What do you think?
Rate this book
Barsk #2
The Moons of Barsk
Years after the events of Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard, the lonely young outcast and physically-challenged Fant, Pizlo, is now a teenager. He still believes he hears voices from the planet’s moons, imparting secret knowledge to him alone. And so embarks on a dangerous voyage to learn the truth behind the messages. His quest will catapult him offworld for second time is his short life, and reveal things the galaxy isn’t yet ready to know.
Elsewhere, Barsk's Senator Jorl, who can speak with the dead, navigates galactic politics as Barsk's unwelcome representative, and digs even deeper into the past than ever before to discover new truths of his own.
Elsewhere, Barsk's Senator Jorl, who can speak with the dead, navigates galactic politics as Barsk's unwelcome representative, and digs even deeper into the past than ever before to discover new truths of his own.
431 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2018
20 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence M. Schoen
128 books233 followersLawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, is a past Astounding, Hugo, and Nebula, nominee, twice won the Cóyotl award for best novel, founded the Klingon Language Institute, and occasionally does work as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. He is a chimeric cancer survivor.
His science fiction includes many light and humorous adventures of a space-faring stage hypnotist and his alien animal companion. Other works take a very different tone, exploring aspects of determinism and free will, generally redefining the continua between life and death. Sometimes he blurs the funny and the serious. Lawrence lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife and their dog.
His science fiction includes many light and humorous adventures of a space-faring stage hypnotist and his alien animal companion. Other works take a very different tone, exploring aspects of determinism and free will, generally redefining the continua between life and death. Sometimes he blurs the funny and the serious. Lawrence lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife and their dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 16, 2019
This is an absolutely excellent sequel to Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard.
Several years have passed since the first book and Pizlo, the Abomination of Keslo, is no longer a child but a teenager on the cusp of adulthood. He has grown substantially into his many gifts, and wrestles with the moral and philosophical questions raised by his precognitive ability. To what extent is the future fixed and is it possible to make oneself an agent of change in the face of apparent destiny?
In trademark fashion, Pizlo becomes enmeshed in events seemingly too large for any one person to change. But his unique combination of innocence and depth of understanding makes it impossible for him not to try.
A deep and deceptively simple story about being the change you want to see, set in a world completely unlike yet very much the same as the one we live in. The Moons of Barsk is going on my favourites 2018 shelf.
Several years have passed since the first book and Pizlo, the Abomination of Keslo, is no longer a child but a teenager on the cusp of adulthood. He has grown substantially into his many gifts, and wrestles with the moral and philosophical questions raised by his precognitive ability. To what extent is the future fixed and is it possible to make oneself an agent of change in the face of apparent destiny?
In trademark fashion, Pizlo becomes enmeshed in events seemingly too large for any one person to change. But his unique combination of innocence and depth of understanding makes it impossible for him not to try.
A deep and deceptively simple story about being the change you want to see, set in a world completely unlike yet very much the same as the one we live in. The Moons of Barsk is going on my favourites 2018 shelf.
August 5, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for getting this early.
I remember having a few issues with the first novel because of the feeling of aimlessness during the large opening. A hero's journey? Sure, but it wasn't until much later that the "abomination" started getting proactive and interesting in his own right. The end was particularly great. I love all the things that Speakers do: quantum stuff and memory stuff and speaking to the dead stuff all mixed into a heavy SF foam.
My other concern was about the REASONS for the total hate-on for the Fants, the humanoid elephants, by the rest of the other "humans" of different species. Some old wrong, the need to quarantine the whole race based on some kind of evil that even the ghosts of old grandmothers can't quite pin down. And yet, the Fants are still vilified.
Fast forward to this new novel. Our young elephant has gone from a 12-year-old to a 14-year-old and he has rockin powers, being able to split his consciousness, speak to the dead, have telepathy across space, unlimited by lightspeed. Coolness. And even his status as an "abomination" is mitigated by a ton of new friends he made during the first book. Excellent. And we continue on with a number of additional PoVs as well, including the Speakers, the ruling class, and some others, all of which add dimensions to the tale which I thought were pretty good. We're dealing with the issue of the Fants, the technology they developed on the sly, and their place in the greater galactic society.
Yes, the big driver is still a whole race's destiny, the prejudice surrounding them, and the possible "feel good" solution of mixing up the greater peoples with those of the Fants.
For the MOST part, I really enjoyed the drive, the meat of this whole novel, and the conclusion. We really had to make some sort of conflict and resolution with the ruling class of Speakers. And so we did, along with a drop-down, a kick-ass awesome scene full of quantum-memory goodness.
But.
And here's where I reduce this book from a total 5-star rating to a 4. Even though we were introduced to the possibility of the "big solution" that eventually comes at the end, how it is actually pulled off kinda leaves a lot to be desired. It's not officially a deus-ex-machina, but it seriously skirts the edges of one.
Other than that!? I think it's superior to the first. There are more hints as to the deep dark past for the Fants, there are great and interesting developments for the race, and our little abomination is getting kinda beast. :)
I remember having a few issues with the first novel because of the feeling of aimlessness during the large opening. A hero's journey? Sure, but it wasn't until much later that the "abomination" started getting proactive and interesting in his own right. The end was particularly great. I love all the things that Speakers do: quantum stuff and memory stuff and speaking to the dead stuff all mixed into a heavy SF foam.
My other concern was about the REASONS for the total hate-on for the Fants, the humanoid elephants, by the rest of the other "humans" of different species. Some old wrong, the need to quarantine the whole race based on some kind of evil that even the ghosts of old grandmothers can't quite pin down. And yet, the Fants are still vilified.
Fast forward to this new novel. Our young elephant has gone from a 12-year-old to a 14-year-old and he has rockin powers, being able to split his consciousness, speak to the dead, have telepathy across space, unlimited by lightspeed. Coolness. And even his status as an "abomination" is mitigated by a ton of new friends he made during the first book. Excellent. And we continue on with a number of additional PoVs as well, including the Speakers, the ruling class, and some others, all of which add dimensions to the tale which I thought were pretty good. We're dealing with the issue of the Fants, the technology they developed on the sly, and their place in the greater galactic society.
Yes, the big driver is still a whole race's destiny, the prejudice surrounding them, and the possible "feel good" solution of mixing up the greater peoples with those of the Fants.
For the MOST part, I really enjoyed the drive, the meat of this whole novel, and the conclusion. We really had to make some sort of conflict and resolution with the ruling class of Speakers. And so we did, along with a drop-down, a kick-ass awesome scene full of quantum-memory goodness.
But.
And here's where I reduce this book from a total 5-star rating to a 4. Even though we were introduced to the possibility of the "big solution" that eventually comes at the end, how it is actually pulled off kinda leaves a lot to be desired. It's not officially a deus-ex-machina, but it seriously skirts the edges of one.
Other than that!? I think it's superior to the first. There are more hints as to the deep dark past for the Fants, there are great and interesting developments for the race, and our little abomination is getting kinda beast. :)
September 6, 2018
A return to the universe of Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard, where humanity is long extinct and the galaxy is populated by various races of uplifted animal species with only two, based on two different species of elephant, kept separate by treaty and prejudice.
