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Grand Central Arena #2
Spheres of Influence
Sequel to popular space adventure, Grand Central Arena!
Leader of the Faction of Humanity. It was a ridiculous title, but the Arena said that was what Captain Ariane Austin was since she'd led the crew of the Holy Grail in their discovery of the impossible, physics-violating place and their eventual return, and when the nigh-omnipotent Arena said something, it meant it.
Ariane must discover what it means to be the Leader of Humanity, both for herself and for humanity, before her enemies—at home or in the Arena—depose her, kill her, or worse. It will take all her luck, Marc DuQuesne's indomitable will, Simon Sandrisson's genius, and the peerless skill of a living legend. And, in the end, humanity’s fate in the galaxy and beyond will hinge on the choice of an uncertain ally who has nothing to gain, and everything to lose, by aiding those neophyte upstarts, the humans.
About Spheres of Influence:
“Fast and entertaining action and a world that has the feel of Asimov’s Foundation series.”—Sarah A. Hoyt, author of the Darkship saga
About Ryk E. Spoor’s Grand Central Arena:
“…an imaginative piece of space opera that’s set on a near-future Earth where artificial intelligence is taken for granted.”—Shiny Reviews
“Grand Central Arena’ is space opera in the grand old tradition … but with modern sensibilities and awareness of current speculations in cutting edge physics.”—Fantasy Book Critic
About the Threshold Series by Ryk E. Spoor and Eric Flint
“… fast-paced sci-fi… light in tone and hard on science …” —Publishers Weekly
“… [the series is filled with] linguistics, biology, physics, and evolution further the story, as well as wacky humor, academic rivalries, and even some sweet romances.” —School Library Journal
About Ryk E. Spoor's Phoenix Rising:
“A winner! Great characters, and thrilling adventure. I want more!”—Ed Greenwood, best-selling author of the Forgotten Realms series
“[E]xciting adventure, scary monsters, strange gods, and wondrous magic.”—Lawrence Watt-Evans
Leader of the Faction of Humanity. It was a ridiculous title, but the Arena said that was what Captain Ariane Austin was since she'd led the crew of the Holy Grail in their discovery of the impossible, physics-violating place and their eventual return, and when the nigh-omnipotent Arena said something, it meant it.
Ariane must discover what it means to be the Leader of Humanity, both for herself and for humanity, before her enemies—at home or in the Arena—depose her, kill her, or worse. It will take all her luck, Marc DuQuesne's indomitable will, Simon Sandrisson's genius, and the peerless skill of a living legend. And, in the end, humanity’s fate in the galaxy and beyond will hinge on the choice of an uncertain ally who has nothing to gain, and everything to lose, by aiding those neophyte upstarts, the humans.
About Spheres of Influence:
“Fast and entertaining action and a world that has the feel of Asimov’s Foundation series.”—Sarah A. Hoyt, author of the Darkship saga
About Ryk E. Spoor’s Grand Central Arena:
“…an imaginative piece of space opera that’s set on a near-future Earth where artificial intelligence is taken for granted.”—Shiny Reviews
“Grand Central Arena’ is space opera in the grand old tradition … but with modern sensibilities and awareness of current speculations in cutting edge physics.”—Fantasy Book Critic
About the Threshold Series by Ryk E. Spoor and Eric Flint
“… fast-paced sci-fi… light in tone and hard on science …” —Publishers Weekly
“… [the series is filled with] linguistics, biology, physics, and evolution further the story, as well as wacky humor, academic rivalries, and even some sweet romances.” —School Library Journal
About Ryk E. Spoor's Phoenix Rising:
“A winner! Great characters, and thrilling adventure. I want more!”—Ed Greenwood, best-selling author of the Forgotten Realms series
“[E]xciting adventure, scary monsters, strange gods, and wondrous magic.”—Lawrence Watt-Evans
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2013
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152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 19, 2023
The sequel to Grand Central Arena lacked the action and mystery of the first, and ended up being a place holder for the next volume, deeply diving into politics and intrigue. I you like futuristic politics like what Weber does, you may like this more than I did. If you really dig LitRPG, you will probably like this also more than I did. But if you are looking for some exciting science fiction in general, I would give this a pass.
Taking up shortly where the Arena left off, the story primarily concerns Ariane's struggles to be the faction leader of humanity in all that it entails. This starts off with the original crew returning to the Arena after a short sojourn to Earth to appraise them of the situation. Shortly after they returned, Earth sent a pair of 'ambassadors' to the Arena, who were pretty clear that at 25 year old stunt pilot had no qualifications to be the 'Factor' of humanity in the Arena. Ariana cuts them some slack and starts doubting herself; is not the Factor leader a professional, and what indeed are her qualifications? Second guessing herself leads to all kinds of problems...
Basically, this does not take much brain power to read and the 'self doubt' trope has been done to death over and over. The only thing this series has going for it concerns the novel universe of the Arena, and yet, we hardly learn any more about it here. All the mysteries, etc., just continue with absolutely no closure. Worse, what redeemed (at least for me) the first installment were the vivid action sequences which Spoor does very well. Here? No action, all politics. Meh. 1.5 stars because I finished it.
Taking up shortly where the Arena left off, the story primarily concerns Ariane's struggles to be the faction leader of humanity in all that it entails. This starts off with the original crew returning to the Arena after a short sojourn to Earth to appraise them of the situation. Shortly after they returned, Earth sent a pair of 'ambassadors' to the Arena, who were pretty clear that at 25 year old stunt pilot had no qualifications to be the 'Factor' of humanity in the Arena. Ariana cuts them some slack and starts doubting herself; is not the Factor leader a professional, and what indeed are her qualifications? Second guessing herself leads to all kinds of problems...
Basically, this does not take much brain power to read and the 'self doubt' trope has been done to death over and over. The only thing this series has going for it concerns the novel universe of the Arena, and yet, we hardly learn any more about it here. All the mysteries, etc., just continue with absolutely no closure. Worse, what redeemed (at least for me) the first installment were the vivid action sequences which Spoor does very well. Here? No action, all politics. Meh. 1.5 stars because I finished it.
January 23, 2014
Spheres of Influence is the sequel to Ryk E. Spoor's Grand Central Arena. This is important, because Spheres of Influence is very much not a standalone novel—you're going to want to have read Grand Central Arena before proceeding to this one, both because the initial volume in this series contains essential background and because it's a ripping good yarn in its own right.
Spheres of Influence is... not quite as satisfying. Even after the nine-page synopsis of Grand Central Arena (which I for one really needed; it's been a couple of years), it still takes awhile for Spheres of Influence to get rolling on its own. Part of that is just a standard case of SIS (Second Installment Syndrome)—the introductions have all been made, the major technological and future-historical changes introduced, and the first great crisis (or, rather, crises) survived... so the second installment has to raise the ante, veer off in a new direction, or spend its time consolidating and expanding on what went before.
Spoor chooses the third option (mixed with bits of the first) for this sequel, which brings Marc DuQuesne, Ariane Austin, Simon Sandrisson and the rest of the gang from Grand Central Arena back—along with at least one extremely colorful new character—to the Arena for more gosh-wow, whiz-bang adventures of super-science.
While Spheres of Influence (and its predecessor) consciously hark back to the primordial pulp fiction of the 1930s, there are also elements of more modern sf in this series. The integrated roles of women and the respect for diversity in Spoor's series are a distinct improvement on its templates, and are—for the most part—skillfully handled. The romantic interactions between the characters are still awkward and infrequent—Spoor's bigger-than-life heroes don't really seem to know what to do with the opposite (or even the same) sex. But at least the attempt is made. And the anti-authoritarian sense of the irrepressible human spirit which is so well exemplified in Ellison's short story gets integrated into both Grand Central Arena and Spheres of Influence as well—in sharp contrast to James Edwin Gunn's novel Transcendental, which I read just before this one. In Gunn's book the tropes of pulp sci-fi (term used advisedly) are played entirely too straight.
Spoor does have some issues he needs to work through as a writer, though. The most significant problem: how much he seems to be attached to his coterie of central characters. While there were some genuine moments of suspense in Grand Central Arena, and while there are some (apparently) permanent deaths in Spheres of Influence, the question in the sequel is never whether the core gang will survive, but only how.
Spheres of Influence's cover has to count against it to some extent, too, with its garish typography and aggressively inept art—both of which are practically Baen trademarks. I guess that awkwardly-posed, busty, leather-clad cover gal is supposed to be Ariane Austin, Leader of the Faction of Humanity... but it's hard to tell, really, since this image looks oddly like a detail clipped—badly—from a larger work.
Don't let all that put you off, though; the book inside is much better-constructed—and if you liked Spoor's first tale, you'll be pleased with this one too, once Marc DuQuesne, Ariane Austin and the rest of the gang get back to the Arena where, it's starting to become apparent, they really belong. Some really important questions that were left hanging at the end of Grand Central Arena get resolved, and a few new ones are raised. I am not disappointed by this, despite what I'll freely admit is a review that largely focuses on the negative. Spoor's been clear all along that this series is either open-ended or its end is so far in the future that it might as well be undefined.
Overall, I thought Spheres of Influence was... not as good as Grand Central Arena, but still gripping, after its rocky start. And, after all is said and done, I still want to know What Happens Next.
Spheres of Influence is... not quite as satisfying. Even after the nine-page synopsis of Grand Central Arena (which I for one really needed; it's been a couple of years), it still takes awhile for Spheres of Influence to get rolling on its own. Part of that is just a standard case of SIS (Second Installment Syndrome)—the introductions have all been made, the major technological and future-historical changes introduced, and the first great crisis (or, rather, crises) survived... so the second installment has to raise the ante, veer off in a new direction, or spend its time consolidating and expanding on what went before.
Spoor chooses the third option (mixed with bits of the first) for this sequel, which brings Marc DuQuesne, Ariane Austin, Simon Sandrisson and the rest of the gang from Grand Central Arena back—along with at least one extremely colorful new character—to the Arena for more gosh-wow, whiz-bang adventures of super-science.
"Well, you speak with inflection too!"
—Everett C. Marm, in "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman," by Harlan Ellison
While Spheres of Influence (and its predecessor) consciously hark back to the primordial pulp fiction of the 1930s, there are also elements of more modern sf in this series. The integrated roles of women and the respect for diversity in Spoor's series are a distinct improvement on its templates, and are—for the most part—skillfully handled. The romantic interactions between the characters are still awkward and infrequent—Spoor's bigger-than-life heroes don't really seem to know what to do with the opposite (or even the same) sex. But at least the attempt is made. And the anti-authoritarian sense of the irrepressible human spirit which is so well exemplified in Ellison's short story gets integrated into both Grand Central Arena and Spheres of Influence as well—in sharp contrast to James Edwin Gunn's novel Transcendental, which I read just before this one. In Gunn's book the tropes of pulp sci-fi (term used advisedly) are played entirely too straight.
Spoor does have some issues he needs to work through as a writer, though. The most significant problem: how much he seems to be attached to his coterie of central characters. While there were some genuine moments of suspense in Grand Central Arena, and while there are some (apparently) permanent deaths in Spheres of Influence, the question in the sequel is never whether the core gang will survive, but only how.
Spheres of Influence's cover has to count against it to some extent, too, with its garish typography and aggressively inept art—both of which are practically Baen trademarks. I guess that awkwardly-posed, busty, leather-clad cover gal is supposed to be Ariane Austin, Leader of the Faction of Humanity... but it's hard to tell, really, since this image looks oddly like a detail clipped—badly—from a larger work.
Don't let all that put you off, though; the book inside is much better-constructed—and if you liked Spoor's first tale, you'll be pleased with this one too, once Marc DuQuesne, Ariane Austin and the rest of the gang get back to the Arena where, it's starting to become apparent, they really belong. Some really important questions that were left hanging at the end of Grand Central Arena get resolved, and a few new ones are raised. I am not disappointed by this, despite what I'll freely admit is a review that largely focuses on the negative. Spoor's been clear all along that this series is either open-ended or its end is so far in the future that it might as well be undefined.
Overall, I thought Spheres of Influence was... not as good as Grand Central Arena, but still gripping, after its rocky start. And, after all is said and done, I still want to know What Happens Next.
March 29, 2015
I enjoyed this book as much or more than the first one. I read the ARC ebook from Baen. So there are some typos and writing issues. This type of space opera is not for everyone. But coming from the right perspective and in the right mood made me the perfect audience. I enjoyed all the characters from the first book and certain new characters introduced here. The betrayal and changes of loyalty by characters give a small touch of realism to an mostly fantasy story.
A funny issue for me is that I know none of the literary references in the series. I think it is odd because I am 55 years old and have read about a book a week for my whole life. I guess it is a matter of what reading world you live in. I don't know any of the references to character names, except "Journey into the West." So it was tiresome to me with the references to those other stories without any explanation. It only distracted from my enjoyment a little bit.
I loved the world creation of the Arena. I was intrigued and fascinated with the idea of the Arena and the rules and other races. I am even able to put up with the "magical" powers that are somewhat in evidence. Of course the book is written so I can explain the magic, if I choose.
As other reviews say the character development is not at an extreme high level, but most people don't expect that in space opera. For me the character development and explication was sufficient to support the action and plot.
Speaking of action, this is the heart of the book and perhaps at the same time a source of weakness. I very much enjoyed the action and found those parts of the book edge-of-my-seat entertainment. The plot is driven by the dramatic action conflicts that occur in the story and the plot leads directly to the action. My criticism of the action is not any kind of problem for me. In every action scene very lucky and magical events play a role. I thought these features were fine for me. I saw the results I wanted to see in the conflicts and was willing to suspend disbelief every time. But, I could imagine some readers in some moods would not be willing to go along with the fantasy level of the space opera.
I say this is a great book. I think it should be read in order after the original title. There is continuity of characters, locations, rules and situations, that make pre-knowledge useful for a reader. This book requires a level of suspension of disbelief that means people need to enjoy space opera and are in the right mood to be able to enjoy it. People should pick up this book and prepare for a roller coaster of fun.
Another reviewer posted this link to reveals about the inside jokes and references in the book (don't look at until you have read the book):
http://grandcentralarena.com/grand-ce...
A funny issue for me is that I know none of the literary references in the series. I think it is odd because I am 55 years old and have read about a book a week for my whole life. I guess it is a matter of what reading world you live in. I don't know any of the references to character names, except "Journey into the West." So it was tiresome to me with the references to those other stories without any explanation. It only distracted from my enjoyment a little bit.
I loved the world creation of the Arena. I was intrigued and fascinated with the idea of the Arena and the rules and other races. I am even able to put up with the "magical" powers that are somewhat in evidence. Of course the book is written so I can explain the magic, if I choose.
As other reviews say the character development is not at an extreme high level, but most people don't expect that in space opera. For me the character development and explication was sufficient to support the action and plot.
Speaking of action, this is the heart of the book and perhaps at the same time a source of weakness. I very much enjoyed the action and found those parts of the book edge-of-my-seat entertainment. The plot is driven by the dramatic action conflicts that occur in the story and the plot leads directly to the action. My criticism of the action is not any kind of problem for me. In every action scene very lucky and magical events play a role. I thought these features were fine for me. I saw the results I wanted to see in the conflicts and was willing to suspend disbelief every time. But, I could imagine some readers in some moods would not be willing to go along with the fantasy level of the space opera.
I say this is a great book. I think it should be read in order after the original title. There is continuity of characters, locations, rules and situations, that make pre-knowledge useful for a reader. This book requires a level of suspension of disbelief that means people need to enjoy space opera and are in the right mood to be able to enjoy it. People should pick up this book and prepare for a roller coaster of fun.
Another reviewer posted this link to reveals about the inside jokes and references in the book (don't look at until you have read the book):
http://grandcentralarena.com/grand-ce...
January 31, 2014
rereading GCA to get back into the flow of things - still fun as on the original reading
just a few thoughts - updated the review of the first book here as I have reread that first:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
and i strongly suggest people to check Grand central Arena (Baen has lots of free chapters on their site)
Sphere of Influence picks up where GCA ends, though the immediate aftermath is just summarized for good reasons (action better than politicking, though there is some of that later)
A lot of backstory about the Hyperions, new awesome characters in addition to the usual, some human villains for once and some Molothos dialogue for ages (available in the free snippets btw), some twists and the a good ending at another stop point, but I was really disappointed that the novel ended at all as i could and would have read another 500 pages of our heroes adventures in the Arena and the Solar System and a few other places tbd; also the big promise form earlier on (read to see what) is for volume 3 and i really want to read that
excellent stuff and i hope the series goes on for a long time
just a few thoughts - updated the review of the first book here as I have reread that first:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
and i strongly suggest people to check Grand central Arena (Baen has lots of free chapters on their site)
Sphere of Influence picks up where GCA ends, though the immediate aftermath is just summarized for good reasons (action better than politicking, though there is some of that later)
A lot of backstory about the Hyperions, new awesome characters in addition to the usual, some human villains for once and some Molothos dialogue for ages (available in the free snippets btw), some twists and the a good ending at another stop point, but I was really disappointed that the novel ended at all as i could and would have read another 500 pages of our heroes adventures in the Arena and the Solar System and a few other places tbd; also the big promise form earlier on (read to see what) is for volume 3 and i really want to read that
excellent stuff and i hope the series goes on for a long time
July 24, 2021
Great space opera fun
I'm really enjoying this series. I love the way the author has incorporated characters from classic SF stories and mythology into a totally unique setting.
I'm really enjoying this series. I love the way the author has incorporated characters from classic SF stories and mythology into a totally unique setting.
March 7, 2014
I actually like books that are just this side of being really good, because the really really good ones end up causing me to go to semi-desperate lengths in order to finish reading.
Like its predecessor, this story takes place in a wide ranging and well-thought out universe that the author only seems to engage with at a surface level. We return to the Arena, the universal melting pot and the various species and factions that are present in it. Arianne is trying to come to terms with being the leader of her faction (and therefore all of Humanity in the arena) in the face of a group of politicians who really want her out of the way, while dealing with the usual machinations and politics of the Arena itself.
There is not a lot of action in this book, particularly compared to the previous one. Most of the first two thirds are spent rehashing and/or introducing relationships between humanity and the arena residents. Also, one of Marc DuQuene’s associates from the Hyperion project, one based on the legend of Wu Kung, joins the crew. That provides a point of view for the story that allows some of the wonder and newness of the Arena to be re-experienced, and he is a very different character it’s fun to follow.
Unfortunately, the main issue I had with the previous book continues here; there are a number of potential or obvious sub-plots set up in this book that appear to go nowhere. The issue is compounded by the fact that it’s difficult to determine what the primary conflict is. In the first book, determining the rules of the arena and how the crew was going to survive were the primary driving force behind everything else that was going on. It was much harder for me to identify the driving force here. At first it seems like there is going to be a lot of time spent on diplomats trying to undermine Arianne, but that plot is sidelined fairly quickly. There is also the renegade mass-murdering Hyperion that snuck into the Arena, but very little is done with that plot either, and those are only two of six or seven that present themselves.
None of the plots are badly written, so it was still fun to work my way through the book, but to me the lack of a central focus for everyone’s efforts made the book seem like it was more a series of short stories where one had little to do with the other, rather than a coherent narrative with branching subplots. This book seemed like it was a lot of setup, laying the groundwork for a bunch of things that were going to occur in the next book of the series. I’m okay with that in general, but it worries me because some of that was done in the previous book as well and very little came of it here.
Like its predecessor, this story takes place in a wide ranging and well-thought out universe that the author only seems to engage with at a surface level. We return to the Arena, the universal melting pot and the various species and factions that are present in it. Arianne is trying to come to terms with being the leader of her faction (and therefore all of Humanity in the arena) in the face of a group of politicians who really want her out of the way, while dealing with the usual machinations and politics of the Arena itself.
There is not a lot of action in this book, particularly compared to the previous one. Most of the first two thirds are spent rehashing and/or introducing relationships between humanity and the arena residents. Also, one of Marc DuQuene’s associates from the Hyperion project, one based on the legend of Wu Kung, joins the crew. That provides a point of view for the story that allows some of the wonder and newness of the Arena to be re-experienced, and he is a very different character it’s fun to follow.
Unfortunately, the main issue I had with the previous book continues here; there are a number of potential or obvious sub-plots set up in this book that appear to go nowhere. The issue is compounded by the fact that it’s difficult to determine what the primary conflict is. In the first book, determining the rules of the arena and how the crew was going to survive were the primary driving force behind everything else that was going on. It was much harder for me to identify the driving force here. At first it seems like there is going to be a lot of time spent on diplomats trying to undermine Arianne, but that plot is sidelined fairly quickly. There is also the renegade mass-murdering Hyperion that snuck into the Arena, but very little is done with that plot either, and those are only two of six or seven that present themselves.
None of the plots are badly written, so it was still fun to work my way through the book, but to me the lack of a central focus for everyone’s efforts made the book seem like it was more a series of short stories where one had little to do with the other, rather than a coherent narrative with branching subplots. This book seemed like it was a lot of setup, laying the groundwork for a bunch of things that were going to occur in the next book of the series. I’m okay with that in general, but it worries me because some of that was done in the previous book as well and very little came of it here.
July 13, 2014
I read the eARC version so a couple little things I ran across might have changed. I like this very much. Enough that giving it a four doesn't seem fair and a five out of place because I thought the original book in the series was just outstanding. Four - but 4.5 or so might be better.
**** After mulling it over I have decided to change my rating to 5.****
It works on many levels - very well. What didn't? A bit too much cliff-hanging/wait for the next entry kind of stuff. I would have been more satisfied with a completely packaged story. And if there are more later - great. So ignoring the obvious stuff at the end, and trying to not reveal any spoilers - I'll just say - Maria-Susanna. No value added character. Those who have read the book will know both what I mean and what the author is intending (I think).
Anyway, I have a couple very minor 'writer-viewed' suggestions I could make but they have little to do with enjoying this work as a reader.
GET THIS BOOK. READ IT. YOU WILL ENJOY IT.
**** After mulling it over I have decided to change my rating to 5.****
It works on many levels - very well. What didn't? A bit too much cliff-hanging/wait for the next entry kind of stuff. I would have been more satisfied with a completely packaged story. And if there are more later - great. So ignoring the obvious stuff at the end, and trying to not reveal any spoilers - I'll just say - Maria-Susanna. No value added character. Those who have read the book will know both what I mean and what the author is intending (I think).
Anyway, I have a couple very minor 'writer-viewed' suggestions I could make but they have little to do with enjoying this work as a reader.
GET THIS BOOK. READ IT. YOU WILL ENJOY IT.
April 11, 2021
Wow, this is a great second book in the Grand Central Arena series. I’m really happy that I jumped on this series thanks to a recommendation from one of my favorite authors.
The science fiction, with a dash of fantasy, world building was great in the first book and I thought that, given the rich world that was already constructed in that book, the author was more or less done but no. This book continues to expand on this rich world with new creatures, areas, twists and surprises around every corner.
The characters are still great. I really like the main protagonist, Ariane, and DuQuesne. The rest of the characters are very good as well. The new character, Wu Kung or the Monkey King, is a really good new addition.
As usual there are mysteries everywhere our heroes goes in this strange world. A lot of them sooner or later ends up in more or less violent action sequences which are all very well done.
In this installment Ariane also has to deal with the arrogant politicians and bureaucrats back home who, of course, gets a big fart stuck up their arses when Ariane tells them she is the leader of the Faction of Humanity and, effectively, their new leader. Of course Ariane quickly takes them down a notch or two.
As I wrote, there’s plenty of mysteries going around and it is not only DuQuesne that appears to exhibit some “special abilities” in the arena. I am very interested in seeing where all these threads will go in the end. I am, of course really looking forward to the next book. Hopefully some of these threads will be resolved and I also suspect there will some (final?) confrontation between the Faction of Humanity and the Molothos.
Overall, this is one of the most well written and captivating book series that I have read in a long time.
The science fiction, with a dash of fantasy, world building was great in the first book and I thought that, given the rich world that was already constructed in that book, the author was more or less done but no. This book continues to expand on this rich world with new creatures, areas, twists and surprises around every corner.
The characters are still great. I really like the main protagonist, Ariane, and DuQuesne. The rest of the characters are very good as well. The new character, Wu Kung or the Monkey King, is a really good new addition.
As usual there are mysteries everywhere our heroes goes in this strange world. A lot of them sooner or later ends up in more or less violent action sequences which are all very well done.
In this installment Ariane also has to deal with the arrogant politicians and bureaucrats back home who, of course, gets a big fart stuck up their arses when Ariane tells them she is the leader of the Faction of Humanity and, effectively, their new leader. Of course Ariane quickly takes them down a notch or two.
As I wrote, there’s plenty of mysteries going around and it is not only DuQuesne that appears to exhibit some “special abilities” in the arena. I am very interested in seeing where all these threads will go in the end. I am, of course really looking forward to the next book. Hopefully some of these threads will be resolved and I also suspect there will some (final?) confrontation between the Faction of Humanity and the Molothos.
Overall, this is one of the most well written and captivating book series that I have read in a long time.
December 9, 2013
So, let’s say that the universe we live in had a place where all the space-emergent species, from all the scattered worlds in it, belonged to an organization that was a cross between the United Nations and Las Vegas. And, Earth’s humans are the newbies. Welcome to the second novel in the Grand Central Arena series. Spheres of Influence, by Ryk E. Spoor, (Amazon link) is a joyous romp in an unusually clever sci-fi fantasy story that you and your kids can enjoy.
Firstly, I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series, Grand Central Arena because while there is a summary in Spheres of Influence, it’s not quite enough to explain all that goes on, including the description of The Arena and Nexus Arena, where all of the aliens — species from different worlds, including Earth — interact, and work out their problems.
It’s the 24th century and Humankind is at peace with itself. Robots and AI’s do all the heavy lifting. Finally, an interstellar drive is invented and a daring few “jump” outside the solar system, only to be stopped in their tracks, as it were, and they discover The Arena. Each solar system is represented in a sphere at the Arena. When they arrive, they are granted “an embassy” within Nexus Arena, where they can interact with other aliens (species from other solar systems) and do trade, scheme, engage in intrigue and settle grudges. Wars can be fought outside, in the “real universe” but in the Arena, it comes down to “challenges” where a small few participants from each species duel in various ways (and other species can bet on the outcome) and the winner can demand everything from fuel to worlds. This is a simplification that is much expanded and explained in the story. For those of you who have read the first book, I’m not giving any spoilers. Let’s just say that some of the “factions” aren’t happy to have the newbie Humans around, and that some of the Humans on Earth aren’t happy that Captain Ariane Austin was designated the leader of the Human Faction.
Let me try to shorten this review. Ryk E. Spoor has created a wonderfully thought out plot mechanism that is sure to ensure many more novels in this series. Spheres of Influence is an addicting, fun, rated-”G” story that science fiction enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy. But wait; there’s more!
Spheres of Influence introduces what just might be the most enjoyable, likable, scene-stealing character I’ve ever read in a science fiction novel; a genetically engineered hybrid of a human, monkey, cat . . . I’m not exactly sure. But, Sun Wu Kung, the Monkey King, is absolutely a perfectly wonderful creation from author Spoor’s fertile imagination. A lovable warrior! He’s worth the price of admission all by himself, and he's the hero of an epic space battle.
Spheres of Influence is fun, mind provoking, and a terrific read. It’s an easy read, since science doesn’t get much in the way of the narrative. Sci-fi purists might fault me for that, but I like to get carried away by a story and not worry too much about whether the physics equations work out or not. Again, read the first book, and then savor Spheres of Influence. And, as I am, wait for the next installment!
Firstly, I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series, Grand Central Arena because while there is a summary in Spheres of Influence, it’s not quite enough to explain all that goes on, including the description of The Arena and Nexus Arena, where all of the aliens — species from different worlds, including Earth — interact, and work out their problems.
It’s the 24th century and Humankind is at peace with itself. Robots and AI’s do all the heavy lifting. Finally, an interstellar drive is invented and a daring few “jump” outside the solar system, only to be stopped in their tracks, as it were, and they discover The Arena. Each solar system is represented in a sphere at the Arena. When they arrive, they are granted “an embassy” within Nexus Arena, where they can interact with other aliens (species from other solar systems) and do trade, scheme, engage in intrigue and settle grudges. Wars can be fought outside, in the “real universe” but in the Arena, it comes down to “challenges” where a small few participants from each species duel in various ways (and other species can bet on the outcome) and the winner can demand everything from fuel to worlds. This is a simplification that is much expanded and explained in the story. For those of you who have read the first book, I’m not giving any spoilers. Let’s just say that some of the “factions” aren’t happy to have the newbie Humans around, and that some of the Humans on Earth aren’t happy that Captain Ariane Austin was designated the leader of the Human Faction.
Let me try to shorten this review. Ryk E. Spoor has created a wonderfully thought out plot mechanism that is sure to ensure many more novels in this series. Spheres of Influence is an addicting, fun, rated-”G” story that science fiction enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy. But wait; there’s more!
Spheres of Influence introduces what just might be the most enjoyable, likable, scene-stealing character I’ve ever read in a science fiction novel; a genetically engineered hybrid of a human, monkey, cat . . . I’m not exactly sure. But, Sun Wu Kung, the Monkey King, is absolutely a perfectly wonderful creation from author Spoor’s fertile imagination. A lovable warrior! He’s worth the price of admission all by himself, and he's the hero of an epic space battle.
Spheres of Influence is fun, mind provoking, and a terrific read. It’s an easy read, since science doesn’t get much in the way of the narrative. Sci-fi purists might fault me for that, but I like to get carried away by a story and not worry too much about whether the physics equations work out or not. Again, read the first book, and then savor Spheres of Influence. And, as I am, wait for the next installment!
August 9, 2013
It says a LOT that I was excited enough for this book to buy the e-ARC directly from Baen, and read it same-day. (I had been following the posted "snippets" on Spoor's blog--which ALSO says rather a lot--so I had already read 25 chapters or so, but *still*.)
I have so much fun visiting this universe. I really want the series to do well, because I want more sequels. It's not going to be for everyone, but if "sense of wonder" is still on your list of things to look for in sci-fi and you don't mind celebrating the pulpier side of sf history (with some updates! It's not regressive!), it's worth checking out the series. And hey, maybe you'll enjoy it as much as I do!
Review of Grand Central Arena, the first book in the series.
edit: as I'm the first GoodReads review on this book, and I totally enjoyed it, I'm upping to five stars. There aren't actually that many series I actively follow these days, so even if this doesn't fit my normal mold of what I consider a "five star" book, it's earned the star from me.
I have so much fun visiting this universe. I really want the series to do well, because I want more sequels. It's not going to be for everyone, but if "sense of wonder" is still on your list of things to look for in sci-fi and you don't mind celebrating the pulpier side of sf history (with some updates! It's not regressive!), it's worth checking out the series. And hey, maybe you'll enjoy it as much as I do!
Review of Grand Central Arena, the first book in the series.
edit: as I'm the first GoodReads review on this book, and I totally enjoyed it, I'm upping to five stars. There aren't actually that many series I actively follow these days, so even if this doesn't fit my normal mold of what I consider a "five star" book, it's earned the star from me.
December 10, 2013
Just like the first book in this series, Grand Central Arena (which you should read first, if you haven't already), Spheres of Influence is great fun. Both are sci-fi adventures with more than a nod towards the 'golden age' space operas, particularly those written by E.E.'Doc' Smith to which these books play deliberate homage. Spheres of Influence more than lives up to the promise of the preceding novel, maintaining the compelling characters, light tone and interesting plots. And plots there are a-plenty, in the Arena!
I very much hope there will be at least one more book in this series, and will be waiting impatiently to read it!
I very much hope there will be at least one more book in this series, and will be waiting impatiently to read it!
December 16, 2013
This is more successful as a novel than Grand Central Arena, simply because there isn't the push to establish the universe and the main characters. The pace isn't relaxed by any means; events keep coming at you. It's a satisfying book in most respects. The characters do grow; it's fun to see Wu introduced and explore; and some of the problems set up in GCA are resolved. What could be better tied together is the linkages of the AI plot, between the Minds and what they imply for matters in Sol System. More time with the AISages on stage would have helped.
November 26, 2014
Not. Going. To. The. Anime. Convention.
because I am lazy!!! And wanted to read this book too much.
It was totally worth it!!! But where the heck is the sequel.
Also, I need to read the old scifi so I can get all the references ;_;
okay but then there's this: http://grandcentralarena.com/grand-ce...
WHICH DETAILS THE REFERENCES!!! VICTORY IS MINE *reads*
Yeah I couldn't find out who "K" was and I looked in some pretty esoteric places besides that site I listed too!! Spoor isn't telling >.<
K!!! Who are you??? ;_;
Guess I have to wait for the next book... Gimme!!!!
because I am lazy!!! And wanted to read this book too much.
It was totally worth it!!! But where the heck is the sequel.
Also, I need to read the old scifi so I can get all the references ;_;
okay but then there's this: http://grandcentralarena.com/grand-ce...
WHICH DETAILS THE REFERENCES!!! VICTORY IS MINE *reads*
Yeah I couldn't find out who "K" was and I looked in some pretty esoteric places besides that site I listed too!! Spoor isn't telling >.<
K!!! Who are you??? ;_;
Guess I have to wait for the next book... Gimme!!!!
April 2, 2017
I appreciate the awesome world building, the homage to E.E. Smith and all....but just became SO sick of the LONG discussions and ITALICS in EVERY line of dialogue that after about fifty pages I found myself skipping two thirds of the story. Here there is ONE brisk battle, a couple of smaller dustups, and an anticlimactic cyber-ambush--separated by thousands of words as the characters stand around and chew the fat or marvel at their new environs. I rather liked the first volume, and so will go on to the third even though this one was a big yawn.
November 9, 2013
Loved it.
This one was even better than Grand Central Arena...
Minor spoiler, but any Doc Smith fan will love what happens in the middle of a space battle, and this time it's the good guys that invent it, not the Boskonians.
It does everything you want for a second book, extends the world, adds new characters and conflicts, and best of all shows real growth for the main character. I already can't wait for the next two books (or more).
As of right now, it's my favorite current series.
This one was even better than Grand Central Arena...
Minor spoiler, but any Doc Smith fan will love what happens in the middle of a space battle, and this time it's the good guys that invent it, not the Boskonians.
It does everything you want for a second book, extends the world, adds new characters and conflicts, and best of all shows real growth for the main character. I already can't wait for the next two books (or more).
As of right now, it's my favorite current series.
February 1, 2014
Spheres of Influence has everything that made Grand Central Arena a great book, and then some! I loved it.
Wish I could find more books like this one, books who can so effortlessly pull me into their world for an unforgettable adventure.
Wish I could find more books like this one, books who can so effortlessly pull me into their world for an unforgettable adventure.
March 31, 2014
Ryk Spoor just keeps getting better. . .
This is third ( or fourth? ) book I've read written by Ryk, and I've enjoyed them immensely. I recommend his writing to anyone who loves a good story.
This is third ( or fourth? ) book I've read written by Ryk, and I've enjoyed them immensely. I recommend his writing to anyone who loves a good story.
August 10, 2019
Went straight from Grand Central Arena to this book. Ryk Spoor maintains the level of action and pulp while not repeating the first book. He introduces new characters, advances the overall plot, and again provides a fun, quick-moving book.
October 17, 2013
Another fun space opera read. I hope that Ryk lives a long life and manages to bring this series to a conclusion.
September 17, 2014
2 star for a good while... 4 star for a good while. I'll settle on 3. Enjoyable space opera (sequel). Some of the "science" is a bit of a stretch or hard to make sense of, but hey, it's fun!
February 5, 2014
One of the best battle scenes I've seen in a while.
The arc really moves forward in this book.
The arc really moves forward in this book.
March 19, 2014
A worthy sequel to the original Grand Central Arena.
November 16, 2013
Great space opera. Deeply implausible, but great fun.
dnf
January 11, 2021Just not working for me. The first one was okay, but it's just too complicated and hard to follow who's where and what they want to do. I normally enjoy a wide cast and multiple plots, but I think what's throwing me off is all the references to other works. I grew up on the "Doc" Smith Lensman and Skylark books but the DuQuesne character here is just confusing. And my hind-brain keeps saying "Hyperion" is Dan Simmons' Hyperion Cantos, not a virtual reality project.
No insult to Spoor, I've enjoyed other of his works. This one's just not clicking for me, so no rating.
No insult to Spoor, I've enjoyed other of his works. This one's just not clicking for me, so no rating.
March 10, 2025
First book was politically interesting, the second book much less so. There are aspects of the worldbuilding that I admire but the plot drags a lot in this one. Not planning to finish the series but it was an interesting change of genre for me!
September 19, 2017
Read and enjoyed
Read and enjoyed will start sample of the next edition from Amazon price higher than what I usually pay for books to add to my kindle
Read and enjoyed will start sample of the next edition from Amazon price higher than what I usually pay for books to add to my kindle
August 27, 2021
It's good, suffers a bit from setting-up-the-next-book-itis, but still an enjoyable read
April 30, 2023
This was just as good as the first in the series. Excited about the next book!
February 12, 2017
1st hundred pages very slow read, maybe because skipped book one, maybe just not in the mood. next 300 plus pages excitement read like a house on fire. Last ten pages just do not understand. How does one rate this type of book?
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