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The Morgaine Cycle #1-4
The Complete Morgaine
Together for the first time in one volume—all four novels in the dark science fiction epic, the Morgaine Cycle.
The gates were relics of a lost era, a linked network of portals that the ruthless Qual empire used to span Time and Space. The Science Buereau has come to believe that sometime, somewhere in the unreachable past, someone has done the unthinkable and warped the very fabric of the universe using these gates. Now, it is up to Morgaine, a mysterious woman aided by a single warrior honor-bound to serve her, to travel from world to world sealing the ancient gates whose very existence threatens the integrity of all worlds...
The gates were relics of a lost era, a linked network of portals that the ruthless Qual empire used to span Time and Space. The Science Buereau has come to believe that sometime, somewhere in the unreachable past, someone has done the unthinkable and warped the very fabric of the universe using these gates. Now, it is up to Morgaine, a mysterious woman aided by a single warrior honor-bound to serve her, to travel from world to world sealing the ancient gates whose very existence threatens the integrity of all worlds...
816 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
165 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Cherryh
292 books3,561 followersCurrently resident in Spokane, Washington, C.J. Cherryh has won four Hugos and is one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed authors in the science fiction and fantasy field. She is the author of more than forty novels. Her hobbies include travel, photography, reef culture, Mariners baseball, and, a late passion, figure skating: she intends to compete in the adult USFSA track. She began with the modest ambition to learn to skate backwards and now is working on jumps. She sketches, occasionally, cooks fairly well, and hates house work; she loves the outdoors, animals wild and tame, is a hobbyist geologist, adores dinosaurs, and has academic specialties in Roman constitutional law and bronze age Greek ethnography. She has written science fiction since she was ten, spent ten years of her life teaching Latin and Ancient History on the high school level, before retiring to full time writing, and now does not have enough hours in the day to pursue all her interests. Her studies include planetary geology, weather systems, and natural and man-made catastrophes, civilizations, and cosmology…in fact, there's very little that doesn't interest her. A loom is gathering dust and needs rethreading, a wooden ship model awaits construction, and the cats demand their own time much more urgently. She works constantly, researches mostly on the internet, and has books stacked up and waiting to be written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 1, 2024
Look. I know I'm giving out a lot of 5-stars lately. I know. But this is deserved, I swear.
The first Morgaine book, Gate of Ivrel was one of the first two manuscripts Cherryh sold, and with how hard I bounced off Brothers of Earth, I was very nervous about picking it up. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be grimly enchanting, captivating in a way that almost all fantasy attempts but very little succeeds.
There is a particular stroke of brilliance in that the 'main' character Morgaine is semi-opaque to the reader. You never see the story from her perspective, but rather read through the eyes of Vanye--an exiled warrior. Through a quirk of culture and an overdeveloped sense of honor, Vanye finds himself bound to Morgaine's service, a fate which he believes puts him in peril of losing his soul. And yet Vanye's state is such that all he has left is his oath, and he will not break it. In time, Vanye and Morgaine understand each other better, and so too does the reader.
It's frequent in fiction to have surface conversations about 'the greater good.' Often the concept is derided. Morgaine (and to lesser degree Vanye) do terrible, terrible things on their quest, and yet... the stakes here are so high that I can't even fault them. The setting in Well of Shiuan is a literal apocalypse, and yet it pales next to what might happen should Morgaine fail her quest.
Grim, but enchantingly written. A cohesive trilogy and a sequel that adds to the story instead of being either reductive rehash or total disconnect. I strongly recommend the omnibus, or that you have all four books handy.
Bravo to Cherryh for a series that stands the test of age. Wish I'd read it sooner.
"That is my task, to seal Gates. I shall go until there are no more--and I shall not know that, I fear, until I step out the last one and find nothing there."
The first Morgaine book, Gate of Ivrel was one of the first two manuscripts Cherryh sold, and with how hard I bounced off Brothers of Earth, I was very nervous about picking it up. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be grimly enchanting, captivating in a way that almost all fantasy attempts but very little succeeds.
There is a particular stroke of brilliance in that the 'main' character Morgaine is semi-opaque to the reader. You never see the story from her perspective, but rather read through the eyes of Vanye--an exiled warrior. Through a quirk of culture and an overdeveloped sense of honor, Vanye finds himself bound to Morgaine's service, a fate which he believes puts him in peril of losing his soul. And yet Vanye's state is such that all he has left is his oath, and he will not break it. In time, Vanye and Morgaine understand each other better, and so too does the reader.
It was not her custom to argue; and this was the measure of her arrogance, that she disputed with no one, not even with him, who had given her more than his oath.
It's frequent in fiction to have surface conversations about 'the greater good.' Often the concept is derided. Morgaine (and to lesser degree Vanye) do terrible, terrible things on their quest, and yet... the stakes here are so high that I can't even fault them. The setting in Well of Shiuan is a literal apocalypse, and yet it pales next to what might happen should Morgaine fail her quest.
"It is risk makes immortality bearable--to know that personal calamity is possible, oh very possible, and tranquility, what time it exists, is precious."
Grim, but enchantingly written. A cohesive trilogy and a sequel that adds to the story instead of being either reductive rehash or total disconnect. I strongly recommend the omnibus, or that you have all four books handy.
Bravo to Cherryh for a series that stands the test of age. Wish I'd read it sooner.
April 7, 2018
Definitely helped with the need for an escape read right about now. But.
Cherryh went on to become a much better writer than this.
The series is quite a bit dated. For one thing: the archaic language that was de rigeur in fantasy novels at that time, but seems unspeakably tedious now. For another: why do ALL these worlds have horses and medieval societies? Esp when they were seeded by people with ships? And there are massive time gaps between them? Shouldn't some be wildly different in terms of tech?
I didn't get it. There was a reference to a bubble at the end, but much was unexplained. Also weird plot gaps and things left dangling anyhow. Not just dangling threads, but also just plain gaps, and contradictions that I am not going to get into now.
Vanye and his dumb vow get really tiring after a while, about page one of book two in fact. Esp when really he is released from it and can't let go.
Also, God? What God? It's never said, and there didn't seem to be much sign of religion in Book One and yet Vanye seems to be very religious all the same.
I guess that's the kind of gap I mean.
Whatevs. I read all four books, so I guess it didn't suck totally. Hence, three stars. There are other Cherryh series, out of her 75 books or so, more worthwhile.
Cherryh went on to become a much better writer than this.
The series is quite a bit dated. For one thing: the archaic language that was de rigeur in fantasy novels at that time, but seems unspeakably tedious now. For another: why do ALL these worlds have horses and medieval societies? Esp when they were seeded by people with ships? And there are massive time gaps between them? Shouldn't some be wildly different in terms of tech?
I didn't get it. There was a reference to a bubble at the end, but much was unexplained. Also weird plot gaps and things left dangling anyhow. Not just dangling threads, but also just plain gaps, and contradictions that I am not going to get into now.
Vanye and his dumb vow get really tiring after a while, about page one of book two in fact. Esp when really he is released from it and can't let go.
Also, God? What God? It's never said, and there didn't seem to be much sign of religion in Book One and yet Vanye seems to be very religious all the same.
I guess that's the kind of gap I mean.
Whatevs. I read all four books, so I guess it didn't suck totally. Hence, three stars. There are other Cherryh series, out of her 75 books or so, more worthwhile.
December 8, 2019
Wow this was one hell of a series. It is certainly not perfect and could use substantial editing down - honestly the fourth book was not exactly necessary - but I'll be damned if it wasn't a wild ride. I grew to care about and root for Vanye even though he was a blockhead. I even empathized with all the villains, and there are many. And Morgaine... Her single-minded drive, her coldness and temper and brutal pragmatism bordering on the comical and brilliant, the fact that so little is explained about her -- it's a lot of fun to read haha. This series scratched an itch for me that I don't know if I'll find easily in other books. It's full of remarkable small mysteries that build up into chaos, and it is punctuated by moments of regret that always took me by surprise. I would count this as one of my favorites.
December 27, 2015
This series blew my mind as a teenager and I decided to reread it, so it was a bonus to discover a brand new omnibus edition. And it's still an absolutely mind-blowing read. Massive and epic and dark and just so beautifully written. I can't really understand why this isn't a more popular and talked-about series. It really should be. Intelligent, dark science fantasy of the highest order. I wonder if there'll be any more? Cherryh is 73 now, and Exile's Gate was written in 1988, after the previous three books written in the 70s. So all that points to it being very unlikely we'll see more of Morgaine and Vanye, but I would dearly love to read their further adventures. Their story is far from over.
July 12, 2024
If any book series deserved to be made into a mini-series, these are the books. This collection includes all four in the Morgaine cycle: Gate of Ivrel, Well of Shiuan, Fires of Azeroth, and Exile's Gate.
When Vanye's temper makes him lash out and commit a kin-slaying he is exiled from his home. Since he refuses to turn bandit, Vanye is wondering how fast he'll die from exposure, when a winter storm puts him in the wrong place, at the right time.
Morgaine, Frosthair, has one mission - to close the gates. Time portals located on worlds spread out through the universe and at one time used to enslave the human race, Morgaine is all ruthlessness, and a bit mad. When she meets Vanye and has him swear to her service, she returns to her mission: enraging lords, raising armies, and closing gates.
Gate of Ivrel is about Morgaine's infamous reputation in Vanye's medieval world and how she is a master political manipulator while dragging Vanye along for the ride. For the reader paying attention there are some nugget references to Morgaine's team, all who perish in the time before, as well as a ring that implies she was married.
Well of Shiuan is the weakest of the books. When the gate travel separates Vanye from his liege, he struggles to get back to Morgaine in a world that is dying. We get some of the story told from another viewpoint about Vanye and Morgaine's partnership (not a relationship at this point). I'd also say this is the book where Vanye grows up - he becomes less reckless and starts figuring some things out about Morgaine.
Fires of Azeroth is very satisfying read and for the longest period of time served as the ending of the series. We find out more about Morgaine, her mission, and her feelings about many things, including Vanye. Vanye's kinsman continues to be a problem for them both, but in the end there is a feeling of some redemption for them all.
Exile's Gate was written a decade after Fires, so it is no surprise that it reads differently. But this one is the big pay-off if you were waiting to see more intimate a relationship develop. Finally, we know that Vanye and Morgaine are a partnership in all ways, and that Morgaine will try to save him despite her mission. It also gives the most details of the SF background about the gates, and Morgaine's role in closing them when they face off with a very dangerous enemy.
I love this series but this one is for the epic fantasy fans who want some SF. Some areas are slow (especially Well) but I love the characters so much that I'll take that time. I hope you do so also.
When Vanye's temper makes him lash out and commit a kin-slaying he is exiled from his home. Since he refuses to turn bandit, Vanye is wondering how fast he'll die from exposure, when a winter storm puts him in the wrong place, at the right time.
Morgaine, Frosthair, has one mission - to close the gates. Time portals located on worlds spread out through the universe and at one time used to enslave the human race, Morgaine is all ruthlessness, and a bit mad. When she meets Vanye and has him swear to her service, she returns to her mission: enraging lords, raising armies, and closing gates.
Gate of Ivrel is about Morgaine's infamous reputation in Vanye's medieval world and how she is a master political manipulator while dragging Vanye along for the ride. For the reader paying attention there are some nugget references to Morgaine's team, all who perish in the time before, as well as a ring that implies she was married.
Well of Shiuan is the weakest of the books. When the gate travel separates Vanye from his liege, he struggles to get back to Morgaine in a world that is dying. We get some of the story told from another viewpoint about Vanye and Morgaine's partnership (not a relationship at this point). I'd also say this is the book where Vanye grows up - he becomes less reckless and starts figuring some things out about Morgaine.
Fires of Azeroth is very satisfying read and for the longest period of time served as the ending of the series. We find out more about Morgaine, her mission, and her feelings about many things, including Vanye. Vanye's kinsman continues to be a problem for them both, but in the end there is a feeling of some redemption for them all.
Exile's Gate was written a decade after Fires, so it is no surprise that it reads differently. But this one is the big pay-off if you were waiting to see more intimate a relationship develop. Finally, we know that Vanye and Morgaine are a partnership in all ways, and that Morgaine will try to save him despite her mission. It also gives the most details of the SF background about the gates, and Morgaine's role in closing them when they face off with a very dangerous enemy.
I love this series but this one is for the epic fantasy fans who want some SF. Some areas are slow (especially Well) but I love the characters so much that I'll take that time. I hope you do so also.
November 5, 2018
I'm a Cherryh fan, but this book didn't do it for me. My appreciation of the author's work began long ago from reading the Chanur series and, recently, I treated myself to all 19 books in the wonderful Foreigner series... but try as I might, I just couldn't get into this book. Like other reviewers, I had trouble with the monotonous consistency of the linked worlds (pre-industrial societies with horses, farms, clans, etc.). I was annoyed by the tedious use of archaic English, which is, for fantasy novels, stylistically dated -- and, irritatingly, it's ungrammatically rendered (thee [thou?]) and inconsistently used (thee? you?). Additionally troubling was the endlessness of the brutally uncomfortable quest (beset by rain, earthquakes, floods, freezing temperatures, and horses nearing fatal exhaustion). Perhaps the most off-putting of all: I couldn't grasp why having a few bad dudes achieve immortality, and do numerous admittedly nasty things, justifies laying waste to world after world. The book is really a downer to read: imagine the Lord of the Rings, except that Frodo and Sam find it necessary to destroy Rivendell, cut down all the trees in Lothlorien, turn dear old Theoden over to Saruman, sell all the trees in Fangorn to a lumbering company, and list the Ring on eBay. I agree, too, with those who find the Vanye character less than convincing. I simply couldn't grasp his devotion to the icy Morgaine. He is, after all, a seriously screwed-up dude, who was bullied to the point of torture during his childhood. The last thing he needs is a long, dangerous trip with a walking, talking affective disorder, and it's hard to understand this devotion as anything short of madness. But there are, admittedly, numerous strengths to the books, justifying three stars: for example, the underlying universe conception is, in spite of its rather unclear presentation, quintessentially Cherryhian in its creativity and originality; the main character is a savvy negotiator; and the settings are, if almost uniformly bleak, luminously described. I realize that Morgaine is going to come after me with her magic sword for saying this, but this just isn't one of Cherryh's better works.
September 11, 2016
I only read the first two books of this four book collection. The first book was actually quite good but the second book awful so I can't go on. I assumed, based on the name and cover, that this series would be somewhat Arthurian, but it turned out to have a premise that was more along the lines of Doctor Who meets Kill Bill. In that sense, it's pretty great.
It revolves around Morgaine, a driven woman on a mission, traveling from world to world as she seeks to destroy the remnants of a decrepit, alien civilization for reasons that are unrevealed.
Unfortunately, the series doesn't exactly live up to the premise. The first book has Morgaine interacting with a medieval, honor based civilization (unlike the locals, she has advanced technology that can blast enemies a large distance away.) This works well enough, but it's disappointing when the second book introduces an adventure on another planet and does the same exact thing.
It turns out there just isn't much scope of the imagination in this series. Disappointingly, the second book sucks you in with a strong opening, with a local peasant girl being forced to marry an abusive man, and the young girl's rebellion. But it turns out that C.J. Cherryh doesn't know what to do with this plot thread and the narrative in the second book putters out.
This series was apparently the author's debut novels, so maybe that accounts for the second's books major weaknesses.
One thing Cherryh does that is rather nice, is have a male and female co-protagonist who are linked together on an adventure but never have a conventional sexual relationship. (Though in that sense it's also like Doctor Who). The powerful leading female character was probably very progressive for it's time, and might even be progressive today.
It revolves around Morgaine, a driven woman on a mission, traveling from world to world as she seeks to destroy the remnants of a decrepit, alien civilization for reasons that are unrevealed.
Unfortunately, the series doesn't exactly live up to the premise. The first book has Morgaine interacting with a medieval, honor based civilization (unlike the locals, she has advanced technology that can blast enemies a large distance away.) This works well enough, but it's disappointing when the second book introduces an adventure on another planet and does the same exact thing.
It turns out there just isn't much scope of the imagination in this series. Disappointingly, the second book sucks you in with a strong opening, with a local peasant girl being forced to marry an abusive man, and the young girl's rebellion. But it turns out that C.J. Cherryh doesn't know what to do with this plot thread and the narrative in the second book putters out.
This series was apparently the author's debut novels, so maybe that accounts for the second's books major weaknesses.
One thing Cherryh does that is rather nice, is have a male and female co-protagonist who are linked together on an adventure but never have a conventional sexual relationship. (Though in that sense it's also like Doctor Who). The powerful leading female character was probably very progressive for it's time, and might even be progressive today.
August 26, 2015
I read this series when I was younger and searched and searched recently for them, I couldn't remember the name or who wrote them, I stumbled upon them and ordered immediately!! So happy I found them. Such a great story, loyal Vanye just wants to uphold his oath.
August 15, 2018
This is series so well written that I will read it again and again.
November 19, 2022
I feel kinda bad about dropping this one, but it's quite long and nobody ever seems happy.
April 5, 2016
C.J. Cherryh's "The Complete Morgaine" contains all four novels in her Morgaine Cycle:
1. Gate of Ivrel (1976)
2. Well of Shiuan (1978)
3. Fires of Azeroth (1979)
4. Exile's Gate (1988)
In general, the writing is good. But, there's a significant improvement in the characterizations starting with the 3rd book ("Fires of Azeroth"). The reason I'm only rating the book as an OK 3 stars out of 5 is my ongoing (and increasing) disagreement with Cherryh's writing style. In essence, these books aren't really about doing anything. They're about how much pain, suffering, and sorrow Cherryh can inflict on the characters as they journey towards the stated destination. It just gets a bit tiresome when 1) every decision branches towards the most pain possible, 2) almost every day of every journey involves not enough sleep, not enough food, and not enough healing, and 3) every chance to kill the nemesis is muffed so he can come at them again (and again, and again). But, then, that gut-churning anguish is quintessential Cherryh. So, if you like Cherryh, go ahead and get the book. In my case, I've grown a bit uncomfortable with that style over the years. So, I've reduced my rating to reflect that.
1. Gate of Ivrel (1976)
2. Well of Shiuan (1978)
3. Fires of Azeroth (1979)
4. Exile's Gate (1988)
In general, the writing is good. But, there's a significant improvement in the characterizations starting with the 3rd book ("Fires of Azeroth"). The reason I'm only rating the book as an OK 3 stars out of 5 is my ongoing (and increasing) disagreement with Cherryh's writing style. In essence, these books aren't really about doing anything. They're about how much pain, suffering, and sorrow Cherryh can inflict on the characters as they journey towards the stated destination. It just gets a bit tiresome when 1) every decision branches towards the most pain possible, 2) almost every day of every journey involves not enough sleep, not enough food, and not enough healing, and 3) every chance to kill the nemesis is muffed so he can come at them again (and again, and again). But, then, that gut-churning anguish is quintessential Cherryh. So, if you like Cherryh, go ahead and get the book. In my case, I've grown a bit uncomfortable with that style over the years. So, I've reduced my rating to reflect that.
August 27, 2015
One of Cherryh's best series ever, IMHO. And that's saying something!
September 1, 2015
This series would make such a great movie!
June 24, 2016
Where to next
Partner story, about what one who cares can do. Enjoyable characters , reasonable "magic" and a horseman. Good as a set.
Partner story, about what one who cares can do. Enjoyable characters , reasonable "magic" and a horseman. Good as a set.
April 14, 2018
C J Cherryh's best series!!
If you have never read anything by C J Cherryh, you can't go wrong with this series. It is her very best!!!
If you have never read anything by C J Cherryh, you can't go wrong with this series. It is her very best!!!
June 6, 2019
There are books – even enjoyable books – that you read and put in your Half Price Books box and never think about again. They were fine, in their own way, and as pleasant to meet as an amicable stranger you might share a greeting with at the supermarket.
Then their are books that you read and put on your shelf and feel that, somehow, you made friends with that stranger and will carry memories of the meeting long past the time when the cover was closed. You even feel a bit sad that the places and the characters of that book have come to an end.
The Complete Morgaine falls into the second category for me. Through all four books in the series – Gate of Ivrel, Well of Shiuan, Fires of Azeroth, and Exile’s Gate – I felt myself drawn to the two principle characters and the four various worlds in which they found themselves. The same overarching plot line begun in Gate of Ivrel was continued on through the other three books, each of which found Morgaine and Vanye adapting to a new world and attempting to destroy its Gate. Through each well crafted world, however, ran the emotional hook of the series: the relationship between Morgaine and Vanye.
These two figures, each in their own way banished to lives of rejection and sorrow, depend more and more on one another and in the end come to share a beautiful commitment and love that – while far from perfect – made the four book journey well worth the trip.
I often tease my wife that she likes books with great characters where nothing actually happens. The assumption in this harassment is that my preferred reads – science fiction and fantasy – are plot heavy and character light. I would object to this (and I do), but in the Morgaine books I can honestly say that the characters carried me just as much as the action, and that I feel – nerdily, I admit – a sense of loss at the last page.
A few other notes on the series before I wrap them up: Cherryh continues to be my favorite even as she – at times – frustrates me by providing just the barest of information. I honestly had to read a few pages towards the end of Exile’s Gate several times to figure out what exactly was happening. As an example of what I mean, think about how we talk to each other in real life: incomplete sentences, phrases that assume unspoken understanding or background information, inside jokes, and statements that only loosely reflect what we’re really thinking. Usually, fiction dialogue covers much of this up in order to make things more clear, but I think Cherryh keeps the dialogue just as it would be in real life, which lends it authenticity and – sometimes – confusion.
I was worried about the ending to this series as its general mood did not seem to lend itself to a particularly happy conclusion. Without giving too much away I will say that I was satisfied, but wished that more loose ends had been tied up (and I do like happy endings).
You can see this review (and others like it) on my blog at thisdadathome.com.
Then their are books that you read and put on your shelf and feel that, somehow, you made friends with that stranger and will carry memories of the meeting long past the time when the cover was closed. You even feel a bit sad that the places and the characters of that book have come to an end.
The Complete Morgaine falls into the second category for me. Through all four books in the series – Gate of Ivrel, Well of Shiuan, Fires of Azeroth, and Exile’s Gate – I felt myself drawn to the two principle characters and the four various worlds in which they found themselves. The same overarching plot line begun in Gate of Ivrel was continued on through the other three books, each of which found Morgaine and Vanye adapting to a new world and attempting to destroy its Gate. Through each well crafted world, however, ran the emotional hook of the series: the relationship between Morgaine and Vanye.
These two figures, each in their own way banished to lives of rejection and sorrow, depend more and more on one another and in the end come to share a beautiful commitment and love that – while far from perfect – made the four book journey well worth the trip.
I often tease my wife that she likes books with great characters where nothing actually happens. The assumption in this harassment is that my preferred reads – science fiction and fantasy – are plot heavy and character light. I would object to this (and I do), but in the Morgaine books I can honestly say that the characters carried me just as much as the action, and that I feel – nerdily, I admit – a sense of loss at the last page.
A few other notes on the series before I wrap them up: Cherryh continues to be my favorite even as she – at times – frustrates me by providing just the barest of information. I honestly had to read a few pages towards the end of Exile’s Gate several times to figure out what exactly was happening. As an example of what I mean, think about how we talk to each other in real life: incomplete sentences, phrases that assume unspoken understanding or background information, inside jokes, and statements that only loosely reflect what we’re really thinking. Usually, fiction dialogue covers much of this up in order to make things more clear, but I think Cherryh keeps the dialogue just as it would be in real life, which lends it authenticity and – sometimes – confusion.
I was worried about the ending to this series as its general mood did not seem to lend itself to a particularly happy conclusion. Without giving too much away I will say that I was satisfied, but wished that more loose ends had been tied up (and I do like happy endings).
You can see this review (and others like it) on my blog at thisdadathome.com.
January 25, 2025
The Morgaine Cycle by C.J. Cherryh- a series that devastated me
I’m extremely particular about books. So much so that I will spend hours on Reddit trying to find the right book. Things rarely meet my self imposed standards with me constantly DNFing books. This was new…I finished the four book series.
The book follows Vanye, an honor obsessed man who by circumstance follows an alien-like woman named Morgaine on her quest across multiple worlds and time.
Over time their relationship changes in the most subtle of ways, from strict boundaries and harsh words and lines—as things get more dire their worlds begin to blur, and something they don’t name for a long time begins to blossom.
The reason why this book really struck me was the fact that Vanye is so devoted to her, against moral, against reason, and he grapples with it multiple times and often finds himself at odds with himself and what he considers right. His Lady always gives him the choice to follow her and he constantly chooses her even in cruelty, even when he is on the brink of insanity he will always keep her as his compass. His devotion to her knows no bounds.
There are some parts of the book I didn’t really like such as the ending and the amount of time we spend talking about horses, but Vanyes moments of faith and love, his oaths he says to his liege, and her moments of tenderness that she is afforded, it tears me apart. They often only can rely on each other and mistrust is rife every scenario that they’re in and it requires their utter faith and devotion to one another as they head into some pretty dark places with hard moral conundrums. We never get to know Morgaine’s mind or fully what’s happening in the dark sci-fi world we’re in (to Vanye, he doesn’t understand it, so to many technology is just magic). But we do get to see her unravel through the eyes of Vanye, and that is enough for him, and it has to be enough for us.
The prose is incredible and has words I’ve never heard of before, I was highlighting and noting to come back and look up definitions. It keeps you attracted to the story because the author has such a way with words that really reaches into your soul to understand nuances, subtle shifts in relationships and the like.
This book is a must read if you’re looking for a similar feeling of Joscelin and Phedre from Kushiels legacy and just how deep devotion runs and the hardness to which it takes to follow someone on a quest that will break you time and time again. They’ve been added to my book couples hall of fame right next to them and will never be forgotten.
I’m extremely particular about books. So much so that I will spend hours on Reddit trying to find the right book. Things rarely meet my self imposed standards with me constantly DNFing books. This was new…I finished the four book series.
The book follows Vanye, an honor obsessed man who by circumstance follows an alien-like woman named Morgaine on her quest across multiple worlds and time.
Over time their relationship changes in the most subtle of ways, from strict boundaries and harsh words and lines—as things get more dire their worlds begin to blur, and something they don’t name for a long time begins to blossom.
The reason why this book really struck me was the fact that Vanye is so devoted to her, against moral, against reason, and he grapples with it multiple times and often finds himself at odds with himself and what he considers right. His Lady always gives him the choice to follow her and he constantly chooses her even in cruelty, even when he is on the brink of insanity he will always keep her as his compass. His devotion to her knows no bounds.
There are some parts of the book I didn’t really like such as the ending and the amount of time we spend talking about horses, but Vanyes moments of faith and love, his oaths he says to his liege, and her moments of tenderness that she is afforded, it tears me apart. They often only can rely on each other and mistrust is rife every scenario that they’re in and it requires their utter faith and devotion to one another as they head into some pretty dark places with hard moral conundrums. We never get to know Morgaine’s mind or fully what’s happening in the dark sci-fi world we’re in (to Vanye, he doesn’t understand it, so to many technology is just magic). But we do get to see her unravel through the eyes of Vanye, and that is enough for him, and it has to be enough for us.
The prose is incredible and has words I’ve never heard of before, I was highlighting and noting to come back and look up definitions. It keeps you attracted to the story because the author has such a way with words that really reaches into your soul to understand nuances, subtle shifts in relationships and the like.
This book is a must read if you’re looking for a similar feeling of Joscelin and Phedre from Kushiels legacy and just how deep devotion runs and the hardness to which it takes to follow someone on a quest that will break you time and time again. They’ve been added to my book couples hall of fame right next to them and will never be forgotten.
June 14, 2023
I just finished my re-read of the book (first time since the '90s). This series deserves so much more, and it's one of my favorite of all time. I like Cherryh's other works as well, but there's just something that really captivated my imagination about the gates, time travel, inter-world travel, and sword fighting. I also think both characters are pretty great and you really can't help but like Vanye, even if he is overly emotional. The only drawback is that Cherryh really likes to write about people thinking about what other people might be thinking or planning, and I just don't care. Or at least not enough to want to read about Vanye thinking about what Morgaine might be thinking about, or him thinking about what she might be thinking about what a third person might be thinking. But I still love the hell out of these stories. In a lot of ways it gives me the same feeling Robert Howard's Conan, of fast-paced action with people racing from one place to another in a desperate rush.
These are really short books by today's standards (something that can be both good and bad) and the volume you and I have clocks in at 816 pages, with Exile's Gate taking up the lion's share. One the one hand, brevity means the stories are faster-paced, but on the other the breathlessness of the narrative often results in underwhelming climaxes. I'm just saying, for a TV show (which I dearly wish would happen while the author is still alive) it would need to slow down the pace to increase the action. As much as I love the new Dune I'd totally give it up if HBO would give us a Morgaine series. The only thing I am wary of is the casting because I would really need them to cast it perfectly.
These are really short books by today's standards (something that can be both good and bad) and the volume you and I have clocks in at 816 pages, with Exile's Gate taking up the lion's share. One the one hand, brevity means the stories are faster-paced, but on the other the breathlessness of the narrative often results in underwhelming climaxes. I'm just saying, for a TV show (which I dearly wish would happen while the author is still alive) it would need to slow down the pace to increase the action. As much as I love the new Dune I'd totally give it up if HBO would give us a Morgaine series. The only thing I am wary of is the casting because I would really need them to cast it perfectly.
May 8, 2017
I too had read this in the 80s (the first three, anyway) and bought them again after the first set wore out, adding Exile's Gate as soon as I could. Since I've "lived" with this saga for many years, it's obvious I'm a great fan of the story and the author.
Remember: when these were first conceived and written Dungeons and Dragons was still a do-it-yourself game, there was no "internet" per se, no cell phones, no Amazon, no PlayStation or X-Boxes. It is a character-driven, quest-driven saga. The main protagonist, Morgaine, is meant to remain mysterious. We are to perceive her through the eyes of Vanye, not our own.
Exile's Gate is obviously written later in the author's life, with the accompanying stylistic sophistication. One thing that I didn't appreciate was the POV switching (at times) to another character. However it works well and hey, I'm not the author.
In my own imagination the characters go on and on and I wish there were many more installments. But that could weary an author - like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes, there had to be an end to creating further compelling situations. It ended where and how it should, alas for me!
Much appreciation to C.J. Cherryh for the years of enjoyment!
Remember: when these were first conceived and written Dungeons and Dragons was still a do-it-yourself game, there was no "internet" per se, no cell phones, no Amazon, no PlayStation or X-Boxes. It is a character-driven, quest-driven saga. The main protagonist, Morgaine, is meant to remain mysterious. We are to perceive her through the eyes of Vanye, not our own.
Exile's Gate is obviously written later in the author's life, with the accompanying stylistic sophistication. One thing that I didn't appreciate was the POV switching (at times) to another character. However it works well and hey, I'm not the author.
In my own imagination the characters go on and on and I wish there were many more installments. But that could weary an author - like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes, there had to be an end to creating further compelling situations. It ended where and how it should, alas for me!
Much appreciation to C.J. Cherryh for the years of enjoyment!
September 6, 2024
This is a phenomenal series. They're not hopeful books - the characters go from bad situations to worse ones and often escape only by the skin of their teeth (realistically; there are few deus ex machinas here), and their ultimate goals are... potentially infinite, there's no way to know when or even if they will reach them. Which lends itself to an exhausting, almost-hopeless feel that the characters and the writing do an excellent job of both conveying but also giving reasons to persist.
These novels are an amazing look at what a truly monumental, universe-scale quest would look like and what it would do to someone who truly committed to finishing it. Morgaine's choices, actions, and perspective make perfect sense given who she is and what she is trying to do, and the tension between her and Vanye's more honorable view of the world is a really fantastic character study as well as offering so many great opportunities for both to learn from each other and change over time in really beautiful ways.
This, along with Juliet Marillier's Blackthorn & Grim books are by far the slowest-burn romances I've ever read (and realistically so).
These novels are an amazing look at what a truly monumental, universe-scale quest would look like and what it would do to someone who truly committed to finishing it. Morgaine's choices, actions, and perspective make perfect sense given who she is and what she is trying to do, and the tension between her and Vanye's more honorable view of the world is a really fantastic character study as well as offering so many great opportunities for both to learn from each other and change over time in really beautiful ways.
This, along with Juliet Marillier's Blackthorn & Grim books are by far the slowest-burn romances I've ever read (and realistically so).
September 14, 2020
I don't believe the term Grimdark existed 50 years ago when this was written but it certainly qualifies. Originally four short novels about the alien like Morgaine and her sworn sword Vanye traveling through ancient alien gates between feudal worlds. Shutting them down to try and save those worlds from destruction. A great deal gets destroyed in the process.
I see a few complaints about the pseudo medieval language. It was the norm in the 70s along with belonging to the Society for Creative Anachronism. I was an adult fantasy reader then, I just missed this one. Personally I feel it's far Superior to the 100-year-old Edgar Rice Burroughs stuff that still gets accolades.
There IS a plodding pace to the story build up. That Tolkien influence of detailed backstory and personal conflicts. I don't know if I can pinpoint the difference between swords n sorcery than and now. Perhaps it's the gallows humor that crept in with the Black Company in the 80s. What ever it is, I enjoyed this read, slow as it is; by an outstanding author.
I see a few complaints about the pseudo medieval language. It was the norm in the 70s along with belonging to the Society for Creative Anachronism. I was an adult fantasy reader then, I just missed this one. Personally I feel it's far Superior to the 100-year-old Edgar Rice Burroughs stuff that still gets accolades.
There IS a plodding pace to the story build up. That Tolkien influence of detailed backstory and personal conflicts. I don't know if I can pinpoint the difference between swords n sorcery than and now. Perhaps it's the gallows humor that crept in with the Black Company in the 80s. What ever it is, I enjoyed this read, slow as it is; by an outstanding author.
July 26, 2020
I've read this series at least 4 times over the last 25 years or more, and I keep going back to it. In fact, I've bought, sold, bought, sold the set numerous times over the years...probably 4 times, at least. In at least a couple of instances, I've bought the exact same copy more than once. Finally, I purchased the e-copy for my Kindle.
I have a feeling that this is a series that people will either love, or hate, with not much in between. Personally, I love it, but it resonates with me. I believe that one can be a manly man, a warrior, and all the other things a man is "supposed" to be, and yet not be the dominant one in a couple. I believe a woman can be the dominant one, without giving up those qualities that one might reasonably expect a real woman to embody. Naturally, there is always a give-and-take, as well as compromise constantly underway.
I have a feeling that this is a series that people will either love, or hate, with not much in between. Personally, I love it, but it resonates with me. I believe that one can be a manly man, a warrior, and all the other things a man is "supposed" to be, and yet not be the dominant one in a couple. I believe a woman can be the dominant one, without giving up those qualities that one might reasonably expect a real woman to embody. Naturally, there is always a give-and-take, as well as compromise constantly underway.
May 12, 2019
Absolutely Gripping action and intreguing events!
This collection of books is the most captivating read, even when reading it for the fourth time! It is a masterfully written tale that mixes sword and technology with gripping intreque and two unforgettable characters in Morgaine and Vanye!
It's as deep in history, space and time travel. It's like High Fantasy and Sci-fi have melded together in a manner that is similar to The Lord of the Rings cycle.
Come fight and race across worlds, taking on intreguing enemies and over-whelming odds to rescue the Universe and all sentient species from slavery or Oblivion!
This collection of books is the most captivating read, even when reading it for the fourth time! It is a masterfully written tale that mixes sword and technology with gripping intreque and two unforgettable characters in Morgaine and Vanye!
It's as deep in history, space and time travel. It's like High Fantasy and Sci-fi have melded together in a manner that is similar to The Lord of the Rings cycle.
Come fight and race across worlds, taking on intreguing enemies and over-whelming odds to rescue the Universe and all sentient species from slavery or Oblivion!
November 23, 2021
What to say of this? It was fun to read through Cherry's progression as a writer. At times I found the characters confusing, but I came to really enjoy both Morgaine and Nhi Vayne.
I probably wouldn't have finished the series if I hadn't bought all 4 at once though; it got VERY tedious. As with much of Cherry's writing, the concepts were more exciting and interesting than the execution of the story, and while the ancillary characters were interesting, I thought they lacked the depth I expect of a writer of her caliber.
That being said; this might just not be my thing. I did read ALL of it, and gained a bit of enjoyment throughout.
I probably wouldn't have finished the series if I hadn't bought all 4 at once though; it got VERY tedious. As with much of Cherry's writing, the concepts were more exciting and interesting than the execution of the story, and while the ancillary characters were interesting, I thought they lacked the depth I expect of a writer of her caliber.
That being said; this might just not be my thing. I did read ALL of it, and gained a bit of enjoyment throughout.
May 12, 2018
I vividly remember reading this entire book, all four books, in one single night. I turned out the light and heard birds singing and thought, wow. This is the nadir of my tendency to stay up too late reading novels. I need help.
But this story - super gripping. Super compelling. Super bleak, but not in a despairing kind of way. Morgaine's struggle is finely drawn and well-portrayed. The parts of the book that feel gray and drawn-out match the tone of the overall story pretty well. I should probs re-read at some point when it isn't 3 am.
But this story - super gripping. Super compelling. Super bleak, but not in a despairing kind of way. Morgaine's struggle is finely drawn and well-portrayed. The parts of the book that feel gray and drawn-out match the tone of the overall story pretty well. I should probs re-read at some point when it isn't 3 am.
April 17, 2019
Great set of stories! Finished this collection then had to go looking to see if there were any more. Sadly not in this series, although I may have to find some of her other writings!
The writing style is "old fashioned" and was a little bit of work to actually read, but not too much once you get the hang of it. The story is told primarily from Vanye's point of view, keeping Morgaine herself pretty mysterious. And poor Vanye always seems to be hurting - I felt really bad for him! Although of course Morgaine was usually no better off herself, plus she has the weight of her mission.
The writing style is "old fashioned" and was a little bit of work to actually read, but not too much once you get the hang of it. The story is told primarily from Vanye's point of view, keeping Morgaine herself pretty mysterious. And poor Vanye always seems to be hurting - I felt really bad for him! Although of course Morgaine was usually no better off herself, plus she has the weight of her mission.
May 21, 2020
Although I'm a huge fan of author C.J. Cherryh, the Chanur series and Hunter of Worlds are my special favorites...the characters of The complete Morgaine are well-drawn and compelling, and her writing style is evocative and lovely...but this story-line is endlessly dreary and repetitive—personally, I had to make myself persevere through. But not to worry people, there are so many wonderful books by this author...just don't make this one your first experience of her writing :)
October 5, 2017
I read these books back in 1994 whiule at University. I felt that these were remarkable characters who I felt a bond too.
Now 20 +years later I reread these stories and find a joyous recognition of seeing former friends again. CJ Cherryh is one of the finest creators of times not seen, yet lived and felt. This is a powerful great series.
Now 20 +years later I reread these stories and find a joyous recognition of seeing former friends again. CJ Cherryh is one of the finest creators of times not seen, yet lived and felt. This is a powerful great series.
August 9, 2022
Outstanding
I have read this several times over the course of several decades and it gets better each time. I hear music from the late seventys and get the urge to reread this series. Each book is excellent and and the story could going on and on. Great characters and I am sorry that the series is likely over.
I have read this several times over the course of several decades and it gets better each time. I hear music from the late seventys and get the urge to reread this series. Each book is excellent and and the story could going on and on. Great characters and I am sorry that the series is likely over.
April 25, 2024
Classic epic fantasy merged with SF. Gripping, can't-put-down, stuff. I read the first three books in the 90s, then re-read them plus book 4 (Exile's Gate) last summer. Andre Norton compared CJ Cherryh to Tolkien, but honestly, the Morgaine series is so much more subtle. The psychology, politics, and realism are bar none.
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