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Star Sojourner #1
The Loranth
Exobiologist Jules Rammis finds more than the small mammal
he searched for among the great reptilian life forms on the primal
world of Tartarus. If he had known that deep beneath the surface
he walked, a spectacular culture of intelligent aliens quietly roamed
the sunken seas, he might not have stumbled into the lair of a demented
member who was out to destroy humankind and intended to use Jules
as his weapon of choice.
he searched for among the great reptilian life forms on the primal
world of Tartarus. If he had known that deep beneath the surface
he walked, a spectacular culture of intelligent aliens quietly roamed
the sunken seas, he might not have stumbled into the lair of a demented
member who was out to destroy humankind and intended to use Jules
as his weapon of choice.
- GenresScience Fiction
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2012
32 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 1, 2020
Jules Rammis has a clinic for wild plague-bearing alien animals. Crotes! Now I've seen everything. Basically, 'dinosaurs' (cold-blooded inhabitants of the planet) keep walking in for his help. For some nifty reason. There may be more to it that an astrobiologist could think.
Q:
It was black, streamlined, had slanted cat eyes and the fire of stars in its belly. It could stun or kill with silicon reflexes and was the only thing on Tartarus besides insects that could truly fly. It could also seat four. (c)
Some other inhabitants of this world are bonkers: imagine humans serving a slug. A telepatic seawater slug. It's a great thing not every member of this race is a delinquent.
While the writing could've done with some refinements, the world-building is incredible and gets this book full marks.
The animals in this one are fantastic:
Q:
The mumbler's eyes were infected, all four of them. Two had lids and were crusted closed. I think the lidless ones are pineal, perhaps sensitive to ultraviolet rays. I'd have to bathe them all with ultrimune. Between the mumbler's ears, set four hand spans apart on a neckless shoulder, he was all mouth, and his mouth was all teeth. Some days are like that down on the farm. (c)
… and kind (a bit):
Q:
'Would you ask that thing you ride if she ate one of Larson's scientists out around Purgatory Canyon?”
And there it was.
“That's grunithe. They're rare, and they don't attack humans unless provoked. Wish I could say the same for some spikers.”
“That's kind of them on both counts.” (c)
This world's religion is something weird:
Q:
“Jesus ChristLotus,” I moaned.
“Yes!” She made the sign of the cross. “The Fathers, the ChristBuddha, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance, and the Loranth.” (c)
Wowsers:
Q:
What were his windows on the world? I don't think we inhabit the same reality, the mumbler and man.(c)
Q:
“Annie's gonna have a baby.”
“ChristLotus, that's seven.”…
“You two trying to populate Leone all by yourselves?” (c)
Q:
I'd always hoped that someday a small creature with the ability to control his own temperature might wander in, perhaps on legs planted well under him, or displaying some other mammalian traits. On Earth, the skeletal remains of mammals weighing up to twenty pounds in life were discovered in Madagascar, dating back to the times of the dinosaurs. It could prove my theory that mammalian type animals are not just a fluke of Earth's nature, but a universal pattern. (c)
Q:
I thought on cages that close so softly at our backs we never feel the sigh of air or hear the click of the lock. (c)
Q:
Gordan Montaigne could crack a code faster than you could saw through a lumptoad's egg. (c)
Q:
I took a drink from the canteen and wiped my tongue on my collar. I'll never get used to this slimestone water, but imported Earth acqua is way above my head. (c)
Q:
There was a sinking feeling in my stomach as I gazed at the mighty Chablis Sea, perhaps for the last time. A clear pink sky, full of iron particles in the upper layers, had turned the sea into rosé. An offshore breeze kept its glassy surface stirred, and sent breakers to crash against granite cliffs. (c)
Q:
my sympathy was with the cold-blooded animal, not the primate behind the desk... (c)
Q:
Her bones were probably keeping some reptile's teeth plaque free by now. (c)
Q:
I know a place where spring water wells up through cracks in rocks to form crystal ponds; where prevailing westerly winds gentle the afternoon heat. I've walked in the great silence there, beneath high narctressus and muse trees, through pink sunlight that dapples diremoss in leopard spots.
A person could do worse than live his life in that quiet retreat. (c)
Q:
Our family of reptiles and amphibians were gathered around us, watching, like voyeurs.
“Was it good for you guys,” (c)
Q:
Right now I didn't care about onions, aliens, or family get-togethers in the lair. (c)
Q:
“I already know your name. It's beachcake. And listen, I enjoy my hostilities too much to share, so be a nice girl and schlep back to the tanning parlor.” (c)
Q:
An entire race of deranged members is not evolutionarily viable. So maybe they're subject to laws, the same as we are. (c)
Q:
It was black, streamlined, had slanted cat eyes and the fire of stars in its belly. It could stun or kill with silicon reflexes and was the only thing on Tartarus besides insects that could truly fly. It could also seat four. (c)
Some other inhabitants of this world are bonkers: imagine humans serving a slug. A telepatic seawater slug. It's a great thing not every member of this race is a delinquent.
While the writing could've done with some refinements, the world-building is incredible and gets this book full marks.
The animals in this one are fantastic:
Q:
The mumbler's eyes were infected, all four of them. Two had lids and were crusted closed. I think the lidless ones are pineal, perhaps sensitive to ultraviolet rays. I'd have to bathe them all with ultrimune. Between the mumbler's ears, set four hand spans apart on a neckless shoulder, he was all mouth, and his mouth was all teeth. Some days are like that down on the farm. (c)
… and kind (a bit):
Q:
'Would you ask that thing you ride if she ate one of Larson's scientists out around Purgatory Canyon?”
And there it was.
“That's grunithe. They're rare, and they don't attack humans unless provoked. Wish I could say the same for some spikers.”
“That's kind of them on both counts.” (c)
This world's religion is something weird:
Q:
“Jesus ChristLotus,” I moaned.
“Yes!” She made the sign of the cross. “The Fathers, the ChristBuddha, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance, and the Loranth.” (c)
Wowsers:
Q:
What were his windows on the world? I don't think we inhabit the same reality, the mumbler and man.(c)
Q:
“Annie's gonna have a baby.”
“ChristLotus, that's seven.”…
“You two trying to populate Leone all by yourselves?” (c)
Q:
I'd always hoped that someday a small creature with the ability to control his own temperature might wander in, perhaps on legs planted well under him, or displaying some other mammalian traits. On Earth, the skeletal remains of mammals weighing up to twenty pounds in life were discovered in Madagascar, dating back to the times of the dinosaurs. It could prove my theory that mammalian type animals are not just a fluke of Earth's nature, but a universal pattern. (c)
Q:
I thought on cages that close so softly at our backs we never feel the sigh of air or hear the click of the lock. (c)
Q:
Gordan Montaigne could crack a code faster than you could saw through a lumptoad's egg. (c)
Q:
I took a drink from the canteen and wiped my tongue on my collar. I'll never get used to this slimestone water, but imported Earth acqua is way above my head. (c)
Q:
There was a sinking feeling in my stomach as I gazed at the mighty Chablis Sea, perhaps for the last time. A clear pink sky, full of iron particles in the upper layers, had turned the sea into rosé. An offshore breeze kept its glassy surface stirred, and sent breakers to crash against granite cliffs. (c)
Q:
my sympathy was with the cold-blooded animal, not the primate behind the desk... (c)
Q:
Her bones were probably keeping some reptile's teeth plaque free by now. (c)
Q:
I know a place where spring water wells up through cracks in rocks to form crystal ponds; where prevailing westerly winds gentle the afternoon heat. I've walked in the great silence there, beneath high narctressus and muse trees, through pink sunlight that dapples diremoss in leopard spots.
A person could do worse than live his life in that quiet retreat. (c)
Q:
Our family of reptiles and amphibians were gathered around us, watching, like voyeurs.
“Was it good for you guys,” (c)
Q:
Right now I didn't care about onions, aliens, or family get-togethers in the lair. (c)
Q:
“I already know your name. It's beachcake. And listen, I enjoy my hostilities too much to share, so be a nice girl and schlep back to the tanning parlor.” (c)
Q:
An entire race of deranged members is not evolutionarily viable. So maybe they're subject to laws, the same as we are. (c)
December 28, 2015
Will tickle your funny bone and scare you out of your wits!
The Loranth by Jean Kilczer is the first in the Star Sojourner Series, but it happens to be the latest one I've read. As with the others I've notched on my "already read" belt (Blood of Denebria and Halcyon Nights), The Loranth is utterly amazing. Starring astrobiologist and telepath, Jules Rammis, this book is so visual, while awakening all other senses, as well, it reads like a cinematic drama; and the non-stop action is reminiscent of a movie like Star Wars. Jules Rammis is a handsome and sympathetic character who is always getting into trouble as he wanders off independently to solve extraterrestrial problems and mysteries with his cadre of friendly alien life forms to support him. Many of the human companions he encounters on his path are not that friendly or supportive; in fact, some are downright contemptible. In The Loranth, Jules Rammis is on a mission to explore the mystery of the disappearance of Christine Saynes, a fellow scientist who goes missing near her campsite on a planet that is not entirely unfriendly or unsupportive of Terran life forms. And in the course of his mission, Rammis is drawn into an intense drama that draws extensively upon his tel powers but also leaves him vulnerable because of them. The Loranth is not only a story filled with high drama and action-packed adventure, but author Kilczer's writing, itself, is totally exquisite. In spite of the many expletives her characters use (and believe me, they are quite creative), Kilzcer's prose is so fine, it is practically poetry. Her poetic descriptions of alien species and alien terrain (skies, sand, seaports, forests, caves, rivers) are perfect examples. As the reader is engrossed in the reading, the author lifts the reader off his/her seat into exalted states of "being." I'd also like to add that, as a cult-survivor myself, I feel that Ms. Kilczer's descriptions of cultic behavior and cultic conversations are right on target and frighteningly accurate. I further believe that Ms. Kilczer is right up there among the classic writers of the science fiction genre and that her signature mark is her devilish sense of humor as well as her philosophical thinking. Kilzer's books are, in some respects, a bit frivolous in certain places to lighten up her lightning-like touch, but the overall effect the reader is left with is that of having made contact with Great Mind Itself.
The Loranth by Jean Kilczer is the first in the Star Sojourner Series, but it happens to be the latest one I've read. As with the others I've notched on my "already read" belt (Blood of Denebria and Halcyon Nights), The Loranth is utterly amazing. Starring astrobiologist and telepath, Jules Rammis, this book is so visual, while awakening all other senses, as well, it reads like a cinematic drama; and the non-stop action is reminiscent of a movie like Star Wars. Jules Rammis is a handsome and sympathetic character who is always getting into trouble as he wanders off independently to solve extraterrestrial problems and mysteries with his cadre of friendly alien life forms to support him. Many of the human companions he encounters on his path are not that friendly or supportive; in fact, some are downright contemptible. In The Loranth, Jules Rammis is on a mission to explore the mystery of the disappearance of Christine Saynes, a fellow scientist who goes missing near her campsite on a planet that is not entirely unfriendly or unsupportive of Terran life forms. And in the course of his mission, Rammis is drawn into an intense drama that draws extensively upon his tel powers but also leaves him vulnerable because of them. The Loranth is not only a story filled with high drama and action-packed adventure, but author Kilczer's writing, itself, is totally exquisite. In spite of the many expletives her characters use (and believe me, they are quite creative), Kilzcer's prose is so fine, it is practically poetry. Her poetic descriptions of alien species and alien terrain (skies, sand, seaports, forests, caves, rivers) are perfect examples. As the reader is engrossed in the reading, the author lifts the reader off his/her seat into exalted states of "being." I'd also like to add that, as a cult-survivor myself, I feel that Ms. Kilczer's descriptions of cultic behavior and cultic conversations are right on target and frighteningly accurate. I further believe that Ms. Kilczer is right up there among the classic writers of the science fiction genre and that her signature mark is her devilish sense of humor as well as her philosophical thinking. Kilzer's books are, in some respects, a bit frivolous in certain places to lighten up her lightning-like touch, but the overall effect the reader is left with is that of having made contact with Great Mind Itself.
Read
August 11, 2017It might have been interesting if I hadn't been jerked out of the story by the strange way it's written.. If only the author didn't treat the article 'the' as it were a plague to avoid at all cost, maybe I could have read it. The writing style was just not something I could close my eyes on and still enjoy the story. I stopped at 11% so I won't rate the book on so little.
August 4, 2015
A Fascinating View of Alien Lifeforms
My favorite part of this book is the refreshing view of intelligent alien life. I thought the author's take on the concepts of interplanetary development was genius. She asked thoughtful questions and made me consider them as deeply as her protagonist did.
I struggled with a lot of the characters because there really wasn't one that I felt connected too. Each was vital to the story and were great representatives of their respective outlooks on life, but none really spoke to me on a personal level. Jack probably came the closest to a kindred spirit, but Morth and Gretchen were probably my favorite characters...
I was both intrigued and horrified by the "master" concept. Understanding history, I felt the victor was accurate and truthful - many primitive people mistake advanced peoples for gods. It was just very uncomfortable for me and the character Christine just seemed all the heinous because of her choices. I found I loathed her as much as I did the antagonist, Kor.
Overall, this is a really good read and I'd recommend it for scifi readers. It has mystery, adventure, suspense, violence, and love... It isn't a "light" read, but it is a fascinating one!
My favorite part of this book is the refreshing view of intelligent alien life. I thought the author's take on the concepts of interplanetary development was genius. She asked thoughtful questions and made me consider them as deeply as her protagonist did.
I struggled with a lot of the characters because there really wasn't one that I felt connected too. Each was vital to the story and were great representatives of their respective outlooks on life, but none really spoke to me on a personal level. Jack probably came the closest to a kindred spirit, but Morth and Gretchen were probably my favorite characters...
I was both intrigued and horrified by the "master" concept. Understanding history, I felt the victor was accurate and truthful - many primitive people mistake advanced peoples for gods. It was just very uncomfortable for me and the character Christine just seemed all the heinous because of her choices. I found I loathed her as much as I did the antagonist, Kor.
Overall, this is a really good read and I'd recommend it for scifi readers. It has mystery, adventure, suspense, violence, and love... It isn't a "light" read, but it is a fascinating one!
August 29, 2016
Awful. Very poorly written and very confusing.
June 21, 2020
Not for me.
It was a good story but hard for me to keep reading. I couldn't get into the Loranth and it's people. The control of his prisoners and why I couldn't understand. I'm sure people into this kind of Sy-Fi like my husband will like it more.
It was a good story but hard for me to keep reading. I couldn't get into the Loranth and it's people. The control of his prisoners and why I couldn't understand. I'm sure people into this kind of Sy-Fi like my husband will like it more.
April 2, 2016
One bad thing about loading your kindle with a ton of books, you’ll miss a book you wish you’d read when you first downloaded it. This is one such book. Almost a year later, and here’s my review.
I really enjoyed this story. The storytelling was a bit rough in places, but that didn’t take me out of the wonderful world that Kilczer built. I was hooked from the first chapter as Christine discovers a partial skull of a species unknown on the planet Tartarus. A planet full of reptiles, but no mammals. But it’s what finds Christine that moves this story onward.
The main protagonist is Jules Rammis, a man running from a past mistake. Though, he doesn’t see it that way. To him, his reason for staying on Tartarus, and not home on Earth with his wife and child, is to track down the missing mammalian link. It’s not until he’s made a hunter-slave by the evil Loranth, Kor, that he finally comes to terms with his past.
The world Kilczer built is alive with very unique and different life forms. Even the different aliens that came to study the planet are varied and interesting. I love the fact that Kilczer used phrases unique to the story and planet. That made everything so believable. I felt I was right there with Jules and Jack as they went to confront the malicious Kor and stop his diabolical plans to destroy all Terrans. Did they make it in time?
Though the story didn’t end with any cliffhangers, I felt invested enough in Jules to want to find out what the future holds for him. Will his wife take him back? So, I’ve bought the next book in the series. I just hope it won’t take me a year to read it.
If you love a fast-paced, suspenseful, sci-fi space story, then this one is for you. I give it 5 feathers.
I really enjoyed this story. The storytelling was a bit rough in places, but that didn’t take me out of the wonderful world that Kilczer built. I was hooked from the first chapter as Christine discovers a partial skull of a species unknown on the planet Tartarus. A planet full of reptiles, but no mammals. But it’s what finds Christine that moves this story onward.
The main protagonist is Jules Rammis, a man running from a past mistake. Though, he doesn’t see it that way. To him, his reason for staying on Tartarus, and not home on Earth with his wife and child, is to track down the missing mammalian link. It’s not until he’s made a hunter-slave by the evil Loranth, Kor, that he finally comes to terms with his past.
The world Kilczer built is alive with very unique and different life forms. Even the different aliens that came to study the planet are varied and interesting. I love the fact that Kilczer used phrases unique to the story and planet. That made everything so believable. I felt I was right there with Jules and Jack as they went to confront the malicious Kor and stop his diabolical plans to destroy all Terrans. Did they make it in time?
Though the story didn’t end with any cliffhangers, I felt invested enough in Jules to want to find out what the future holds for him. Will his wife take him back? So, I’ve bought the next book in the series. I just hope it won’t take me a year to read it.
If you love a fast-paced, suspenseful, sci-fi space story, then this one is for you. I give it 5 feathers.
November 16, 2015
Not exactly what I expected but enough to make me want to read the next installment in the series.
So, anyway, thank you Ms Kilczer
Ken
So, anyway, thank you Ms Kilczer
Ken
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews