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LucasFilm's Alien Chronicles #3
The Crystal Eye
In the conclusion of the story of Ampris the Exile, the rule of the mighty reptilian Viis is coming to an end, planetary resources have been wasted, slave races are challenging their masters, and a prophecy will come to pass. Original.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
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175 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Chester
55 books153 followersThe internationally published, award-winning author of 41 novels, Deborah Chester has written Regency romances, historical romances, young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. She is a tenured professor of professional writing in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma, where she teaches novel and short story writing.
She holds a B.A. with General Honors and an M.A. in Journalism; both degrees are from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied professional writing from author/teachers Jack M. Bickham, Robert L. Duncan, and Pulitzer-nominee Carolyn Hart. Chester has been writing professionally since 1978, and has used three pseudonyms – Jay D. Blakeney and Sean Dalton and C. Aubrey Hall for some of her science fiction and fantasy works.
In 2004, she was inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America.
She holds a B.A. with General Honors and an M.A. in Journalism; both degrees are from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied professional writing from author/teachers Jack M. Bickham, Robert L. Duncan, and Pulitzer-nominee Carolyn Hart. Chester has been writing professionally since 1978, and has used three pseudonyms – Jay D. Blakeney and Sean Dalton and C. Aubrey Hall for some of her science fiction and fantasy works.
In 2004, she was inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 26, 2013
The third and final book in "Lucasfilm's Alien Chronicles," following ‘The Golden One' and ‘The Crimson Claw.'
As it opens, we find Our Hero, Ampris, former pet of the Imperial Ruler, gladiator, slave, and victim of a cruel scientist, living free in the wilderness, with a group of other escaped abiru (slave races). Unfortunately, the wilderness is harsh, and drought has set in. Necessity leads the group toward the Imperial city – but even here, the signs of imminent collapse are unavoidable, as the spoiled, selfish Kaa, Israi, is incapable of dealing with the many problems facing her reign. Ampris had set aside her revolutionary aspirations in favor of motherhood (and, while she has many admirable qualities, her mothering skills leave something to be desired – her cubs are insufferable brats, if not downright evil), but in the city, she finds herself again taking on the mantle of subversive leader.
As with the other two books, this is wholly enjoyable, fun space opera – but I was disappointed at the end – there aren't any more books in the series, but the ending is definitely wide open for a sequel, with several unanswered questions, unfinished character arcs, etc... Perhaps someday we'll find out what happens to the next generation?
As it opens, we find Our Hero, Ampris, former pet of the Imperial Ruler, gladiator, slave, and victim of a cruel scientist, living free in the wilderness, with a group of other escaped abiru (slave races). Unfortunately, the wilderness is harsh, and drought has set in. Necessity leads the group toward the Imperial city – but even here, the signs of imminent collapse are unavoidable, as the spoiled, selfish Kaa, Israi, is incapable of dealing with the many problems facing her reign. Ampris had set aside her revolutionary aspirations in favor of motherhood (and, while she has many admirable qualities, her mothering skills leave something to be desired – her cubs are insufferable brats, if not downright evil), but in the city, she finds herself again taking on the mantle of subversive leader.
As with the other two books, this is wholly enjoyable, fun space opera – but I was disappointed at the end – there aren't any more books in the series, but the ending is definitely wide open for a sequel, with several unanswered questions, unfinished character arcs, etc... Perhaps someday we'll find out what happens to the next generation?
April 8, 2011
Picked this paper back up in a bin of severely discounted books! I do that alot! For me being a total sci-fi geek, I was pleasantly surprised and of course had to get the other two books in Chester's series. I really like the authors style of writing. Her characters are believable.Of course, i thought the titles were a little cheesey so I totally hid these books while reading them! I don't find too many women i know that really love science fiction like I do. They just look at me with raised eyebrows.
December 12, 2020
This was a very sad ending to a great trilogy. The confrontation between Israe and Ampris was a bit rushed, but it was bittersweet to see Ampris's dreams come true, even though .
July 26, 2022
The Crystal Eye brings to a boiling point the events of the Golden One and the Crimson Claw. The empire is crumbling, and the peasants are ready to revolt... eventually.
This book is over 100 pages longer than the first two, and needlessly so. There are interesting moments, but the story meanders around, feeling unfocused. A lot of time is spent with characters (mostly bickering among themselves) who don't add a lot to the story or have satisfying arcs. Much of the plot involves the main character coming up with absurd plans that have her tragically failing into success. Plenty of interesting ideas, but lacking a tight structure or logical flow. The last quarter of the book turns into a rushed heist/rebellion story, which could have been a much more interesting overall plot focus.
I enjoyed the book, but it's not quite as satisfying as it could have been.
Flaws aside, I would love to see this series adapted into a show with creepily-realistic puppets along the lines of the Dark Crystal.
This book is over 100 pages longer than the first two, and needlessly so. There are interesting moments, but the story meanders around, feeling unfocused. A lot of time is spent with characters (mostly bickering among themselves) who don't add a lot to the story or have satisfying arcs. Much of the plot involves the main character coming up with absurd plans that have her tragically failing into success. Plenty of interesting ideas, but lacking a tight structure or logical flow. The last quarter of the book turns into a rushed heist/rebellion story, which could have been a much more interesting overall plot focus.
I enjoyed the book, but it's not quite as satisfying as it could have been.
Flaws aside, I would love to see this series adapted into a show with creepily-realistic puppets along the lines of the Dark Crystal.
July 18, 2024
The conclusion of the Alien Chronicles trilogy is pretty good. It begins with the protagonists in squalor, defeat and desperation. Then it charts a revolution to free several slave races (known as the "abiru") from their reptilian Viis overlords. The trilogy is worth reading for science fiction fans who are interested in the interactions of a group of Star Wars-like alien races. While the previous volume was about fighting ones way out of adversity, this one shifts gears to focus on the challenge of parenting unruly offspring in challenging times. Chester is a good writer. She puts some passion into her characterizations and there's a real sense of peril as things progress. It's totally acceptable as a congruent plot wrap-up.
Parental suggestion: Ages 12+
Parental suggestion: Ages 12+
August 19, 2022
This was a good small 3 book series. I think the author could have continued the story.
July 12, 2007
I love thse books. I love the setting, I love the world-building, the characters, and the sense of history.
I hate these books. Every book's ending is a let down. And the finale makes me want to cry.
I hate these books. Every book's ending is a let down. And the finale makes me want to cry.
April 27, 2009
Pretty good book. The basic theme is that of the privileged holding back and abusing the masses. It has a good storyline and tells a lot about the nature of looking down at others simply because of looks or bloodlines.
September 11, 2014
The only reason I didn't give this a full five stars is because of Ampris' cubs. I found them a little too spoiled rotten to be believable. Otherwise, this is a fantastic piece of work, well worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2007
Awesome sci-fi story with a very emotional side to it. I love the characters and the creatures are quite unique
May 6, 2008
the Kaa is dead, long live the Abiru.
July 14, 2008
I cried reading this one. This is a great series.
January 26, 2009
Good series overall, though the endings are a bit of a letdown. Worth a read if you want a purely alien epic struggle for freedom between races.
January 31, 2009
Amazing, it kept me entertained, i couldnt put it down, and the end made me depressed yet happy. Everything a book should be
July 28, 2012
Slow start - good ending.
July 9, 2011
The climactic end and the liberation of the abiru. It expands on why the Aaroun race has been enslaved and Ampris' fight to free all the abiru, while Israi Kaa refuses. Excellent end.
February 5, 2014
Book three of the Alien Chronicles THE CRYSTAL EYE. Is story straight out of the bible with an alien twist. Let my people go or plague will get you. There are a few twist so it is still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews