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Spiral Arm #4
On the Razor's Edge
The secret war among the Shadows of the Name is escalating, and there are hints that it is not so secret as the Shadows had thought. The scarred man, Donovan buigh, half honored guest and half prisoner, is carried deeper into the Confederation, all the way to Holy Terra herself, to help plan the rebel assault on the Secret City. If he does not soon remember the key information locked inside his fractured mind, his rebel friends may resort to torture to pull it from his subconscious.
Meanwhile, Bridget ban has organized a posse—a pack of Hounds—to go in pursuit of her kidnapped daughter, despite knowing that Ravn Olafsdottr kidnapped the harper precisely to lure Bridget ban in her wake. The Hound, the harper, and the scarred man wind deeper into a web of deceit and treachery certain of only one thing: nothing, absolutely nothing, is what it seems to be.
Meanwhile, Bridget ban has organized a posse—a pack of Hounds—to go in pursuit of her kidnapped daughter, despite knowing that Ravn Olafsdottr kidnapped the harper precisely to lure Bridget ban in her wake. The Hound, the harper, and the scarred man wind deeper into a web of deceit and treachery certain of only one thing: nothing, absolutely nothing, is what it seems to be.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2013
5 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Michael Flynn
114 books237 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. Please see this page for the list of authors.
Michael Francis Flynn (born 1947) is an American statistician and science fiction author. Nearly all of Flynn's work falls under the category of hard science fiction, although his treatment of it can be unusual since he has applied the rigor of hard science fiction to "softer" sciences such as sociology in works such as In the Country of the Blind. Much of his short fiction has appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact.
Flynn was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. He earned a B.A. in Mathematics from LaSalle University and an M.S. in topology from Marquette University. He has been employed as an industrial quality engineer and statistician.
Library of Congress authorities: Flynn, Michael (Michael F.)
Michael Francis Flynn (born 1947) is an American statistician and science fiction author. Nearly all of Flynn's work falls under the category of hard science fiction, although his treatment of it can be unusual since he has applied the rigor of hard science fiction to "softer" sciences such as sociology in works such as In the Country of the Blind. Much of his short fiction has appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact.
Flynn was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. He earned a B.A. in Mathematics from LaSalle University and an M.S. in topology from Marquette University. He has been employed as an industrial quality engineer and statistician.
Library of Congress authorities: Flynn, Michael (Michael F.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 23, 2014
picking up where In the Lion's mouth left the novel takes one on a wonderful ride in the author's superb Celtic-flavored universe; here the archaic language works again well (mostly) as the story is modern and generally standard so doesn't conflict as in book 2
While the general outline of the story ending is clear, there are a few twists and turns and enough surprises to keep one satisfied; very good series ending, though I think that the move from a purer space opera in the superb 9and best of the series) January dancer to the more personal Donovan/Harper/Ravn/Bridget story in books 2-4 worked less well than if the story would have remained at a more "big picture, many characters" level
Overall highly recommended - both the book and the series
While the general outline of the story ending is clear, there are a few twists and turns and enough surprises to keep one satisfied; very good series ending, though I think that the move from a purer space opera in the superb 9and best of the series) January dancer to the more personal Donovan/Harper/Ravn/Bridget story in books 2-4 worked less well than if the story would have remained at a more "big picture, many characters" level
Overall highly recommended - both the book and the series
August 31, 2019
This was just… perfect.
On an intellectual level, I know there is much to object to, from the purple in the prose to the pulp in the plot, but this series of books came alive for me in a way few others have. The forgotten past of a far future was done so poetically perfect that it moved me almost to tears. The people, with all their caricatured facets, I could see, hear and feel, and they stayed with me long after I finished each of the books. In saying good-bye to Ravn, Donovan, Bintsaif, Mearanna, Bridget and the rest of the interminable host of colorful characters with an even more interminable host of names I almost feel like saying good-bye to old friends whom I will seriously miss. I suspect that, after this kind of perfect finale for the series, I will be sorely tempted to do a full re-read, something I almost never do in these always-too-much-new-stuff-to-read times.
On an intellectual level, I know there is much to object to, from the purple in the prose to the pulp in the plot, but this series of books came alive for me in a way few others have. The forgotten past of a far future was done so poetically perfect that it moved me almost to tears. The people, with all their caricatured facets, I could see, hear and feel, and they stayed with me long after I finished each of the books. In saying good-bye to Ravn, Donovan, Bintsaif, Mearanna, Bridget and the rest of the interminable host of colorful characters with an even more interminable host of names I almost feel like saying good-bye to old friends whom I will seriously miss. I suspect that, after this kind of perfect finale for the series, I will be sorely tempted to do a full re-read, something I almost never do in these always-too-much-new-stuff-to-read times.
September 1, 2016
On the Razor's Edge is the fourth book in Flynn's Spiral Arm series. It picks up right where In the Lion's Mouth ended.
Bridget ban's daughter, Mearana the Harper, has left with the Shadow Ravn Olafsdottr and headed into the Confederacy. It is unclear whether she was kidnapped or went willingly. Bridget and a team of Hounds that she persuades to join her head into the Confederacy (and toward Old Earth) in pursuit. They all know that they are being lured into a war between the "Shadows of Name" and that some of their number may not return. However, Mearana must be rescued and there is rumored treasure in the form of ancient artifacts/information -- it must be done.
Meanwhile Mearan's father, Donovan buigh the scarred man, is being held in wily old Gidula's stronghold on old Earth. Donovan has his own tight path to walk. He fears that if he gives Gidula the knowledge of how to enter the Secret City he will not survive long; so, he has to play Gidula along while he gathers his own resources.
From that start intrigues pile upon each other. Donovan goes on a journey of discovery on Old Earth. The conflict widens into a full war between the Names and their Shadows, with Bridget ban and her Hounds, Donovan, and Mearana adding extra random factors. The conflict becomes something I can only describe as a Ninja war with high-tech weapons.
This is a satisfying end to the series. Although you could read this story on its on, I would recommend reading the first three books first.
Bridget ban's daughter, Mearana the Harper, has left with the Shadow Ravn Olafsdottr and headed into the Confederacy. It is unclear whether she was kidnapped or went willingly. Bridget and a team of Hounds that she persuades to join her head into the Confederacy (and toward Old Earth) in pursuit. They all know that they are being lured into a war between the "Shadows of Name" and that some of their number may not return. However, Mearana must be rescued and there is rumored treasure in the form of ancient artifacts/information -- it must be done.
Meanwhile Mearan's father, Donovan buigh the scarred man, is being held in wily old Gidula's stronghold on old Earth. Donovan has his own tight path to walk. He fears that if he gives Gidula the knowledge of how to enter the Secret City he will not survive long; so, he has to play Gidula along while he gathers his own resources.
From that start intrigues pile upon each other. Donovan goes on a journey of discovery on Old Earth. The conflict widens into a full war between the Names and their Shadows, with Bridget ban and her Hounds, Donovan, and Mearana adding extra random factors. The conflict becomes something I can only describe as a Ninja war with high-tech weapons.
This is a satisfying end to the series. Although you could read this story on its on, I would recommend reading the first three books first.
March 5, 2015
The author is clearly very talented. Much of the writing was enjoyable in an almost literary style, with much reference to bygone cultures, both real and fictional. I liked the character Donovan the best, with his multiple internal voices and the fact that he is in captivity at the beginning, and his enemy still continuously underestimates him.
The plot is surprising, interesting, and flows good enough that most of the time I knew what was going on.
I will say that there was a TON of name dropping, much of which seemed extraneous to the plot. The constant mentions of various cultures and languages, and pithy statements were so numerous that by the end I was rather sick of it. I think the author should use these devices more sparingly, and avoid so many unfamiliar terms that really are not necessary to the plot.
I am just glad that it had a happy ending. Made it mostly worth wading through all the wordiness leading up to it.
The plot is surprising, interesting, and flows good enough that most of the time I knew what was going on.
I will say that there was a TON of name dropping, much of which seemed extraneous to the plot. The constant mentions of various cultures and languages, and pithy statements were so numerous that by the end I was rather sick of it. I think the author should use these devices more sparingly, and avoid so many unfamiliar terms that really are not necessary to the plot.
I am just glad that it had a happy ending. Made it mostly worth wading through all the wordiness leading up to it.
September 21, 2013
I'm not sure if my lackluster opinion of this book is the result of jumping into the series at the end (I didn't realize it was part of a series when I picked it up), or if it really was just a dull book. I felt the science fiction/fantasy blend was poorly done. The world is full of space ships and interplanetary travel, but the style of writing was high fantasy poetry. Throw in most of the characters having Scottish accents, and I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for this book. I didn't sense any genuine feelings between the characters, their interactions spoke mostly of obligation and habit. The plot itself didn't grab me, and while the story moved quickly I didn't feel anything particularly special about it.
Again, my reaction could entirely be because I jumped in at the end of the series, but this book just wasn't for me.
Again, my reaction could entirely be because I jumped in at the end of the series, but this book just wasn't for me.
August 22, 2013
This is virtually unreadable with Celtic and other speaking styles replicated in dialogue and a plot that moves with the pace of a constipated snail.
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September 15, 2013
Fourth book in this tired series. I enjoyed the first two books but the last two limped (hopefully) to the finish line. Just not a lot going on in this one, and too many characters to really care about.
July 10, 2013
Flynn really is amazing! I love his civilization drift here... His vision of the far FAR future is simply mesmerizing. I hope for many more novels in this series.
May 3, 2014
"Until we know that Schrödinger has cut the thread, all possibilities remain open!"
--Ravn Olafsdottr.
--Ravn Olafsdottr.
February 5, 2021
Really, 3.5 stars but I'll round up because of the general completeness and satisfaction through the entire cycle.
Of the four Spiral Arm novels, I found this the weakest. This is the most "standard", SF action-movie-shoot-'em-up of the lot, and that was a bit disappointing. While it was very busy and noisy, there were too many plots-within-plots to continue to stay invested in and, most crucially, there was not enough of the single most captivating aspect of the entire tale: Donovan buigh. The parts that center on him(them) are the best parts of the story and of the telling, no offense to Méarana, Ravn, or Bridget. That said, the last Act as a whole is good SF and the final reveals, moves, and denouement are emotionally and intellectually satisfying.
I'd gladly recommend the Spiral Arm novels to any good reader of SFF. There's both novelty in the novels and significant tweaking of familiar tropes, enough to keep your mind working happily. But I really am left wondering: what's Chicken Joe Freezing??
Of the four Spiral Arm novels, I found this the weakest. This is the most "standard", SF action-movie-shoot-'em-up of the lot, and that was a bit disappointing. While it was very busy and noisy, there were too many plots-within-plots to continue to stay invested in and, most crucially, there was not enough of the single most captivating aspect of the entire tale: Donovan buigh. The parts that center on him(them) are the best parts of the story and of the telling, no offense to Méarana, Ravn, or Bridget. That said, the last Act as a whole is good SF and the final reveals, moves, and denouement are emotionally and intellectually satisfying.
I'd gladly recommend the Spiral Arm novels to any good reader of SFF. There's both novelty in the novels and significant tweaking of familiar tropes, enough to keep your mind working happily. But I really am left wondering: what's Chicken Joe Freezing??
November 2, 2017
Perhaps the best book of the series. The characters are now (mostly) fully developed or, if not, you at least know who they are. The plot is fantastic, twisted, and mostly unpredictable. Loved the mashup of The Shadows as a weird, warped, twisted take on medieval chivalric orders. I still can't get over that and would love to read more. And boy, the science in the fiction just keeps getting better. This series was so good I'm sorely tempted to pick up another of Flynn's offerings. If you enjoy science fiction, you'll love this stuff.
March 19, 2019
Really perfect ending for great story. Enjoyed reading it!
June 16, 2019
Fascinating ending to a fascinating series.
July 23, 2019
Wonderful conclusion to an epic, myth drenched, space opera.
January 20, 2024
Really enjoyed this series!
August 8, 2021
I wrote a long(er) review of the third book in this sci-fi sequence a few months back, and will refer the curious to it. Let's just say that the same elements that I liked in the earlier books - world-building, the author's beautiful and sophisticated use of language, and a slow-build to well-constructed action sequences - are just as prominent in this, the conclusion to the Spiral Arm quartet. This one also brings to a satisfying conclusion the saga of Bridget Ban, Donovan, and all the other colorful characters, so readers (like me) who grew confused at the inter-book plotting will find all questions resolved. I'm mystified why this series hasn't come in for greater acclaim (indeed, it proved difficult to track down this volume, which seems never to have been published in paperback!).
January 21, 2021
And so I finish my 65th book of 2014 just before the deadline (with two not on Goodreads). That biographical note out of the way, on with the review. This was the fourth (and final?) novel in this series by Michael Flynn. And it's a fitting end to the story. I didn't like the third part (In the Lion's Mouth) as much as the first two, thinking it rather slight, though that may change on a re-read, as I suspect it sets up a lot of the resolution found in this book. It might work better, seen as part of a complete tale. Here all the players are on the table, and some are playing a deep game. The action now takes place not in the periphery, but in the confederation, the authoritarian, slightly sinister civilisation on the other side of a gap in space. Ruled by the god-like 'Names', with their scheming shadows, and no the arena of a bloody conflict between the old and the new guard, manipulated by several other parties. It's in this already boiling stew the harper Mearana and her mother, Hound Bridget Ban, are dropped, focusing on staying alive, but part of the battle just by being present. And the scarred man, Donovan, has to play the part of a well known revolutionary, even if he still does not have his mind united ... It all ends spectacularly, in an exciting hundred of pages, where besides the well staged action (this could be a Star Wars-like movie), there are surprising revelations, fitting denouements, and questions still left open to explore. The book contains a well described and suggested world, where our history is not even legend any more, and the glory of Terra seems irretrievable. Are the new civilizations doomed to fall as well? Is down the only way to go? Or is there something of hope and worth to discover yet? There are some intrigueing glimpses of that, but as in our own days and times, the answer remains just that: a hope, not a certainty. And in the mean time even little or temporary defeats of oppression and evil are to be celebrated. I for one appreciated the world building here, gaining believability by building on medieval or celtic elements, making this one universe I will be glad to revisit.
March 19, 2015
The fourth of the Spiral Arm series. It's not a work divided up into four chunks, but the weight of the series before does supply more to this work. Also, there will be spoilers ahead for the first three.
It opens with three, as the opening line observes. First there is Bridget, who summoned together such Hounds as her message could reach. She tells them she summoned them for her daughter, and then that this is because a Shadow of the Confederacy spirited her away. She carefully omits that this was probably voluntary on Mearana's part. But she gets allies to leave the League going after her.
And second, there is Mearana herself, traveling with Ravn Olafsdottr, to lure her mother after her, because her father is prisoner in the Confederacy, and her mother would not come for her. She learns more and more about the place, and the conflict among Shadows that resulted in her father's first kidnapping.
And third, there is Donovan, Gidula's prisoner. He learns how he came to survive, more about the struggle, and Gidula's principles of government. He knows Gidula wants him because of Padaborn's Rising, and the secret way out of the Secret City that saved him. He learns that many of Gidula's subordinates, even his magpies, are loyal to Padaborn -- and suspects that he wanted Donovan more troubled than he is, to dash their hopes. Gidula sets up a pasdarm, a mock combat, and Donavan guesses it to be a way to accidentally cripple him; he uses it instead to win over the man who was to do it.
And intrigues thicken from there, and conflict, thicken from there. After all the revelations of the first three, it's amazing how many more can spring, completely naturally, from the events of this and them, without even making the past look over-crowded with events. Donovan discovers many things about Terra's past.
It's a book that benefits from being read with care. I am quite sure that I didn't get all the allusions, even on a second reading, but such as I did helped flesh out this enormously and gorgeously elaborate world.
It opens with three, as the opening line observes. First there is Bridget, who summoned together such Hounds as her message could reach. She tells them she summoned them for her daughter, and then that this is because a Shadow of the Confederacy spirited her away. She carefully omits that this was probably voluntary on Mearana's part. But she gets allies to leave the League going after her.
And second, there is Mearana herself, traveling with Ravn Olafsdottr, to lure her mother after her, because her father is prisoner in the Confederacy, and her mother would not come for her. She learns more and more about the place, and the conflict among Shadows that resulted in her father's first kidnapping.
And third, there is Donovan, Gidula's prisoner. He learns how he came to survive, more about the struggle, and Gidula's principles of government. He knows Gidula wants him because of Padaborn's Rising, and the secret way out of the Secret City that saved him. He learns that many of Gidula's subordinates, even his magpies, are loyal to Padaborn -- and suspects that he wanted Donovan more troubled than he is, to dash their hopes. Gidula sets up a pasdarm, a mock combat, and Donavan guesses it to be a way to accidentally cripple him; he uses it instead to win over the man who was to do it.
And intrigues thicken from there, and conflict, thicken from there. After all the revelations of the first three, it's amazing how many more can spring, completely naturally, from the events of this and them, without even making the past look over-crowded with events. Donovan discovers many things about Terra's past.
It's a book that benefits from being read with care. I am quite sure that I didn't get all the allusions, even on a second reading, but such as I did helped flesh out this enormously and gorgeously elaborate world.
July 9, 2013
On the Razor’s Edge by Michael Flynn
This is the 4th and final book in a series. I have not changed my opinion since I reviewed In the Lion’s Mouth, this book also did not stand alone well. I suggest reading the previous three , The January Dancer and then Up Jim River and then In the Lion’s Mouth before reading this book. Donovan, the protagonist, is still the key piece in the Spiral Arm politics. The black ops teams of the Confederation and the League each hope to use him for their own ends.
I guess I should have taken my own advice and gone back and read the first two volumes. I like continuity and without those two books I could never find it. Just as in In the Lion’s Mouth, I was never able to get into this book. I like back story and find myself getting frustrated when I can’t put something in context.
Flynn does write with great imagination and flair with super detail on the characters. They have colorful nuances that make them engaging. The Hounds and the Names still contend with Donavan’s personalities and I still end up confused. One thing is certain, an undeclared war may be more vicious than a declared war.
I recommend reading these four books in order. I think that, in order, they will be much more enjoyable.
Site: http://m-francis.livejournal.com/
This is the 4th and final book in a series. I have not changed my opinion since I reviewed In the Lion’s Mouth, this book also did not stand alone well. I suggest reading the previous three , The January Dancer and then Up Jim River and then In the Lion’s Mouth before reading this book. Donovan, the protagonist, is still the key piece in the Spiral Arm politics. The black ops teams of the Confederation and the League each hope to use him for their own ends.
I guess I should have taken my own advice and gone back and read the first two volumes. I like continuity and without those two books I could never find it. Just as in In the Lion’s Mouth, I was never able to get into this book. I like back story and find myself getting frustrated when I can’t put something in context.
Flynn does write with great imagination and flair with super detail on the characters. They have colorful nuances that make them engaging. The Hounds and the Names still contend with Donavan’s personalities and I still end up confused. One thing is certain, an undeclared war may be more vicious than a declared war.
I recommend reading these four books in order. I think that, in order, they will be much more enjoyable.
Site: http://m-francis.livejournal.com/
August 2, 2013
This is the fourth novel in the Spiral Arm series, which started with ‘The January Dancer’. In the first book we learn about several fractions having a ‘cold war’. In the sequels we follow a group of people who are involved by their liaisons to these factions. Where ‘The January Dancer’s’ plot is about an alien artifact and its mysterious powers, the other books of the series are about people. In ‘Up Jim River’ we follow the story of Méarana and Donovan buigh in the rescue of her mother Bridget ban. Following ‘In the Lion’s Mouth’ we find out why Donovan (Méarana’s father) abandoned Bridget and her daughter. ‘On the razor’s Edge’ brings together all lose ends.
It’s a story of treachery and loyalty. Of power and love. Méarana trying to rescue her father. Bridget ban trying to rescue Méarana. People and factions with great powers fighting each other in conflicts which seem meaningless in the end…
The story is told from different points of view. It gives us an intriguing picture of how the battling factions are plotting their actions. One may wonder what happened to ‘The January Dancer’ and its ancient creators. Or why there is so much struggle for power… For what? In the end all pieces fall together. And what is left over may seem very small compared to the vastness of the universe… Yet something to cherish!
It’s a story of treachery and loyalty. Of power and love. Méarana trying to rescue her father. Bridget ban trying to rescue Méarana. People and factions with great powers fighting each other in conflicts which seem meaningless in the end…
The story is told from different points of view. It gives us an intriguing picture of how the battling factions are plotting their actions. One may wonder what happened to ‘The January Dancer’ and its ancient creators. Or why there is so much struggle for power… For what? In the end all pieces fall together. And what is left over may seem very small compared to the vastness of the universe… Yet something to cherish!
December 16, 2013
Michael Flynn has gotten award nominations for his far future tale of Donovan, a former revolutionary who was tortured by having his mind split into ten parts. It is a time of a hidden war between the Hounds of the League worlds , and the Shadows of the Confederation. The Names that rule the Confederation are also at internal war and Donovan finds himself On the Razor’s Edge (hard from Tor) because his lost memories hold the secret to a hidden route into the Secret City of the Names. A large part of the tale happens on Earth now with low population and in the grip of an Ice Age. Most of its history was lost over the centuries, but Donovan’s research points to events that may help his understanding of his present. I got lost a bit in the final attack on the Secret City, but it still was a solid ending to a well regarded series. Printed by the Philadelphia Weekly Press
April 11, 2016
With a lot of potential by way of intricate plots, interesting characters, and unique settings, this book should have been much better than it was. Instead, it seems as if the author was attempting to meld poetry and prose with the unfortunate effect of leaving the reader simply confused. Every character seemed to have three different names, the sentences were needlessly bogged down with strange structures and multiple unrecognizable dialects, and the plot thrust was purposely hidden from the reader until the 60% mark (and remained confounding). As a fan of deep and complex space opera, I hoped that "On the Razor's Edge" would have delivered political intrigue combined with excellent dialogue and the occasional action scene complete with unusual twists. I was, instead, left wanting and disappointed.
October 22, 2013
This is the last book in Flynn's Spiral Arm series, and it wrapped up the story of Donovan/The Scarred Man nicely. In four books, Flynn traversed 20-some years and the entire eponymous spiral arm of the galaxy, showing us mind-controlling aliens, future human technologies (with no science!), the progress of history, and most important of all, human cultures and relationships. While the story of Donovan (mostly) came to a satisfying closure, there's still so much more left unknown in this rich universe. For example, we need a more detailed treatment of exactly what happened between the Commonwealth, Tau Ceti, and the pre-human aliens, more on why Tau Ceti "betrayed" Earth, and generally more of the history of the Periphery. I eagerly await Flynn's next works set in this universe.
June 7, 2014
I still don't know why I enjoy this series so much, but I do.
This one had a lot more spy/intrigue/triple-crossing kinds of things.
There's still way too many fights between people who are way too superhuman.
The disguises and such are also superhumanly amazing but somehow that doesn't bother me as much.
Maybe I just really love the world, the future, the attitudes about humanity's Terran origins. Or the poetic writing style? Or the plot and the way it alternates between slow seeking and fast-paced combat scenes.
Anyway, I'm going to read the next one when it comes out. And probably go back and reread the first book or two now that I have the deeper understanding of the characters that come from these later books in the series.
This one had a lot more spy/intrigue/triple-crossing kinds of things.
There's still way too many fights between people who are way too superhuman.
The disguises and such are also superhumanly amazing but somehow that doesn't bother me as much.
Maybe I just really love the world, the future, the attitudes about humanity's Terran origins. Or the poetic writing style? Or the plot and the way it alternates between slow seeking and fast-paced combat scenes.
Anyway, I'm going to read the next one when it comes out. And probably go back and reread the first book or two now that I have the deeper understanding of the characters that come from these later books in the series.
March 16, 2014
A good wrap-up to the series with plenty of questions answered and a few not as the action moves to Terra and the struggles within the Shadows and the Names. Donovan is dragged in as a symbol of the last failed rebellion and used as a pawn by friend and foe alike. His daughter and the Hounds chase him to Earth and the shadow struggles become real. He found many things dismaying and inspiring on this post-Terran earth, among them he may have found the answer to the nature of the artifacts that are the linchpin of the fighting. And he may have found another puzzle for another time!
June 2, 2014
The book is the final chapter in loosely held together series known as as the Spiral arm. It resolves the main mystery running through out the series who is the scarred man who who created him for what purpose. The story is another quest for the holy grail book, with all the attendant battles battles seances. If you like this sort of book then this story will appeal to you.
The book and series suffer from its use of ancient language and archaic forms of modern words. This use distracts from the story and makes the book almost unreadable.
The book and series suffer from its use of ancient language and archaic forms of modern words. This use distracts from the story and makes the book almost unreadable.
November 20, 2015
A pack of Hounds go deep into enemy space to rescue a harpist, and find themselves embroiled in a vicious coup attempt. There's an arid spot or two in the plot, but enough action to keep me turning the pages, particularly toward the end. Flynn's also a gifted stylist, like Jack Vance in that his prose is distinctive and recognizable---but a more entertaining storyteller, I think, with a lighter sense of humor and a fondness for clever little linguistic twists. Enjoyed this very much, and will likely go on to try his other books.
January 23, 2016
I found this book, on the "new book" shelf, at the library. Space opera always appeals to me, and this book is that, in spades. A richly-imagined universe, interstellar travel, warring factions, and hidden agendas, all make for a good story. What I didn't know, is that this is the fourth, of the "January Dancer" series. Not sure whether I'll check out the rest, as there are a lot of Gaelic references, and I am among, what must be a small percentage of people, for whom the Gaelic/Celtic culture holds no allure.
July 22, 2013
A continuation on the other books in the serious, Flynn delights in trying to imagine worlds in which the honor caste system of the 14th century could be adapted to help run interstellar governments. Reveling any more would be spoiling the many twists and turns in the story, particularly on who is double crossing whom…..
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