It's nine years after the events of the first book, Pizlo is a teenager now and Jorl ben Tral is well established as an Alliance Senator and a bearer of an aleph on Barsk. Jorl also now has a wife and a young daughter and firmly has the attention of a secret and powerful group of Fant called the Caudex who are working to ensure that the Alliance doesn't end up eliminating all Fant.
Like the first, this is a beautifully written book with fascinating world-building. Schoen has taken the premises from the first book and greatly expanded upon them, both with the Caudex and how they interact with the rest of the Fant, and with the possibilities that the nefshon abilities have with out Magda's rules in the way. The messaging is strong as well, talking to the role of prejudice, diversity and rationality in society.
It's also clear from the end of this one that there'll be at least one more in the series.
It's nine years after the events of the first book, Pizlo is a teenager now and Jorl ben Tral is well established as an Alliance Senator and a bearer of an aleph on Barsk. Jorl also now has a wife and a young daughter and firmly has the attention of a secret and powerful group of Fant called the Caudex who are working to ensure that the Alliance doesn't end up eliminating all Fant.
Like the first, this is a beautifully written book with fascinating world-building. Schoen has taken the premises from the first book and greatly expanded upon them, both with the Caudex and how they interact with the rest of the Fant, and with the possibilities that the nefshon abilities have with out Magda's rules in the way. The messaging is strong as well, talking to the role of prejudice, diversity and rationality in society.
It's also clear from the end of this one that there'll be at least one more in the series.
September 21, 2018
My reaction to the narrator on the audio version probably influenced my feelings about this book. I got used to his voice but his pacing felt odd, with out of place pauses throughout sentences like he needed to take a breathe.
Anyway I was happy to follow Pizlo as he enters puberty and questions EVERYTHING. I like that the elephants investigate memory manipulation- kind of an in joke about long memories. The overall plot was perhaps a bit more complex then necessary and some points were repeated in a way that made me think the author had forgotten he’d mentioned them previously. I imagine a book three will be written. I’ll look forward to reading it but I think the next steps in the plot might be self-evident.
Anyway I was happy to follow Pizlo as he enters puberty and questions EVERYTHING. I like that the elephants investigate memory manipulation- kind of an in joke about long memories. The overall plot was perhaps a bit more complex then necessary and some points were repeated in a way that made me think the author had forgotten he’d mentioned them previously. I imagine a book three will be written. I’ll look forward to reading it but I think the next steps in the plot might be self-evident.
August 15, 2018
(I thank Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
I read, two years ago, "Barsk, the elephant graveyard" and it was an incredible read. The kind of read I, even after having read thousands of books as I've had, will never forget. I'm getting more and more touchy and demanding with my readings, not by vice, but because having read so many books, and review some hundreds, and wrote some more, have made me very critical: I now know what I like, what I don't want to read about, and what I can't read on regardless some obvious narrative, psychological or logical flaws. "Barsk, the elephants' graveyard" was an outstanding read, just perfect, so rare...
At the time I didn't know that a sequel was to be expected. When I saw "The moons of Barsk" on Netgalley, I couldn't believe my luck! I immediately pre-ordered the pbook (such a beautiful cover!) and ask for the ARC. I was very proud and happy when my request was accepted and took care to re read the first Barsk Book before, as I've already planed to do this summer (premonition, eh? ).
I particularly appreciated to re-read the first book before this one, but if you don't feel like doing so, you may spare yourself: all the principal elements are cleverly reintroduced in the beginning of the book, you won't feel lost (you probably will feel nostalgic and sorry not to have reread Barsk Book One, but... your mistake ^-^)
The story takes place a few years after the end of the first book. Pizlo is now fourteen years old, and not much have changed for him, except for the fact that he's now a speaker, but just able to Speak with Jorl, his best friend, his mentor. Jorl has a good life, married, with a beloved child, Rina, and is juggling between his work as an historian, his family time and his role as a senator.
Very quickly the story explodes in an incredible revelation, quite credible and logical in fact, and exhilarating in its fairness and cleverness. I can't say more about it, but I can tell that this new development is perfectly carved out and used to tell an exciting story. The new characters are perfect, a so human blend of brilliancy, humanity, lucidity and also thirst for power, egotism and weaknesses.
If I loved this second book as much as the first one, I needed to read it slowly, to chew over it. I loved how the author chose to intensify his ideas, nurturing them in exciting and inspiring directions. For such an imaginary concept, Speaking is handled in a perfectly scientific way, which I applaud! Not complicated per se, but thorough, imaginative and cleverly used to make the story unforgettable. Again. A perfect "food for thoughts" book!
If Pizlo isn't a child anymore, thinking much more a very wise and kind adult, suffering differently due to his life as a pariah, Lawrence M. Schoen demonstrates again how able he's to introduce believable and touching children, especially gifted ones with, this time, Jorl's daughter, Rina. And her doll, the very special Kokab!
A riveting read, as clever, subtle and heart-warming as the first one, very human for all the extraordinary perfect exposition of elephant-like post-humans. A book which will, I can't doubt about it after reading the last sentence (so cruel for the reader...) be followed by a third one. I already can't wait, so happy to have found, by pure chance, a so special and perfect read for me!
I read, two years ago, "Barsk, the elephant graveyard" and it was an incredible read. The kind of read I, even after having read thousands of books as I've had, will never forget. I'm getting more and more touchy and demanding with my readings, not by vice, but because having read so many books, and review some hundreds, and wrote some more, have made me very critical: I now know what I like, what I don't want to read about, and what I can't read on regardless some obvious narrative, psychological or logical flaws. "Barsk, the elephants' graveyard" was an outstanding read, just perfect, so rare...
At the time I didn't know that a sequel was to be expected. When I saw "The moons of Barsk" on Netgalley, I couldn't believe my luck! I immediately pre-ordered the pbook (such a beautiful cover!) and ask for the ARC. I was very proud and happy when my request was accepted and took care to re read the first Barsk Book before, as I've already planed to do this summer (premonition, eh? ).
I particularly appreciated to re-read the first book before this one, but if you don't feel like doing so, you may spare yourself: all the principal elements are cleverly reintroduced in the beginning of the book, you won't feel lost (you probably will feel nostalgic and sorry not to have reread Barsk Book One, but... your mistake ^-^)
The story takes place a few years after the end of the first book. Pizlo is now fourteen years old, and not much have changed for him, except for the fact that he's now a speaker, but just able to Speak with Jorl, his best friend, his mentor. Jorl has a good life, married, with a beloved child, Rina, and is juggling between his work as an historian, his family time and his role as a senator.
Very quickly the story explodes in an incredible revelation, quite credible and logical in fact, and exhilarating in its fairness and cleverness. I can't say more about it, but I can tell that this new development is perfectly carved out and used to tell an exciting story. The new characters are perfect, a so human blend of brilliancy, humanity, lucidity and also thirst for power, egotism and weaknesses.
If I loved this second book as much as the first one, I needed to read it slowly, to chew over it. I loved how the author chose to intensify his ideas, nurturing them in exciting and inspiring directions. For such an imaginary concept, Speaking is handled in a perfectly scientific way, which I applaud! Not complicated per se, but thorough, imaginative and cleverly used to make the story unforgettable. Again. A perfect "food for thoughts" book!
If Pizlo isn't a child anymore, thinking much more a very wise and kind adult, suffering differently due to his life as a pariah, Lawrence M. Schoen demonstrates again how able he's to introduce believable and touching children, especially gifted ones with, this time, Jorl's daughter, Rina. And her doll, the very special Kokab!
A riveting read, as clever, subtle and heart-warming as the first one, very human for all the extraordinary perfect exposition of elephant-like post-humans. A book which will, I can't doubt about it after reading the last sentence (so cruel for the reader...) be followed by a third one. I already can't wait, so happy to have found, by pure chance, a so special and perfect read for me!
February 5, 2019
4+ stars. Disappointed that turns out not to be a duology - there's more to come (in that I thought #2 was going to conclude matters, and was looking forward to that denouement). On the other hand - now I get to look forward to more (including, hopefully, some explanation as to why the Fant were forced into isolation ... and maybe whether it was pure (incredibly unlikely) happenstance that the drug that enables Speakers etc. was only available on Barsk, or not ... as that seems execessively deux ex machina).
P.S. You have to love writing that includes a line like: "As a sailor, Jorl was a fine historian."
P.S. You have to love writing that includes a line like: "As a sailor, Jorl was a fine historian."
June 27, 2018
Disclaimers first: I know Lawrence M. Schoen slightly on social media (we have never met IRL), and he has hosted me on his Eating Authors blog series. I received an unedited copy via Netgalley for purposes of review; I won't comment specifically on the copy editing, on the assumption that it will get some more attention before publication.
I enjoyed the first of this series - despite what seemed to me considerable stretches, even holes, in the worldbuilding - because it had a lot of heart and I felt for the characters and their situation. The sequel is no different, although it held together better for me, and (unlike the first book) the ultimate resolution didn't seem excessively tidy, or depend on something that I saw as a plot hole or deus ex machina.
There's an interesting theme at the heart of this one, which was alluded to in the first book: that the future is fixed if people act in the ways that their culture has programmed them to, but if they rise above that and exercise free choice, they can change the world. One of the several viewpoint characters, Pizlo, carries most of this theme and expresses it most clearly, and he, as an outsider to his society and a precognitive, is in a position to know.
The other two viewpoint characters are set up as antagonists to one another, though they have more common cause than reason to fight one another (as one, but not the other, realizes). The tension between them was well sustained and well resolved, providing a strong emotional arc for all three viewpoint characters and for the book as a whole.
Though I could quibble with the worldbuilding and some of the sentence-level writing, the storytelling here is at an excellent level, and if that's what you mostly go to a book for, this might well be the book for you.
I enjoyed the first of this series - despite what seemed to me considerable stretches, even holes, in the worldbuilding - because it had a lot of heart and I felt for the characters and their situation. The sequel is no different, although it held together better for me, and (unlike the first book) the ultimate resolution didn't seem excessively tidy, or depend on something that I saw as a plot hole or deus ex machina.
There's an interesting theme at the heart of this one, which was alluded to in the first book: that the future is fixed if people act in the ways that their culture has programmed them to, but if they rise above that and exercise free choice, they can change the world. One of the several viewpoint characters, Pizlo, carries most of this theme and expresses it most clearly, and he, as an outsider to his society and a precognitive, is in a position to know.
The other two viewpoint characters are set up as antagonists to one another, though they have more common cause than reason to fight one another (as one, but not the other, realizes). The tension between them was well sustained and well resolved, providing a strong emotional arc for all three viewpoint characters and for the book as a whole.
Though I could quibble with the worldbuilding and some of the sentence-level writing, the storytelling here is at an excellent level, and if that's what you mostly go to a book for, this might well be the book for you.
October 15, 2021
A most disappointing an ceaselessly dull return to the land of Barsk. It is hard to believe how tedious and mind-numbingly empty this book feels when compared with 'Barsk: The Elephant's Graveyard'. Knowing there is to be a third book - at least, as this is being labelled a series now - makes me sad but also hopeful Schoen can regain the magic and beauty of Barsk. We start off quite promising, with Pizlo, Jorl and the dying island and my excitement was palpable. And short-lived. Soon we are left with Fants in Space with InfoDumps, Fants on Barsk with ThoughtGames, Alliance Machinations (all secondhand or background-y), too many viewpoint changes to keep track of or care about, and those limitless nefshons. Ugh. We get shallow thematics about choice, prejudice, and power, but the plot feels stretched so incredibly thin that most of the book feels like a lengthy tangential rumination just to get us to the end - which should have been the beginning - and set us up for the ?!?next book!?!. I haven't been this let down by a follow-up to a novel I loved in quite a long time. I will still get Book#3 and hope for oh so much better.
December 23, 2018
Maybe better than the first book? Great characters in an incredibly inventive setting. I mean, if telepathic elephant people who can speak with the dead in a universe populated with uplifted animals, hidden cities, space racism, elephant bigotry, and secret moonbases can be called inventive... This whole series is great.
August 23, 2018
Coming soon...
April 13, 2019
Some pacing issues but I really enjoyed how different it is from .... almost every?
Haven’t seen uplift done in a way that interests me since Brin.
I’d call it science fantasy though maybe...
Haven’t seen uplift done in a way that interests me since Brin.
I’d call it science fantasy though maybe...
September 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the first "Barsk" novel by Schoen last year. Filled with wonder, top-notch world building and not just interesting, but downright fascinating characters, "Barsk: The Elephant Graveyard" was an incredible read. Utterly unique and engrossing. Loved it.
The second book of the series, "The Moons of Barsk" was somehow able to take the amazing elements of the first novel and make them even better. Much of the first novel dealt with the big "ideas" of the speculative world the author had created - this novel is much more micro-focused on the characters themselves.
By turning the lens inward, the reader is able to better know the characters on the page and the author does a masterful job of creating rich, vivid, flawed characters who are challenged, defeated, forced to grow and make big decisions, not all with intended consequences.
- the plot sails like a boat in a stiff breeze
- the writing is rich and evocative
- the tapestry of character interplay changes and morphs in beautiful patterns
- multiple layers of conflicts create tense but enjoyable Acts II and III
- the writing is of exceptional quality from start to finish
One of my favorite elements which Schoen explores is the meta-nature of story and narrative and how big an impact that has on humanity or any other species for that matter. The elements of the novel which delve into that topic were among my favorites.
In summary, if you're getting a bit jaded of reading run of the mill spec fiction, start this series. Now. You won't be disappointed.
The second book of the series, "The Moons of Barsk" was somehow able to take the amazing elements of the first novel and make them even better. Much of the first novel dealt with the big "ideas" of the speculative world the author had created - this novel is much more micro-focused on the characters themselves.
By turning the lens inward, the reader is able to better know the characters on the page and the author does a masterful job of creating rich, vivid, flawed characters who are challenged, defeated, forced to grow and make big decisions, not all with intended consequences.
- the plot sails like a boat in a stiff breeze
- the writing is rich and evocative
- the tapestry of character interplay changes and morphs in beautiful patterns
- multiple layers of conflicts create tense but enjoyable Acts II and III
- the writing is of exceptional quality from start to finish
One of my favorite elements which Schoen explores is the meta-nature of story and narrative and how big an impact that has on humanity or any other species for that matter. The elements of the novel which delve into that topic were among my favorites.
In summary, if you're getting a bit jaded of reading run of the mill spec fiction, start this series. Now. You won't be disappointed.
August 3, 2021
Great sequel! Despite not picking up the thread from my favourite part of the first book, the 2nd Barsk novel was really interesting and I enjoyed the new revelations in this world.
December 22, 2022
Ahoy there mateys! Though the First Mate and I have very different reading tastes, occasionally we do recommend books to each other. He and I both read the following:
the moons of barsk (Lawrence M. Schoen)
We read and talked about the book and I enjoyed his viewpoint so Iordered asked him to write a review. So you get one from me and a bonus additional review from me crew. Please note that I write like I talk and the First Mate writes like he thinks. Hope you enjoy!
From the Captain:
I thought book one was one of the best books I have ever read. Period. It ended perfectly so when I heard there was another book in the series, I honestly didn't know where it could possibly go.
The First Mate had already listened to the second book and said it was wonderful. I was hesitant to mess with the beauty of the first book but agreed to listen to it with him. And book two enhances book one while looking at the world and the characters from a completely different angle. The alternative perspective of the second book causes an amazing reevaluation of the first.
No actually, that adjective doesn't work. I don't have a good enough word for this series. This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever listened to (just like the first). I still cried and laughed. I still love Jorl and Pizlo. I cannot do this justice. But I wish I could give all the crew members these books.
Me words fail, fail, fail at how amazing this book is. Please do yerself a favor and read this book that deserves all the love and more. Aye, there be talking animals but don't let that deter ye. It pays off. Check out the First Mate's words below and have them help tip this book off the tbr and into yer hands. It be worth it. Arrrr!
From the First Mate:
Advice that is often attributed to Flannery O’Conner about endings is that they should be “surprising yet inevitable.” The Moons of Barsk is a surprising and yet inevitable sequel to the brilliant Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard. It would have been impossible for me to guess what would occur in a Barsk sequel, and yet it is so perfectly written and flows so logically from the original story that after reading it I can’t imagine the tale going in any other direction.
Taking place several years after the events of the first book, Jorl has continued his work as a Speaker, historian, and galactic senator. Pizlo remains an abomination with an ever growing psychic ability. The villains from the first book remain defeated. From a place of seeming status, Jorl and Pizlo go on a journey that fundamentally reshapes what they and we know about Barsk, its history, and its capabilities.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of The Moons of Barks for me was that I kept getting surprised about how deeply Schoen had thought about the consequences of what he had created. Because he chose a scientific frame for the ability to Speak, he’s logically asked what else could be done with that ability? We learned in the first book that the majority of Speakers were not using the ability to its true potential. I was surprised that my own imagination didn’t guess at some of the places that Schoen would take us.
Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard is a beautifully sad book. The Moons of Barsk is nowhere near as sad. There are still sad elements; this is still a book that is fundamentally about dealing with loss, difference, prejudice, and oppression. But there’s a lot of hope in the book as well. Jorl and Pizlo are still amazing characters. And the book delivers on some amazing ideas. To say more would definitely require getting into spoiler territory.
My only quibble with the book is that it ends with a dangling plot thread. The main storyline of the book is finished, but there’s a loose end that is present presumably to set up a third book. Schoen has said that his publisher has no interest in a third book. So it seems likely that we won’t get that thread resolved. I don’t think it overly mars the book, but I can also see where someone else would be irked by it.
As with the first book, if you enjoy audiobooks I cannot more highly recommend the audio version of The Moons of Barsk. Again read by J. G. Hertzler, it’s a treat to listen to. Highest recommendation to everyone. Avoid if for some reason the first book didn’t work for you or if the prospect of a dangling plot thread is intolerable.
the moons of barsk (Lawrence M. Schoen)
We read and talked about the book and I enjoyed his viewpoint so I
From the Captain:
I thought book one was one of the best books I have ever read. Period. It ended perfectly so when I heard there was another book in the series, I honestly didn't know where it could possibly go.
The First Mate had already listened to the second book and said it was wonderful. I was hesitant to mess with the beauty of the first book but agreed to listen to it with him. And book two enhances book one while looking at the world and the characters from a completely different angle. The alternative perspective of the second book causes an amazing reevaluation of the first.
No actually, that adjective doesn't work. I don't have a good enough word for this series. This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever listened to (just like the first). I still cried and laughed. I still love Jorl and Pizlo. I cannot do this justice. But I wish I could give all the crew members these books.
Me words fail, fail, fail at how amazing this book is. Please do yerself a favor and read this book that deserves all the love and more. Aye, there be talking animals but don't let that deter ye. It pays off. Check out the First Mate's words below and have them help tip this book off the tbr and into yer hands. It be worth it. Arrrr!
From the First Mate:
Advice that is often attributed to Flannery O’Conner about endings is that they should be “surprising yet inevitable.” The Moons of Barsk is a surprising and yet inevitable sequel to the brilliant Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard. It would have been impossible for me to guess what would occur in a Barsk sequel, and yet it is so perfectly written and flows so logically from the original story that after reading it I can’t imagine the tale going in any other direction.
Taking place several years after the events of the first book, Jorl has continued his work as a Speaker, historian, and galactic senator. Pizlo remains an abomination with an ever growing psychic ability. The villains from the first book remain defeated. From a place of seeming status, Jorl and Pizlo go on a journey that fundamentally reshapes what they and we know about Barsk, its history, and its capabilities.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of The Moons of Barks for me was that I kept getting surprised about how deeply Schoen had thought about the consequences of what he had created. Because he chose a scientific frame for the ability to Speak, he’s logically asked what else could be done with that ability? We learned in the first book that the majority of Speakers were not using the ability to its true potential. I was surprised that my own imagination didn’t guess at some of the places that Schoen would take us.
Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard is a beautifully sad book. The Moons of Barsk is nowhere near as sad. There are still sad elements; this is still a book that is fundamentally about dealing with loss, difference, prejudice, and oppression. But there’s a lot of hope in the book as well. Jorl and Pizlo are still amazing characters. And the book delivers on some amazing ideas. To say more would definitely require getting into spoiler territory.
My only quibble with the book is that it ends with a dangling plot thread. The main storyline of the book is finished, but there’s a loose end that is present presumably to set up a third book. Schoen has said that his publisher has no interest in a third book. So it seems likely that we won’t get that thread resolved. I don’t think it overly mars the book, but I can also see where someone else would be irked by it.
As with the first book, if you enjoy audiobooks I cannot more highly recommend the audio version of The Moons of Barsk. Again read by J. G. Hertzler, it’s a treat to listen to. Highest recommendation to everyone. Avoid if for some reason the first book didn’t work for you or if the prospect of a dangling plot thread is intolerable.
February 20, 2019
Cutting to the chase: I found The Moons of Barsk to be somewhat of a disappointment compared to its predecessor, Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard. It's still a strongly weird story that features more metaphysical contortions than you could shake an imaginary stick at, but it's less focused, less exciting, and less powerful.
Maybe that's because this is Pizlo's book more than Jorl's, and I could never quite grasp what Pizlo was up to. He ruminates incessantly, discussing the nature of stories with the Archetype of Man and determining that its time to take his own "hero's journey." But this traditional narrative is quickly dissected and deconstructed and mixed with the abomination nature of Pizlo's being until we reach a weird, deus-ex-machine-adjacent ending that leaves far too many loose ends.
Jorl's story is more straightforward and I think The Moons of Barsk would have been improved with more of him and less of Pizlo. Jorl uncovers the secret of that final island where Fant go to die. In the process of unraveling the conspiracy of secrets, he must discuss the feasibility of keeping the Fant race safe in a galaxy that despises them and also fend off other Speakers with his newfound nefshon powers. That latter portion is sometimes exciting, but also unnecessarily stretches the boundaries of this series' "magic system." Truly, one can do anything with nefshons these days.
And that's all not to mention the extraneous characters who receive numerous chapters, such as Ryne, a dying Fant whose research uncovers a way to stabilize nefshons so the dead no longer need to be summoned. It's a cool idea that never really comes to anything. Perhaps setting up another sequel? It's more or less a waste of text here, making an already long, slow book longer and slower.
All of this isn't to say The Moons of Barsk is bad - I was thrilled to return to this unique world and Lawrence M. Schoen's writing style continues to be deeply appealing. He explains extremely complex ideas in a clear, concise way and crafts natural dialogue that makes reading even dull diplomatic negotiations a joy. It just seems like he's bitten off more than he can chew with The Moons of Barsk, attempting a meditation on too many big ideas instead of telling a smart, well-paced story in a fascinating universe.
Maybe that's because this is Pizlo's book more than Jorl's, and I could never quite grasp what Pizlo was up to. He ruminates incessantly, discussing the nature of stories with the Archetype of Man and determining that its time to take his own "hero's journey." But this traditional narrative is quickly dissected and deconstructed and mixed with the abomination nature of Pizlo's being until we reach a weird, deus-ex-machine-adjacent ending that leaves far too many loose ends.
Jorl's story is more straightforward and I think The Moons of Barsk would have been improved with more of him and less of Pizlo. Jorl uncovers the secret of that final island where Fant go to die. In the process of unraveling the conspiracy of secrets, he must discuss the feasibility of keeping the Fant race safe in a galaxy that despises them and also fend off other Speakers with his newfound nefshon powers. That latter portion is sometimes exciting, but also unnecessarily stretches the boundaries of this series' "magic system." Truly, one can do anything with nefshons these days.
And that's all not to mention the extraneous characters who receive numerous chapters, such as Ryne, a dying Fant whose research uncovers a way to stabilize nefshons so the dead no longer need to be summoned. It's a cool idea that never really comes to anything. Perhaps setting up another sequel? It's more or less a waste of text here, making an already long, slow book longer and slower.
All of this isn't to say The Moons of Barsk is bad - I was thrilled to return to this unique world and Lawrence M. Schoen's writing style continues to be deeply appealing. He explains extremely complex ideas in a clear, concise way and crafts natural dialogue that makes reading even dull diplomatic negotiations a joy. It just seems like he's bitten off more than he can chew with The Moons of Barsk, attempting a meditation on too many big ideas instead of telling a smart, well-paced story in a fascinating universe.
September 12, 2018
This is crossposted from https://openbuddha.com/2018/09/11/moo...
I finished reading "The Moons of Barsk" a few weeks ago and wanted to put a review of it up for folks. This is the new book by the linguist, Lawrence M. Schoen and a sequel to his "Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard" from a few years ago.
In complete transparency, I was given a review copy of Moons but I was such a huge fan of his first book that I had been actively waiting for more from him. Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard was an amazing book and a breath of fresh air in how it was full of ideas that hadn't been rehashed to death as genre tropes (and even the ideas in it that were common enough tropes were handled in interesting ways). Moons continues on this vein and does not displease, though I do think it suffers a bit from being a "middle novel" in what I assume is a trilogy. It continues the story of the first book in new ways but does not, ultimately, tie the threads of story up completely but sets things up for continuance and conclusion later.
The basic setup of the series is a kind of Island of Dr. Moreau writ large and on a galactic scale. There is a federation and the denizens of this federation are different races of humanoid or uplifted animals. I do not wish to spoil the first book for readers so I cannot go into any history that is revealed but things are explained to a fair degree in the first novel. The main characters of both books are Fants, which are distinct but similar species of upright, humanoid elephants. They are despised and viewed with disgust by the rest of the federation for their horrid (it seems) appearance to others and have long ago but exiled to a single world, out of sight. The first book deals with the possibility of pogroms and genocidal plots against the Fants by others and revelations about the history of the Federation, in general, and the facts in particular.
In Moons, we pick up a few years after Graveyard, with the protagonist, Jorl, of the first book having grown a bit older and, possibly, a little wiser, but much of the emphasis in Moons is on Pizlo, who was a young child in Graveyard. He' now an adolescent attempting to find a place in the world and with his abilities. He's much more the focus of this book than Jorl (in my opinion) though Jorl is still a viewpoint character. In some ways, I find Jorl largely uninteresting. As a special sort of speaker, those members of the Federation who can recall the minds of the dead and communicate with them, he's in most ways too powerful to be interesting. Pizlo is also a speaker and a pre-cognitive, but he's young and deeply conflicted about his role in the universe and in fact society. Pizlo is a genetic outcast, meant to have been exposed and die at birth, because of the circumstances of his conception. As such, all members of fant society, with the exception of his mother, Jorl and, Jorl's immediate family, pretend that Pizlo is invisible. If a confrontation is forced, it escalates. This is a radically alienating thing to a young man, growing up hated and unwanted, but knowing (due to the voices in his head that may just be his abilities) that he has some sort of role to play.
Where the first novel focused on the potential for violence and destruction towards the Fant from others, the second one has an exploration of violence from within Fant society, the kind of violence that clothes itself in necessity and "for the good of society." Jorl and Pizlo both explore questions of Fant history and future in a universe that hates and despises them. What would members of Fant society do to protect it, from outsiders but also from other Fant who find out too much about Fant history and potentially secret activities of some to protect the denizens of Barsk, their planet of exile?
Overall, it was a fun read. I did not find it quite as engaging as Graveyard but I put much of that down to the first book having a high degree of uniqueness and being so unexpected. Moons is not badly written but I very much want to read the next book to see where it all winds up, assuming that this is a trilogy. The ideas of Graveyard continue to build and be developed, as do the characters, and the world expands in scope and depth as well. What will an adult Pizlo be like as he comes into his prime? Will Jorl ever figure out his own longterm place in helping the Fant, even from themselves? I look forward to finding out.
I finished reading "The Moons of Barsk" a few weeks ago and wanted to put a review of it up for folks. This is the new book by the linguist, Lawrence M. Schoen and a sequel to his "Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard" from a few years ago.
In complete transparency, I was given a review copy of Moons but I was such a huge fan of his first book that I had been actively waiting for more from him. Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard was an amazing book and a breath of fresh air in how it was full of ideas that hadn't been rehashed to death as genre tropes (and even the ideas in it that were common enough tropes were handled in interesting ways). Moons continues on this vein and does not displease, though I do think it suffers a bit from being a "middle novel" in what I assume is a trilogy. It continues the story of the first book in new ways but does not, ultimately, tie the threads of story up completely but sets things up for continuance and conclusion later.
The basic setup of the series is a kind of Island of Dr. Moreau writ large and on a galactic scale. There is a federation and the denizens of this federation are different races of humanoid or uplifted animals. I do not wish to spoil the first book for readers so I cannot go into any history that is revealed but things are explained to a fair degree in the first novel. The main characters of both books are Fants, which are distinct but similar species of upright, humanoid elephants. They are despised and viewed with disgust by the rest of the federation for their horrid (it seems) appearance to others and have long ago but exiled to a single world, out of sight. The first book deals with the possibility of pogroms and genocidal plots against the Fants by others and revelations about the history of the Federation, in general, and the facts in particular.
In Moons, we pick up a few years after Graveyard, with the protagonist, Jorl, of the first book having grown a bit older and, possibly, a little wiser, but much of the emphasis in Moons is on Pizlo, who was a young child in Graveyard. He' now an adolescent attempting to find a place in the world and with his abilities. He's much more the focus of this book than Jorl (in my opinion) though Jorl is still a viewpoint character. In some ways, I find Jorl largely uninteresting. As a special sort of speaker, those members of the Federation who can recall the minds of the dead and communicate with them, he's in most ways too powerful to be interesting. Pizlo is also a speaker and a pre-cognitive, but he's young and deeply conflicted about his role in the universe and in fact society. Pizlo is a genetic outcast, meant to have been exposed and die at birth, because of the circumstances of his conception. As such, all members of fant society, with the exception of his mother, Jorl and, Jorl's immediate family, pretend that Pizlo is invisible. If a confrontation is forced, it escalates. This is a radically alienating thing to a young man, growing up hated and unwanted, but knowing (due to the voices in his head that may just be his abilities) that he has some sort of role to play.
Where the first novel focused on the potential for violence and destruction towards the Fant from others, the second one has an exploration of violence from within Fant society, the kind of violence that clothes itself in necessity and "for the good of society." Jorl and Pizlo both explore questions of Fant history and future in a universe that hates and despises them. What would members of Fant society do to protect it, from outsiders but also from other Fant who find out too much about Fant history and potentially secret activities of some to protect the denizens of Barsk, their planet of exile?
Overall, it was a fun read. I did not find it quite as engaging as Graveyard but I put much of that down to the first book having a high degree of uniqueness and being so unexpected. Moons is not badly written but I very much want to read the next book to see where it all winds up, assuming that this is a trilogy. The ideas of Graveyard continue to build and be developed, as do the characters, and the world expands in scope and depth as well. What will an adult Pizlo be like as he comes into his prime? Will Jorl ever figure out his own longterm place in helping the Fant, even from themselves? I look forward to finding out.
September 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
I saw this on the new shelf at my library, and I had met the author at the annual Klingon Language Institute conference (my first time going), so I picked it up and read the plot synopsis on the inside flap. I was intrigued. I knew that I hadn't read the first book in the series, but wasn't sure how direct a sequel it was, so decided to give it a shot anyway. It turns out it's a fairly direct sequel that expands on earlier events and threads, so I now want to go see that earlier point in these characters' lives.
Anyway! Barsk is a world inhabited by two species of intelligent elephants. They have sequestered themselves from the larger galactic civilization and keep their lives simple and fairly technology-free. They also have a pathological aversion to "abominations", who are born deformed and different from normal Fant. One of our main characters is such an "abomination", but because we get to see the world from his viewpoint, as well as the few people who do not treat him as something to set out with the trash, that we connect with him as an individual - something that society cannot. This becomes important as the book progresses, and I appreciated the treatment given to his story and the implications for how we as humans handle those with disabilities or different skin color. Good science fiction morality in fine form.
Other characters concern themselves with a thin line to the outside galaxy, and trying to figure out why, at the end of their lives, the Fant all hop on a boat and head out to sea, a la the Elves in LotR. I am oversimplifying so as not to give the plot away, but we get some good worldbuilding and some nice machinations that set things up for a third volume.
I recommend you read the first book first, but The Moons of Barsk is a fine science fiction novel that applies modern societal commentary and representation to a framework that feels at home with classic science fiction. I recommend it.
I saw this on the new shelf at my library, and I had met the author at the annual Klingon Language Institute conference (my first time going), so I picked it up and read the plot synopsis on the inside flap. I was intrigued. I knew that I hadn't read the first book in the series, but wasn't sure how direct a sequel it was, so decided to give it a shot anyway. It turns out it's a fairly direct sequel that expands on earlier events and threads, so I now want to go see that earlier point in these characters' lives.
Anyway! Barsk is a world inhabited by two species of intelligent elephants. They have sequestered themselves from the larger galactic civilization and keep their lives simple and fairly technology-free. They also have a pathological aversion to "abominations", who are born deformed and different from normal Fant. One of our main characters is such an "abomination", but because we get to see the world from his viewpoint, as well as the few people who do not treat him as something to set out with the trash, that we connect with him as an individual - something that society cannot. This becomes important as the book progresses, and I appreciated the treatment given to his story and the implications for how we as humans handle those with disabilities or different skin color. Good science fiction morality in fine form.
Other characters concern themselves with a thin line to the outside galaxy, and trying to figure out why, at the end of their lives, the Fant all hop on a boat and head out to sea, a la the Elves in LotR. I am oversimplifying so as not to give the plot away, but we get some good worldbuilding and some nice machinations that set things up for a third volume.
I recommend you read the first book first, but The Moons of Barsk is a fine science fiction novel that applies modern societal commentary and representation to a framework that feels at home with classic science fiction. I recommend it.
August 6, 2020
Who Knew? This was sent to me as gift in a Sci-fi book club. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. Pizlo, a 14 year old Abomination from the Fant species is one of the protagonists in this coming of age story. an Abomination is a baby Fant usually left out to die in this society since the coupling of a Lox and Eleph have come about out of season. These descriptions left me in tears in a few places. Pizlo is an exception in that he lived and has Jorl, a Lox historian accept him. People in this society shun Pizlo in every conceivable way and it is so sad but Pizlo accepts his lot in life. Set on the World of Barsk, these elephant -like beings have been separated from the rest of the galaxies inhabitants and species and no other being is allowed to set foot on Barsk. Fear and loathing of Fants have been the norm for 800 years. Unbeknownst to the general population on Barsk, a secret society on an unnamed island has been formulating plans to whisk the Fants to further galaxies to ensure their species eternal safety from the known worlds. Sprinkle this with other Fants that have supernatural abilities with the aid of a drug called Koph and are called Speakers. Speakers can call nephshons or your subatomic particles that make up everyone's essential being. This allows instantaneous communication with the dead and the living, on world and off world to the far reaches of the universe. These conversations are in "mindscapes" only. Some, like our other main character Jorl have a more powerful Speaker ability and keeps it a secret. When its discovered, complications arise and the Full Council of Barsk isn't having it. Wait till they find out what Pizlo can do... Will Jorl and Pizlo be eliminated? I'm not telling.. no spoilers here.
August 20, 2018
'The Moons of Barsk' is a thrilling science fiction adventure that fans of the genre are sure to love. Since this is the second book in the series, I highly recommend reading the first one beforehand. Otherwise you'll be incredibly confused right from the start and it'll only become worse as you read on and you'll miss out on all the beauty that this story holds.
I thought every aspect of this novel to be done incredibly well - from the world building to the characters to the actual writing itself. It definitely showcases the author's talent and leaves the reader wanting more. The characters were all complex and well rounded with lots of different flaws and traits that made them realistic and easy to identify with. The story itself was intriguing and exciting and the author's writing style made it come to life before my eyes. The author uses detailed descriptions and incredibly vivid imagery to make Barsk and its characters come to life and give them depth, which was more than I had expected. I normally don't like the third person point of view style of writing, but I understand and appreciate the author's use of it for the novel. Anything else would've been way too confusing for the readers to follow. Even though it was written in the third person, I found myself drawn into the story and connecting with the various characters - which is unusual for me with this writing style. I very highly recommend this novel and series to fans of science fiction and readers looking for something different and new to try.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought every aspect of this novel to be done incredibly well - from the world building to the characters to the actual writing itself. It definitely showcases the author's talent and leaves the reader wanting more. The characters were all complex and well rounded with lots of different flaws and traits that made them realistic and easy to identify with. The story itself was intriguing and exciting and the author's writing style made it come to life before my eyes. The author uses detailed descriptions and incredibly vivid imagery to make Barsk and its characters come to life and give them depth, which was more than I had expected. I normally don't like the third person point of view style of writing, but I understand and appreciate the author's use of it for the novel. Anything else would've been way too confusing for the readers to follow. Even though it was written in the third person, I found myself drawn into the story and connecting with the various characters - which is unusual for me with this writing style. I very highly recommend this novel and series to fans of science fiction and readers looking for something different and new to try.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2018
Like its predecessor, Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard, this book is intelligent and gifted with a special charm. Or maybe it's my own deep affection for elephants at work here. The author has created something new and highly intriguing, in building a galactic society peopled by uplifted Terran species but notably lacking the humans who did that. The scholar Jorl was the subject of prophecy long before he became a Speaker for the Dead and then the only Fant in the Alliance's Senate. But now he has a new round of moral conundrums to solve, somehow, in the face of threats to his own life as well as his family's, and the continued existence of his people as a whole. He's acquired new skills in manipulating nefshons - the particles that make it possible for him to summon the dead - but he won't survive or succeed with his former student, Pizlo, considered by most an Abomination. But Pizlo's wisdom is given to him by the Moons of Barsk, and the moons know things they have told no one else. My one complaint? This story ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger. Hoping I won't have to wait another TWO YEARS to find out what happens next!
December 13, 2018
The sequel to Barsk-The Elephant's Graveyard build effectively on the foundations of the original novel, without adding anything to the mysteries of the twin unexplained prejudices held by other Alliance races to Fant collectively, and by all Fant to 'abominations' such as our hero Pizlo.
The story commences seven years after the events of the first novel. Pizlo is a teenager, and is seeking his reason to be, his purpose, and has acquired an impressive set of skills on the way. Jorl ben Tral has settled into life as an Alliance Senator, and gained a wife Dabni, and a daughter Rina.
The medium of Speaking via the memory nefshons of the dead once again does much of the heavy lifting encompassed in the inherent worldbuilding. It is a perplexing summoning which inadvertently reveals the existence of a parallel and hidden Fant community whose approach to the relationship of Fant to the galaxy is quite different to the more bucolic and laid back one of the visible one.
Schoen builds the tension as more is revealed, and more is at stake. The conclusion is however, abrupt, and leaves much for resolution in what must be a coming third installment.
The story commences seven years after the events of the first novel. Pizlo is a teenager, and is seeking his reason to be, his purpose, and has acquired an impressive set of skills on the way. Jorl ben Tral has settled into life as an Alliance Senator, and gained a wife Dabni, and a daughter Rina.
The medium of Speaking via the memory nefshons of the dead once again does much of the heavy lifting encompassed in the inherent worldbuilding. It is a perplexing summoning which inadvertently reveals the existence of a parallel and hidden Fant community whose approach to the relationship of Fant to the galaxy is quite different to the more bucolic and laid back one of the visible one.
Schoen builds the tension as more is revealed, and more is at stake. The conclusion is however, abrupt, and leaves much for resolution in what must be a coming third installment.
August 23, 2018
A very unique world with amazing depth, The Moons of Barsk is a Sci-Fi adventure that stretches your imagination with creative species and an original world.
Pizlo, the abomination that the Fant species refuse to acknowledge, realizes he has a quest to fulfill. And this quest will lead to discoveries he never dreamed.
This story is the second installment to the series. It has several different stories going on at the same time, that will intertwine as the story progresses. It is full of artistic imagination that will boggle your mind. I recommend reading this story slow, so you can absorb the depth of the theme.
You appreciate the details and patience the author put into creating each characters' personality. Each one has so much intensity and individuality.
The whole story has so much going on with the Fant species being isolated from the Alliance, politics, the knowledge and technology on Barsk that the rest of the Alliance knows nothing about, special powers, alternative motives....THERE IS A LOT! Hence, read slow, and enjoy.
Pizlo, the abomination that the Fant species refuse to acknowledge, realizes he has a quest to fulfill. And this quest will lead to discoveries he never dreamed.
This story is the second installment to the series. It has several different stories going on at the same time, that will intertwine as the story progresses. It is full of artistic imagination that will boggle your mind. I recommend reading this story slow, so you can absorb the depth of the theme.
You appreciate the details and patience the author put into creating each characters' personality. Each one has so much intensity and individuality.
The whole story has so much going on with the Fant species being isolated from the Alliance, politics, the knowledge and technology on Barsk that the rest of the Alliance knows nothing about, special powers, alternative motives....THERE IS A LOT! Hence, read slow, and enjoy.
September 4, 2018
I love Schoen's depiction of Barsk. I loved it when I read the first book and I loved it all over again reading The Moons of Barsk.
Elephants¹ are widely depicted as gentle and gracious creatures in folklore, and Schoen takes this idea and with it creates the race of Fants. And he does a fantastic job. He manages to be totally convincing in his depiction of a race who can be just as fallible as us humans but nevertheless have a nobility and grace that is very attractive.
If I can be the tiniest bit critical I think the action gets a bit too frenetic in the closing chapters, and the book ends on a shameless cliffhanger/lead in to the next book. I'm not keen on authors doing that but ... well ... I'll be reading the next book anyway.
¹ a spoilerette, but most of us will guess within the first few pages that "Fants" are uplifted elephants. The big ears, trunks and grey wrinkled skin is a bit of a giveaway.
Elephants¹ are widely depicted as gentle and gracious creatures in folklore, and Schoen takes this idea and with it creates the race of Fants. And he does a fantastic job. He manages to be totally convincing in his depiction of a race who can be just as fallible as us humans but nevertheless have a nobility and grace that is very attractive.
If I can be the tiniest bit critical I think the action gets a bit too frenetic in the closing chapters, and the book ends on a shameless cliffhanger/lead in to the next book. I'm not keen on authors doing that but ... well ... I'll be reading the next book anyway.
¹ a spoilerette, but most of us will guess within the first few pages that "Fants" are uplifted elephants. The big ears, trunks and grey wrinkled skin is a bit of a giveaway.
October 5, 2019
A great followup to Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard, this starts a new story about 8 years after the first novel. Unlike the wider implication of that book, this one has a much closer focus on the planet Barsk and explores further mysteries--and gives us even further surprises! As opposed to another book I read recently, I think Schoen balanced the "everyone is good-ish and is trying to do their best" aspect of the plot quite well.
The main flaw of this book is that that it does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending (it could be worse, but at least the main conflict is resolved), and the author has said that the publisher dropped this series--but I remain hopeful that he's able to write that third volume I desperately want.
The main flaw of this book is that that it does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending (it could be worse, but at least the main conflict is resolved), and the author has said that the publisher dropped this series--but I remain hopeful that he's able to write that third volume I desperately want.
February 9, 2019
The Moons of Barsk was an excellent sequel to Barsk: The Elephant’s Graveyard. The second book had a very unique story, but didn’t take away or forget the events from the first. The character development was very satisfying as this story takes place a few years after the first book, and I appreciated the new characters that were introduced along the way (although I would have loved to see more Arlo!)
Aside from the story itself, I really enjoy the Author’s writing style - it was very easy to get lost in the world of Barsk and all the main (and new) characters. The writing is smart and descriptive, without being overwhelmed with metaphors.
If you liked the first book, please give Moons a read! I sincerely hope we get a third instalment in the Barsk journey, especially knowing how the story has progressed thus far!
Aside from the story itself, I really enjoy the Author’s writing style - it was very easy to get lost in the world of Barsk and all the main (and new) characters. The writing is smart and descriptive, without being overwhelmed with metaphors.
If you liked the first book, please give Moons a read! I sincerely hope we get a third instalment in the Barsk journey, especially knowing how the story has progressed thus far!
January 15, 2022
I was honestly a little hesitant about this one, but I really enjoyed it! It was slightly confusing at times because it includes other worldly descriptions and language and I didnt realize it was the second book of a series so it probably would have helped to read the first one first. but I still got through it and the glossary and descriptions in the back did help with creating the world in my mind and understanding it better. The fantasy and adventure kept me wanting to read to see what would happen next. It also had multiple perspectives for different chapters which idk if I like or not but towards the middle/end when I understood more and knew the connections between characters and settings, I liked it even more. I wanna read the first one!
February 5, 2025
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
I had forgotten most of the first book before reading this one, but thankfully there were enough hints that most of it came back. Pizlo has grown up a bit and is quite the badass!
The story picks up about eight years after the first one ends and follows Pizlo and Jorl as they both discover there's much more to learn. We get to learn more about their ability to summon the dead (and living) as well as the island that calls to the dying.
There's a surprising amount of action and just as much depth. And even though some of the characters caused me to have hateful thoughts about elephants (I'll have to go to the zoo to apologize in person later), the story is fantastic and I can't wait for the next one.
Read it!
I had forgotten most of the first book before reading this one, but thankfully there were enough hints that most of it came back. Pizlo has grown up a bit and is quite the badass!
The story picks up about eight years after the first one ends and follows Pizlo and Jorl as they both discover there's much more to learn. We get to learn more about their ability to summon the dead (and living) as well as the island that calls to the dying.
There's a surprising amount of action and just as much depth. And even though some of the characters caused me to have hateful thoughts about elephants (I'll have to go to the zoo to apologize in person later), the story is fantastic and I can't wait for the next one.
Read it!
September 24, 2018
The Moons of Barsk (Kindle Edition) by Lawrence M. Schoen
The continuing saga of our favorite elephant persons. This time it's personal, and oh yeah Jorl is in up to his trunk! Pizlo also has to go thru some rather agonizing times as well. Of the two, it's Pizlo's journey that sees the most maturation, growth and pain. he *finally* gets his Heroe's Quest, but it is not at all what he wanted, nor imagined it to become. Jorl does also have some dip trials and tribulations, and he really, really, doesn't like to be betrayed. Especially by the ranking fans in the Caudex!
Again, a fun fantasy set in a SfiFi setting. So now we wait for the next book...
The continuing saga of our favorite elephant persons. This time it's personal, and oh yeah Jorl is in up to his trunk! Pizlo also has to go thru some rather agonizing times as well. Of the two, it's Pizlo's journey that sees the most maturation, growth and pain. he *finally* gets his Heroe's Quest, but it is not at all what he wanted, nor imagined it to become. Jorl does also have some dip trials and tribulations, and he really, really, doesn't like to be betrayed. Especially by the ranking fans in the Caudex!
Again, a fun fantasy set in a SfiFi setting. So now we wait for the next book...
October 7, 2018
First, before I forget: there will clearly be a #3 in this series. The ending of this book is as much of a cliffhanger as the endings of some books in Corey's Expanse series.
It's been some months since I read the first book, but Schoen deftly seeds this sequel with sufficient reminders.
For me, the series so far, and especially this book, teeters on the edge of overly metaphysical. But I still enjoyed it and found it compelling. (I'm a suspense wimp, so I peeked ahead a few pages toward the end and then went back and actually read.) The characters and settings are varied and well imagined.
It's been some months since I read the first book, but Schoen deftly seeds this sequel with sufficient reminders.
For me, the series so far, and especially this book, teeters on the edge of overly metaphysical. But I still enjoyed it and found it compelling. (I'm a suspense wimp, so I peeked ahead a few pages toward the end and then went back and actually read.) The characters and settings are varied and well imagined.
December 31, 2018
Definitely a worthy successor to "Barsk" - which be is one of my all time favorites. Expands the Barsk-verse in some really cool ways that totally recontextualize how you'll see the first book. And to say more than that would be a massive spoiler. "Moons" a bit more ponderous and philosophical than the first book, but it does use that to explore some really fun ideas about determinism vs. free will and how that works with precognition in play. Also, if the beginning throws the entire first book into a new light, the ending recontextualizes "Moons" itself! The last sentence of this book is one of the most glorious "Wait... WHAT?!!" moments ever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews