfurl WHY it happened and in the end that the wrong done to Morn, Davies and Angus needed to take place to prevent a worse wrong engulfing humanity.
There's a brilliant and insightful review of the series here:
http://www.reviewsbygavrielle.com/gap... which is definitely worth a read.
I have to admit to feeling very emotional at the end of the story. Warden Dios's message to Morn was a fitting ending to this emotional rollercoaster of a series. His ultimate sacrifice was worthwhile to ensure that all was set right but devastating in the same way that Covenant's loss was.
All in all, this is SUCH a powerful series. The first two books are incredibly difficult to read because of the harrowing nature of the abuse that takes place. However the abuse is very much set into context by books 3-5 which gradually unfurl WHY it happened and in the end that the wrong done to Morn, Davies and Angus needed to take place to prevent a worse wrong engulfing humanity.
There's a brilliant and insightful review of the series here:
http://www.reviewsbygavrielle.com/gap... which is definitely worth a read.
December 26, 2022
Really liked it overall, thought the climax was great, just some of the retreading wasn't my favorite. Donaldson has the habit of fully fleshing out scenes of characters learning about events that you already knew about which makes it feel a bit bloated.
Some of the writing was really good and he does a great job of bringing the threads together to a satisfying end. Great series if you are interested in sci-fi grimdark, haven't read anything like it before. Of course the content is gruesome especially in the beginning of the series but ends on a hopeful note.
Some of the writing was really good and he does a great job of bringing the threads together to a satisfying end. Great series if you are interested in sci-fi grimdark, haven't read anything like it before. Of course the content is gruesome especially in the beginning of the series but ends on a hopeful note.
December 10, 2017
9/10
'This Day All Gods Die' closes the series with an epic finale with Donaldson bringing all that he was building from the previous books in a story with full with intrigues, politics, battles, suspense and with some very unexpected twists.
The story in this book focuses, mostly, in only one place: Suka Bator, the center of the Council of GCES, and also the UMCP's Headquarters which, together - and with unexpected alliances, they will have to find a solution of the UMCP's corruption and schemes that will only bring them against with, perhaps, an even greater threat; they have never seen before.
On the other side though, Angus and his "team" will have to face their own adventures as they will try to free themselves from the UMCP schemes, but what that will bring them might somewhere worse than they expected.
Although in this book Donaldson keeps the story focused, almost throughout the book, very straight-forward, he manages to make some very strong and lovable characters - even the bad ones; which, personally, I believe is also and the best part of the whole book. And that because Donaldson keeps playing with their psychology, something he always does, putting them all the time in the most extreme situations through all the plots, schemes and twists.
While, his writing, despite the book's size, is extremely good till it very end - as he doesn’t lets you get bored, or lose your interest, at all and if the book has some flaws they are very little to affect the story in itself.
Overall, the series closes with the most amazing ending as Donaldson has done a, truly, grand finale! Definitely a series that I would like to recommend to those who want something different; something more dark in the Science Fiction genre that will the upside down.
'This Day All Gods Die' closes the series with an epic finale with Donaldson bringing all that he was building from the previous books in a story with full with intrigues, politics, battles, suspense and with some very unexpected twists.
The story in this book focuses, mostly, in only one place: Suka Bator, the center of the Council of GCES, and also the UMCP's Headquarters which, together - and with unexpected alliances, they will have to find a solution of the UMCP's corruption and schemes that will only bring them against with, perhaps, an even greater threat; they have never seen before.
On the other side though, Angus and his "team" will have to face their own adventures as they will try to free themselves from the UMCP schemes, but what that will bring them might somewhere worse than they expected.
Although in this book Donaldson keeps the story focused, almost throughout the book, very straight-forward, he manages to make some very strong and lovable characters - even the bad ones; which, personally, I believe is also and the best part of the whole book. And that because Donaldson keeps playing with their psychology, something he always does, putting them all the time in the most extreme situations through all the plots, schemes and twists.
While, his writing, despite the book's size, is extremely good till it very end - as he doesn’t lets you get bored, or lose your interest, at all and if the book has some flaws they are very little to affect the story in itself.
Overall, the series closes with the most amazing ending as Donaldson has done a, truly, grand finale! Definitely a series that I would like to recommend to those who want something different; something more dark in the Science Fiction genre that will the upside down.
July 23, 2009
Describe any Donaldson novel/series in a paragraph. I dare you. I'm not going to review each book; it was too long ago that I read them. However: If you like your sci-fi straight up, no water or ice, this series will satisfy like 21-year-old Glenlivet single-malt.
Donaldson is an opera enthusiast, Wagner a particular favorite, and the Ring cycle is the inspiration for the story in this five-book series. As usual, the story hasn't been culled from other sci-fi and hasn't been imitated by others. Donaldson remains true to his personal artistic vision and watches lesser authors rake up the bucks.
I appreciate Donaldson's realistic treatment of the human condition. We're here, we do our best, we screw up, we have to redeem ourselves, life leaves scars. Sometimes the only triumph is personal, sometimes you save the world. The personal triumph, in Donaldson's worlds, never takes a backseat to the world-saving.
The entire series is raw and unflinching. Rape, child abuse, politics, corruption. The payoff is worth it. The first book was the most difficult. Donaldson doesn't make his characters easy to like.
Also, read Donaldson's intro at the beginning of the first book. He does a fantastic job explaining his process.
Donaldson is an opera enthusiast, Wagner a particular favorite, and the Ring cycle is the inspiration for the story in this five-book series. As usual, the story hasn't been culled from other sci-fi and hasn't been imitated by others. Donaldson remains true to his personal artistic vision and watches lesser authors rake up the bucks.
I appreciate Donaldson's realistic treatment of the human condition. We're here, we do our best, we screw up, we have to redeem ourselves, life leaves scars. Sometimes the only triumph is personal, sometimes you save the world. The personal triumph, in Donaldson's worlds, never takes a backseat to the world-saving.
The entire series is raw and unflinching. Rape, child abuse, politics, corruption. The payoff is worth it. The first book was the most difficult. Donaldson doesn't make his characters easy to like.
Also, read Donaldson's intro at the beginning of the first book. He does a fantastic job explaining his process.
September 27, 2023
I can’t believe I’m done with this series.
I don’t want to be done with this series!
But I am done, and some day I’ll go back to this series, so I will not be done again.
PS: also, my cover of the books has the phrase “the explosive conclusion to the Gap saga” on it.
This phrase was not metaphorical.
A few times.
I don’t want to be done with this series!
But I am done, and some day I’ll go back to this series, so I will not be done again.
PS: also, my cover of the books has the phrase “the explosive conclusion to the Gap saga” on it.
This phrase was not metaphorical.
A few times.
October 26, 2022
He did it. Donaldson pulled off the perfect ending to a nearly perfect series. I'll repeat my thought from an earlier review that it's a true shame that the first book turns off so many readers. The series takes off in book 2 and doesn't let up through its conclusion. One of the best sci-fi series ever.
December 8, 2010
The Gap series is something that only Stephen R. Donaldson could write. Most of the characters have redeeming virtues. Twists and turns recasting the Hero as the Villain, the Villain as the Slave, the Slave as the Hero. In this book we learn why these people have been tormented by themselves and others through the last 4 books.
We see higher level political implications of the plights of the characters. The higher level ramifications are both more and less satisfying than the close up portraits. More satisfying because the torments of these poor yet awful souls is all for a greater cause. Less satisfying because that cause isn't altruistic. It isn't for the greater good, nor is it for the greater evil.
I found myself eye-rolling as it turned out that the most minor choices of each of the characters were either controlled or predicted to a ridiculous level of precision. The greatest of all Xanatos Gambit. A trillion ways that it could fail, and yet one character bets the farm on its success.
It was good that everything was wrapped up, but like the stories of the rest of the novels, the way it was wrapped up was surprising, but unsatisfying.
We see higher level political implications of the plights of the characters. The higher level ramifications are both more and less satisfying than the close up portraits. More satisfying because the torments of these poor yet awful souls is all for a greater cause. Less satisfying because that cause isn't altruistic. It isn't for the greater good, nor is it for the greater evil.
I found myself eye-rolling as it turned out that the most minor choices of each of the characters were either controlled or predicted to a ridiculous level of precision. The greatest of all Xanatos Gambit. A trillion ways that it could fail, and yet one character bets the farm on its success.
It was good that everything was wrapped up, but like the stories of the rest of the novels, the way it was wrapped up was surprising, but unsatisfying.
July 30, 2011
I've just re-read The Gap Series (I'm lending them to a friend) and I am still in love with this sequence of books. As usual, Donaldson puts his characters through the wringer, every action has a consequence and the decisions made are always too expensive. He makes heroes out of seemingly ordinary people, the line between good and bad is always a blur and he'll even make you see hope in the most terrible of situations.
It's also a very believable future story, as much as I desire The Culture, I think we're going to get Donaldson's vision.
It's also a very believable future story, as much as I desire The Culture, I think we're going to get Donaldson's vision.
September 5, 2019
I gave this 5 stars because after taking so long for the series to get going (I actually felt sick after the first book and half of the second...but I think that was the point), the way Donaldson ends it all was great. I probably won't read the series again because I felt depressed and sad after the first book to the point that I wish I could have scrubbed my brain!
August 21, 2023
I'm glad this is over. I skimmed most of this book.
This series could have been done in 2 or three books instead of 5. The repetition was nauseating.
Still one of my favorite authors.
Could be one day I will revisit these books and try it again, but it doesn't seem likely.
Content concerns: If you have content concerns, just skip this series.
This series could have been done in 2 or three books instead of 5. The repetition was nauseating.
Still one of my favorite authors.
Could be one day I will revisit these books and try it again, but it doesn't seem likely.
Content concerns: If you have content concerns, just skip this series.
May 12, 2012
Absolutely magnificent in every way. It's been at least two and a half decades since I read this series last and it really has matured with the years.
November 21, 2021
join me in switching from Goodreads to Storygraph
Trigger warning: sexual violence.
This five-book series, Stephen R. Donaldson's Gap Cycle, was one of my absolute favorites in my early 20s. I've returned to it every five years or so, and while I still very much appreciate it I'm also much more aware of its flaws. Interestingly, unlike some other old favorites in this genre, the flaws are less about racism and sexism (though see below) and more about the writing itself. Donaldson is hugely ambitious (almost as much so here as in his Chronicles of Thomas Covenant), but the bones of his complex yet satisfying plotting are a little too visible, and his decision to name and spell out the characters' internal dilemmas in the text now seems too easy and on-the-nose.
I still find the story thrilling in the way it starts with a tightly-focused, seemingly complete-unto-itself novella, and then expands and expands until it encompasses the fate of the entire human race. The first book introduces Angus Thermopyle, as vile and awful a villain as could be imagined, and Morn Hyland, a police ensign on her first mission, who falls into his hands. In an Afterword, Donaldson says he intended to introduce an archetypal villain, victim, and rescuer (a third character, Nick Succorso), and then examine how they change roles. So he establishes Angus as the villain; the rape and degradation that Angus visits upon Morn is horrible, lengthy, and unforgivable. As an opening setup for a story, it does exactly what Donaldson intends. But I'm very aware that as a dude I have a lot of emotional distance from the topic of sexual violence, and for anyone without that distance this part of the story might well be a dealbreaker.
To his credit, Donaldson never loses sight of or minimizes the consequences of that sexual violence, or of any of the violence, betrayals, and desperate actions that follow. Indeed, he is intensely interested in those consequences, and the whole cycle is an exploration of consequences for everyone involved -- including for Angus. We learn how Angus came to be someone who commits horrible acts, and we see Angus suffer immense and horrible punishments himself. Morn is ultimately the protagonist, and her transformation from victim to rescuer (in Donaldson's terms) is richly explored and feels earned -- even when Morn is the center of the story; her feelings and actions in response to her suffering are explored extensively (if not as deeply as might be possible in a different kind of novel). And she proves herself a person of great strength.
But Angus constantly threatens to take over the story, and asking us to care about the fate of a character like Angus Thermopyle is a hugely ambitious undertaking, as well as arguably problematic on a fundamental level -- do we really need a story in which we're asked to care about a rapist? You get the sense that Donaldson set out to create the biggest challenge he could think of -- create the most vile possible character and then get the reader to care about him (if not forgive him). And while it's impressive that he succeeds to the extent that he does, this is also what I meant by the bones of the plot being too visible.
And all this is taking place in the context of space pirates, alien mutagens, and political intrigue. All of which involve plot points and payoffs that just deliver and deliver -- Donaldson knows how to set up his pieces and knock them down in a very satisfying way. The ending manages to bring everything together so perfectly that it starts to feel a little contrived. In fact, if you look too closely at some of the plot points you see that they're arbitrarily set up a certain way just so that the payoff can happen.
Still, I know I'll keep coming back to this series. Not recommended for anyone who wants to avoid stories about sexual violence. But if that's not a dealbreaker, and if space pirates and alien mutagens and political intrigue sound like fun, then I highly recommend you give it a try. Despite its flaws, it's a hell of a read.
Trigger warning: sexual violence.
This five-book series, Stephen R. Donaldson's Gap Cycle, was one of my absolute favorites in my early 20s. I've returned to it every five years or so, and while I still very much appreciate it I'm also much more aware of its flaws. Interestingly, unlike some other old favorites in this genre, the flaws are less about racism and sexism (though see below) and more about the writing itself. Donaldson is hugely ambitious (almost as much so here as in his Chronicles of Thomas Covenant), but the bones of his complex yet satisfying plotting are a little too visible, and his decision to name and spell out the characters' internal dilemmas in the text now seems too easy and on-the-nose.
I still find the story thrilling in the way it starts with a tightly-focused, seemingly complete-unto-itself novella, and then expands and expands until it encompasses the fate of the entire human race. The first book introduces Angus Thermopyle, as vile and awful a villain as could be imagined, and Morn Hyland, a police ensign on her first mission, who falls into his hands. In an Afterword, Donaldson says he intended to introduce an archetypal villain, victim, and rescuer (a third character, Nick Succorso), and then examine how they change roles. So he establishes Angus as the villain; the rape and degradation that Angus visits upon Morn is horrible, lengthy, and unforgivable. As an opening setup for a story, it does exactly what Donaldson intends. But I'm very aware that as a dude I have a lot of emotional distance from the topic of sexual violence, and for anyone without that distance this part of the story might well be a dealbreaker.
To his credit, Donaldson never loses sight of or minimizes the consequences of that sexual violence, or of any of the violence, betrayals, and desperate actions that follow. Indeed, he is intensely interested in those consequences, and the whole cycle is an exploration of consequences for everyone involved -- including for Angus. We learn how Angus came to be someone who commits horrible acts, and we see Angus suffer immense and horrible punishments himself. Morn is ultimately the protagonist, and her transformation from victim to rescuer (in Donaldson's terms) is richly explored and feels earned -- even when Morn is the center of the story; her feelings and actions in response to her suffering are explored extensively (if not as deeply as might be possible in a different kind of novel). And she proves herself a person of great strength.
But Angus constantly threatens to take over the story, and asking us to care about the fate of a character like Angus Thermopyle is a hugely ambitious undertaking, as well as arguably problematic on a fundamental level -- do we really need a story in which we're asked to care about a rapist? You get the sense that Donaldson set out to create the biggest challenge he could think of -- create the most vile possible character and then get the reader to care about him (if not forgive him). And while it's impressive that he succeeds to the extent that he does, this is also what I meant by the bones of the plot being too visible.
And all this is taking place in the context of space pirates, alien mutagens, and political intrigue. All of which involve plot points and payoffs that just deliver and deliver -- Donaldson knows how to set up his pieces and knock them down in a very satisfying way. The ending manages to bring everything together so perfectly that it starts to feel a little contrived. In fact, if you look too closely at some of the plot points you see that they're arbitrarily set up a certain way just so that the payoff can happen.
Still, I know I'll keep coming back to this series. Not recommended for anyone who wants to avoid stories about sexual violence. But if that's not a dealbreaker, and if space pirates and alien mutagens and political intrigue sound like fun, then I highly recommend you give it a try. Despite its flaws, it's a hell of a read.
October 29, 2025
Stephen Donaldson's "Amnion Zyklus" startet im 1. Band mit einer Novelle.
In den folgenden Bänden baut Donaldson sein Universum weiter aus und schuf ein Meisterwerk der Science Fiction.
Wer zu zimperlich ist, sollte einen großen Bogen machen. Donaldson nimmt kein Blatt vor den Mund. Es wird geflucht und gemordet. Seine Geschichte nimmt nach dem Kammerspiel im ersten Band immer mehr Fahrt auf. Die Anzahl der Figuren steigt von Band zu Band und es wird komplexer.
Dennoch bleibt Donaldson bei seinen Charakteren. Dies ist auch der Kern der Serie.
Nicht die epische Handlung oder politische Winkelzüge stehen im Mittelpunkt sondern die Charaktere.
Und diese sind allesamt grau. Es gibt kein gut uns Böse. Jeder hat seine dunklen Geheimnisse und negativen Seiten. Jeder Charakter macht eine Entwicklung durch.
Nach dem ersten Band in dem nur zwei Charaktere zentral sind; kommen immer mehr dazu. Jedes Kapitel wird aus der Perspektive einer Person erzählt.
Kein Charakter ist sicher. Dann Pacing ist flott und Donaldson scheut sich nicht davor, seine Helden leiden zu lassen.
Dies ist auch die klare Stärke von Donaldson. Graue Charaktere in einer grauen Welt zu zeichnen. Wer Parallelen sucht. Game of Thrones lässt grüßen.
Wer einsteigt sei gewarnt. Der erste Band ist kurz und sehr intensiv. Es kommt zu Folter und Misshandlung. Sehr unangenehm zu lesen, aber im Laufe der Story ab dem zweiten Band, wird klar: all diese Ereignisse waren essentiell für die Charakterentwicklung.
Eine andere Stärke ist die wirklich gute und klare Sprache.
Trotz der epischen Handlung passier über sie fünf Bände im Vergleich zu anderen Science Fiction Reihen "in Cass of Plot" gar nicht so viel. Meist bleibt Donaldson bei den Protagonisten und lässt diese in glaubhaften Dialogen miteinander agieren.
Dies ist auch gleichzeitig eine Schwäche. Es passiert Handlungstechnisch nicht viel, aber dafür mit den Protagonisten.
Der "Amnion Zyklus " ist eine großartige Science Fiction Reihe. Es könnte für den Leser aber ein Hit oder Miss sein.
Der erste Band sollte durchgestanden werden um ein Urteil zu Fällen.
In den folgenden Bänden baut Donaldson sein Universum weiter aus und schuf ein Meisterwerk der Science Fiction.
Wer zu zimperlich ist, sollte einen großen Bogen machen. Donaldson nimmt kein Blatt vor den Mund. Es wird geflucht und gemordet. Seine Geschichte nimmt nach dem Kammerspiel im ersten Band immer mehr Fahrt auf. Die Anzahl der Figuren steigt von Band zu Band und es wird komplexer.
Dennoch bleibt Donaldson bei seinen Charakteren. Dies ist auch der Kern der Serie.
Nicht die epische Handlung oder politische Winkelzüge stehen im Mittelpunkt sondern die Charaktere.
Und diese sind allesamt grau. Es gibt kein gut uns Böse. Jeder hat seine dunklen Geheimnisse und negativen Seiten. Jeder Charakter macht eine Entwicklung durch.
Nach dem ersten Band in dem nur zwei Charaktere zentral sind; kommen immer mehr dazu. Jedes Kapitel wird aus der Perspektive einer Person erzählt.
Kein Charakter ist sicher. Dann Pacing ist flott und Donaldson scheut sich nicht davor, seine Helden leiden zu lassen.
Dies ist auch die klare Stärke von Donaldson. Graue Charaktere in einer grauen Welt zu zeichnen. Wer Parallelen sucht. Game of Thrones lässt grüßen.
Wer einsteigt sei gewarnt. Der erste Band ist kurz und sehr intensiv. Es kommt zu Folter und Misshandlung. Sehr unangenehm zu lesen, aber im Laufe der Story ab dem zweiten Band, wird klar: all diese Ereignisse waren essentiell für die Charakterentwicklung.
Eine andere Stärke ist die wirklich gute und klare Sprache.
Trotz der epischen Handlung passier über sie fünf Bände im Vergleich zu anderen Science Fiction Reihen "in Cass of Plot" gar nicht so viel. Meist bleibt Donaldson bei den Protagonisten und lässt diese in glaubhaften Dialogen miteinander agieren.
Dies ist auch gleichzeitig eine Schwäche. Es passiert Handlungstechnisch nicht viel, aber dafür mit den Protagonisten.
Der "Amnion Zyklus " ist eine großartige Science Fiction Reihe. Es könnte für den Leser aber ein Hit oder Miss sein.
Der erste Band sollte durchgestanden werden um ein Urteil zu Fällen.
October 31, 2025
I have complicated feelings about this series. It’s violent, there’s a lot of rape and control of women, and the characters aren’t always loveable but you end up caring about them so much. The political intrigue and plotting is next level. I’m still thinking about it hours after I finished and wished there were more books in the series.
November 18, 2020
Wow, so sad it's over! What a great series and such an exciting finale!
Donaldson has long been one of my top Fantasy writers and it's a rare thing to see me reading SciFi. He is just that good.
I would STRONGLY recommend this series to anyone, but be warned: not for the faint of heart!
Donaldson has long been one of my top Fantasy writers and it's a rare thing to see me reading SciFi. He is just that good.
I would STRONGLY recommend this series to anyone, but be warned: not for the faint of heart!
May 25, 2021
The Gap Into Ruin: This Day All Gods Die (The Gap Cycle Book #5)
by Stephen R. Donaldson
Buddy Read. Review to come.
by Stephen R. Donaldson
Buddy Read. Review to come.
June 13, 2021
Re-reading this series has confirmed my opinion that this is, quite simply, one of the best science fiction series ever written. It deserves to stand with Dune and Hyperion in the halls of the truly great books, and it is a true shame that more people have not read it or are even aware of its existence.
July 17, 2013
Värdigt avslut på en fantastisk serie. En serie som är lång, tungläst men fruktansvärt bra och i denna bok är tempot galet. Eller kanske inte så mycket tempot som intensiteten. Konfrontationen/mötet mellan folket på Trumpet och folket på Punisher är fantastiskt, likaså deras kommunikation med Warden Dios. Allt faller liksom på plats i den här boken. Vi förstår, om och om igen, varför allt har hänt. Vi förstår på allvar att huvudpersonerna verkligen varit brickor i ett spel, vi förstår varför detta var nödvändigt. Men vi förstår också varför huvudpersonerna på ett personligt plan tvingades gå igenom detta, eller i alla fall hur det i efterhand faktiskt har spelat roll för dem, fått dem att på ett absurt sätt växa.
En vän satte snyggt fingret på att hela Gap-serien i grunden handlar om att hela tiden tvingas utforska och passera sina egna gränser. Att ständigt orka mer, klara mer, möta mer än man någonsin trott var möjligt. Mer trötthet, mer våld, mer förtryck. Men också, framför allt, mer känslomässigt trauma. Gap-serien är framför allt en serie om mänskliga relationer och karaktärsutvecklingen i den här boken är fantastisk, i synnerhet vad gäller Morn och Angus. Också efter den här boken är jag helt utmattad för att allting känns så förbenat mycket. Jag beundrar Donaldson kolossalt för att han verkligen lyckats skapa en lång orgie i känslor.
Den politiska upplösningen är strålande i denna bok. Relationernas klimax också. Jag uppskattar särskilt slutet för Morn och Angus, det var nog egentligen det enda slut (eller den enda typ av slut, visst finns det detaljer jag saknar och kanske önskat mig) jag kunnat acceptera för dem. Dock hade jag helt klart velat ha mer closure även mellan Min och Warden. Det känns som att Min förtjänade det och som att deras relation glömdes bort lite mitt i allt. Slutet var annars ljusare än jag trott. Kanske för ljust. Men ändå hoppfyllt. På ett vis gör det mig så otroligt glad att Donaldson till slut kommer fram till att all denna smärta, allt detta tänjande på gränser, faktiskt kan påverka människor i någon sorts positiv riktning. De kommer ut starkare ur alltsammans. Den tanken tilltalar mig och ger mig en oväntad tröst (som jag dessutom behöver med tanke på var jag just nu befinner mig i mitt eget liv).
Actionscenerna i slutet när de ska hjälpa Warden ter sig för mig något långdragna och ointressanta i jämförelse med alla mycket mer personligt laddade möten och beslut och konfrontationer som ägt rum innan. Men naturligtvis har de sin plats och boken skulle inte ha kunnat vara utan dem, så det är mer en reflektion än en kritik. Allt som allt är den här boken otroligt väl avvägd och balanserad, vilket inte riktigt är fallet med alla de andra där vissa passager kan kännas långdragna. Kanske bör man, som någon här på Goodreads föreslog, läsa Gap som en hel, lång, sammanhängande bok snarare än fem separata. Då faller bitarna liksom på plats mer även rent dramaturgiskt. Då är allt utdraget, uttröttande lidande i bok två på något vis helt rätt.
Det är även först i denna bok som jag börjar älska och till fulla uppskatta Hashi. Han är en fullständigt fantastisk karaktär. Likaså, naturligtvis, Warden. Martyrer kan ibland vara fruktansvärt tråkiga. Warden är aldrig tråkig ens för en sekund. Jag tror rentav att jag hade en liten crush på honom där, för ett tag.
Det känns lite konstigt att lämna de här karaktärerna, som varit med mig ett år, men skönt att ha avslutat serien. Jag borde egentligen inte läsa serier längre. Möjligen trilogier, men inte serier. Serier tar mig alldeles, alldeles för lång tid. Och jag har inte längre några oceaner av tid. I detta fall, nu efteråt, var det dock helt klart värt det. Och inte bara efteråt, för den delen.
En vän satte snyggt fingret på att hela Gap-serien i grunden handlar om att hela tiden tvingas utforska och passera sina egna gränser. Att ständigt orka mer, klara mer, möta mer än man någonsin trott var möjligt. Mer trötthet, mer våld, mer förtryck. Men också, framför allt, mer känslomässigt trauma. Gap-serien är framför allt en serie om mänskliga relationer och karaktärsutvecklingen i den här boken är fantastisk, i synnerhet vad gäller Morn och Angus. Också efter den här boken är jag helt utmattad för att allting känns så förbenat mycket. Jag beundrar Donaldson kolossalt för att han verkligen lyckats skapa en lång orgie i känslor.
Den politiska upplösningen är strålande i denna bok. Relationernas klimax också. Jag uppskattar särskilt slutet för Morn och Angus, det var nog egentligen det enda slut (eller den enda typ av slut, visst finns det detaljer jag saknar och kanske önskat mig) jag kunnat acceptera för dem. Dock hade jag helt klart velat ha mer closure även mellan Min och Warden. Det känns som att Min förtjänade det och som att deras relation glömdes bort lite mitt i allt. Slutet var annars ljusare än jag trott. Kanske för ljust. Men ändå hoppfyllt. På ett vis gör det mig så otroligt glad att Donaldson till slut kommer fram till att all denna smärta, allt detta tänjande på gränser, faktiskt kan påverka människor i någon sorts positiv riktning. De kommer ut starkare ur alltsammans. Den tanken tilltalar mig och ger mig en oväntad tröst (som jag dessutom behöver med tanke på var jag just nu befinner mig i mitt eget liv).
Actionscenerna i slutet när de ska hjälpa Warden ter sig för mig något långdragna och ointressanta i jämförelse med alla mycket mer personligt laddade möten och beslut och konfrontationer som ägt rum innan. Men naturligtvis har de sin plats och boken skulle inte ha kunnat vara utan dem, så det är mer en reflektion än en kritik. Allt som allt är den här boken otroligt väl avvägd och balanserad, vilket inte riktigt är fallet med alla de andra där vissa passager kan kännas långdragna. Kanske bör man, som någon här på Goodreads föreslog, läsa Gap som en hel, lång, sammanhängande bok snarare än fem separata. Då faller bitarna liksom på plats mer även rent dramaturgiskt. Då är allt utdraget, uttröttande lidande i bok två på något vis helt rätt.
Det är även först i denna bok som jag börjar älska och till fulla uppskatta Hashi. Han är en fullständigt fantastisk karaktär. Likaså, naturligtvis, Warden. Martyrer kan ibland vara fruktansvärt tråkiga. Warden är aldrig tråkig ens för en sekund. Jag tror rentav att jag hade en liten crush på honom där, för ett tag.
Det känns lite konstigt att lämna de här karaktärerna, som varit med mig ett år, men skönt att ha avslutat serien. Jag borde egentligen inte läsa serier längre. Möjligen trilogier, men inte serier. Serier tar mig alldeles, alldeles för lång tid. Och jag har inte längre några oceaner av tid. I detta fall, nu efteråt, var det dock helt klart värt det. Och inte bara efteråt, för den delen.
February 13, 2023
The Real Story: 3/5
Very short. A fun concept, telling the same story from several different directions to lead to different conclusions. Pretty dark. Nothing about it was really exceptional, but it was enjoyable.
Forbidden Knowledge: 2/5
A long book about being trapped in a spaceship with the same people for several months. Tedious, nothing happens but shuffling people around a bit. Characters are well done but the book just doesn't justify itself. Just drawn out connective tissue. The ending sets up the next book really well so I kept going.
A Dark and Hungry God Arises: 5/5
A whole new author I swear. Continuous high-stakes thrilling space action. Betrayals and twists and insane character developments. So good. Takes place over the course of like three days and more happens than in the last two books put together.
Chaos and Order: 5/5
Another banger. The scope is bigger, but he's still managing to pull twists and character choices that are just gripping.
This Day All Gods Die: 4/5
A good ending. Felt a little less tightly woven than the last two, but I was satisfied.
Hard series to recommend. Starts with two weak books in a row. I only kept going because book 3 has a raw title. Worth it? Maybe. I wish you could skip book 1 & 2 but I don't think it works great.
Impressed Donaldson managed to go five books without ever telling me what anything looked like.
Very short. A fun concept, telling the same story from several different directions to lead to different conclusions. Pretty dark. Nothing about it was really exceptional, but it was enjoyable.
Forbidden Knowledge: 2/5
A long book about being trapped in a spaceship with the same people for several months. Tedious, nothing happens but shuffling people around a bit. Characters are well done but the book just doesn't justify itself. Just drawn out connective tissue. The ending sets up the next book really well so I kept going.
A Dark and Hungry God Arises: 5/5
A whole new author I swear. Continuous high-stakes thrilling space action. Betrayals and twists and insane character developments. So good. Takes place over the course of like three days and more happens than in the last two books put together.
Chaos and Order: 5/5
Another banger. The scope is bigger, but he's still managing to pull twists and character choices that are just gripping.
This Day All Gods Die: 4/5
A good ending. Felt a little less tightly woven than the last two, but I was satisfied.
Hard series to recommend. Starts with two weak books in a row. I only kept going because book 3 has a raw title. Worth it? Maybe. I wish you could skip book 1 & 2 but I don't think it works great.
Impressed Donaldson managed to go five books without ever telling me what anything looked like.
August 10, 2021
Rich, tense, alive. What an incredible reading experience!
The final installment of the Gap Series plays its own part in the well composed structure of this five piece novel. It doesn't just contain the ending, from the first to the last page it is the ending. The events of the previous volumes have set up the circumstances for The Gap into Ruin, now everything is in place as it begins. The route toward the end is well over 600 pages, and the beauty of it all is that Donaldson used the space to pump the novel full of possibilities.
I have to say that Donaldson is skilled at bringing the reader so very close to understanding his own intentions. At least in this vol., he realized them well, and I think I saw them clearly. From the early pages of vol. 5 I enjoyed losing count of the author's clues and the many ways I thought this book might end. Later, I smiled as I read the last sentence of one of the final chapters which reads "The situation was full of possibilities." It was. At some point, I was struck by how "alive" the entire novel feels. Today, I opened "The Real Story" to read the afterword for the first time. In it, he describes his desire to write something that was "alive". He certainly did!
The final installment of the Gap Series plays its own part in the well composed structure of this five piece novel. It doesn't just contain the ending, from the first to the last page it is the ending. The events of the previous volumes have set up the circumstances for The Gap into Ruin, now everything is in place as it begins. The route toward the end is well over 600 pages, and the beauty of it all is that Donaldson used the space to pump the novel full of possibilities.
I have to say that Donaldson is skilled at bringing the reader so very close to understanding his own intentions. At least in this vol., he realized them well, and I think I saw them clearly. From the early pages of vol. 5 I enjoyed losing count of the author's clues and the many ways I thought this book might end. Later, I smiled as I read the last sentence of one of the final chapters which reads "The situation was full of possibilities." It was. At some point, I was struck by how "alive" the entire novel feels. Today, I opened "The Real Story" to read the afterword for the first time. In it, he describes his desire to write something that was "alive". He certainly did!
January 27, 2013
I find it humorous the so many "one starrers" made it through five volumes only to keep bitching (oops) about the profanity, and the vulgarity, and the very sordid nature of the characters , the situations, and I guess the writer. Hey, he came up with it after all. I don't know. It would be easy to attack those people and sooo tempting but.... Life isn't always pretty. And tough situations force people to make tough choices. Sometimes they are left with no choice at all. Sound a bit like Angus Thermopyle? Min Donner, Morn Hyland or Warden Dios? That is what Donaldson does with these characters. He lays them out in all their ugliness and beauty, their vulnerability and strength, their hope and lack of hope and he lets us see what makes them tick. This is what I loved about the Thomas Covenant books. Donaldson's ability to get inside a character's head and, love 'em or hate 'em, make us understand why they are what they are and make that hate fade (or the love) as we see how they respond to situations beyond their control. And it's just extra icing on the cake that we got the killer science fiction backdrop for this saga.
September 15, 2012
Stephen R. Donaldson was an apocalypse for me. I've known this pentalogy for years, but lacking *inside* information on its intricately spun plot and expert lexical needlecraft, took me a long time to get up close and personal with it.
It takes a rare kind of intelligence to be able to juggle between hundreds of different threads without losing the beat of the general story. The abysmal darkness of the human psyche and its hardwired longing for redemption especially when all bets are off, coupled with a no-soul-left-behind ideology that surreptitiously makes hope shine up even in the gutter, are brilliantly and mercilessly painted in this pentalogy. Throw in some of the most exquisite character development you've ever seen in a fictional story, plots and intertwined sub-plots to keep you on your toes well into the wee hours, some skillful handling of technological facts and scientific theories, and towards the end you're gasping for release...
It takes a rare kind of intelligence to be able to juggle between hundreds of different threads without losing the beat of the general story. The abysmal darkness of the human psyche and its hardwired longing for redemption especially when all bets are off, coupled with a no-soul-left-behind ideology that surreptitiously makes hope shine up even in the gutter, are brilliantly and mercilessly painted in this pentalogy. Throw in some of the most exquisite character development you've ever seen in a fictional story, plots and intertwined sub-plots to keep you on your toes well into the wee hours, some skillful handling of technological facts and scientific theories, and towards the end you're gasping for release...
April 3, 2014
A stolid (as SRD might use it) conclusion to a really ambitious and mostly successful series. I find it hard to evaluate any but the first book without referencing the others. In that light, there was too much redundancy; it's effective in the first book because of the perspective shifts, but in the latter books, we're really only getting "the real story". So why retell it dozens (literally) of times?
I was also never fully invested in Fasner's villainy, nor did the overall governmental structure ever quite make sense. The Romantic view of the human universe is just too unbelievable, but without it, the motivations don't quite add up.
Nevertheless, a series I'm glad I returned to. If you can suffer through the first (and you will suffer; if you don't, I really have to wonder), it's a compelling read.
I was also never fully invested in Fasner's villainy, nor did the overall governmental structure ever quite make sense. The Romantic view of the human universe is just too unbelievable, but without it, the motivations don't quite add up.
Nevertheless, a series I'm glad I returned to. If you can suffer through the first (and you will suffer; if you don't, I really have to wonder), it's a compelling read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews