Escape Velocity

Warlock #0

by Christopher Stasheff

As the Lords plan a coup that will destroy democracy in the Interstellar Dominion Electorates, telepaths Dar and Samantha, sought by the police, desperately try to warn Terra of the danger. Reissue.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Humor, Magic, Speculative Fiction

249 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1983

About the author

The late Christopher Stasheff was an American science fiction and fantasy author. When teaching proved too real, he gave it up in favor of writing full-time. Stasheff was noted for his blending of science fiction and fantasy, as seen in his Warlock series. He spent his early childhood in Mount Vernon, New York, but spent the rest of his formative years in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Stasheff taught at the University of Eastern New Mexico in Portales, before retiring to Champaign, Illinois, in 2009. He had a wife and four children.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape Velocity is a prequel to Stasheff's long-running Warlock series and ably shows how the political systems of the world developed, as well as introducing Rod's ancestors and offering some pithy insights into democratic responsibility and civil engineering. There's plenty of action, despite some rather lengthy philosophical conversations. Stasheff loved wordplay, and there are some delightful puns as well as plenty of literary and historical allusions. It's a fine, fun, and thoughtful kick-off to the series.

[Paul Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to The Warlock in Spite of Himself by Christopher Stasheff is--as one would expect from Stasheff--lots of fun and a darned good read. Although Warlock and the books that follow it in the series represent a major breakthrough (for the time) in the sub-genre of science fantasy, Escape Velocity seems to be pure, if weird, regular science fiction.

It is great fun getting to know Rodney d'Armand's ancestor Dar Mandra, who is himself much like Rod. Dar is a "prisoner" on Wolmar, which has been abandoned by Terra. When he meets a shapely bald "Hume," and discovers a plot to overthrow the Terran government, the plot takes off. Joined by a hilarious cast of characters (including Whitey the Wino and a monk from the Order of St. Vidicon of Cathode), Dar barely escapes one scrape after another before settling down with Whitey's niece as the ships take off that will eventually colonize Gramarye, the planet investigated by Rodney d'Armand in Warlock.

I acknowledge that the writing of Christopher Stasheff isn't for everyone, but for those who understand a little history and enough science and fantasy, his writing is a treasure trove of jokes and puns. Similar to the style of Harry Harrison (The Stainless Steel Rat), Stasheff's writing is outrageous fun.

I strongly recommend this book to science fiction/fantasy fans and to all true nerds everywhere!

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the very second book that I read by Christopher Stasheff. It investigates the fall of democracy through the eyes of a prison-planet escapee. The mechanisms that bring about the fall of the multi-planet democracy remind me a lot of the events following 9-11, in retrospect: the creation of a fearsome enemy that requires all power to be put into the hands of a totalitarian dictatorship.

The characters are fun, and the storyline is interesting. When it comes down to it, all of the male protagonists in the Warlock series are the same: unsure of themselves, with a chip on their shoulders.

[M. Joseph Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the Warlock series since the 80s but, for some reason, I skipped this book. It's probably for the best because I doubt I would have appreciated it's brilliance at that age.

This is a phenomenal book that hits every element I'm looking for in sci fi. Fun adventure and social commentary that keeps you thinking. Teaching through story telling which, in the age of fake news and rising tyrannical governments, is more important than ever.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Devlocke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun times. I've probably read this at least a dozen times, further and further apart as I got more and more familiar with it and/or had more and more disposable income to throw at books, until I hadn't read it in a good five to ten years. Re-read it last week, and still enjoyed it. Probably my favorite book to feature the SCA as a legit plot device.

[April Calhoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book back in the late 80's, but have recently picked again and found it even more pertinent to our political climate now than it was then. Timeless in many ways. Enjoyable characters and perfectly timed action. This book is worth more than one read. I highly recommend it.

[Christopher Wagoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story by an excellent author, but will fall flat for people who have never read the Warlock in Spite of Himself series.

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply have to get this historical series under my belt so I am starting today, hoping to read all 13 within 13 days with one important interruption that I have to read in the interim (a rare sequel from Modesitt in the Recluce novels). An interesting start to the series for sure. I was wondering if the front cover meant anything to the book and it’s only at the very end do we find out even an inkling of what is depicted. In the meantime, I enjoyed the book, even being able to get beyond the harsh repetition of the political themes contained herein. Perhaps the author pictured himself as being something of mandatory reading in college one day, but based on the volume of books written in this series hereafter, I doubt the seriousness contained within the storyline of this novel carries all the way forward to #13, but I shall see. I enjoyed the characters here and the plot line. I particularly enjoyed the fact that one of the great philosophers of the universe tended bar on a backwater planet (I gotta think there was some kind of personal allusion here to the author’s life). I also liked the attempt at a surprise ending, although it should have been obvious to most experienced readers exactly what Sam was. Nonetheless this is a good start to the series because not only can one see plenty of storylines to follow, but can also believe that the novel rests on its own such that if nothing was written thereafter involving sequels, the reader should be satisfied with its closure.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

As mentioned in comments elsewhere, this book is part of the series "The Wizard in Spite of Himself" but not bound into the whole series. The most intriguing thought is, this could be where it begins, like "The Wizard's Last Ride" is the end.

This particular book is more like a 0.5 when numbering the books of the series, so a prequel for sure, but oh so beautifully done. Even the romance fits in so very well chaos and the interstellar chase that finds the characters from place to place.

I loved it. I hated it. And both those notions came into play whenever I saw a particular concept and was able to say something like 'so that's why things were that way'.

Recommended to all who enjoy the wizards of Stasheff. Or maybe just lovers of Shakespeare.

[Russell Hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a complex pallet when it comes to reading. A book with too much simplicity will bore me. Throw a set of circumstances, such as this series has, together and you can keep me for a while. Stasheff did a great job making, interplanetary and time travel, colonization, magic, family values, politics, patriotism, action, and technology all fit into a story line that didn't give away much before it was time. I regret not having the chance to peruse all of his works. I read the entire Warlock of Gramarye series. I've owned it twice and have twice found excited recipients of the books. I look forward to finding it in audio some day.

[Joseph Youren]

I'm pretty much a sucker for a prequel to any decent series that I have enjoyed so this was a no-brainer pick up in go-to used book store. Half way through I wasn't sure how Stasheff was going to get to the point where I understood how the Warlock world came about but it was funny enough and smart enough to keep me engaged. In the end he accomplished what he set out to do, so overall enjoyable read.

[Đenis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prvu cast mam za sebou az po nejakej osmicke. Viem teda, ake su nasledky. Teraz mam za sebou uz aj pricinu a co vsetko k tomu viedlo, aj ked to je zmienene az ku koncu knizky. Pribeh moc rychlo nesype, ale zato podrobne vykresluje udalosti veduce ku Gramarii. Teda o Gramarii tam nie je ani zmienka, ale modri vedi co a jak.

[Douglas Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warlock of Gramarye my start

Warlock was my introduction to Sufi fanasity combination. Since and magic who could ask for more. I am just getting my book collection back after a lost due to hurricane,.

[Zofia Kovacova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story about democracy and everything witch go with this responsibility. When you want understand shot is going on politics, why is good have knowledge, why you must not be lazy when you want freedom and what is freedom. Every might read this book.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel to the Warlock series. Interesting to see how the author connected so many key points that are pertinent to the series storyline.

[HEATHER AUSTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when it was first published and again recently it is even better than I remembered.

[Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

too chatty/philosophical and boring, not enough action. skimmed most of it. very very different from The Warlock In Spite of Himself.

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird, wild stuff.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author lectures are boring, but humor entertains.
Where government corrupt - "we didn't stumble into a mattress factory by mistake? .. There's so much featherbedding" p 226 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Featherb....
On a metal scarce planet, money is a pound of nails, "when the Revenue Service comes calling .. pay their tacks, like honest citizens" p 111. As "Aunt's Remedy" in other books, "thick brownish .. Uncle Whitey's Homemade Hangover Helper" p 198 reappears.

On prison planet Wolmar, trader Dar lectures non-conformist (shaved head, baggy coveralls disguise feminine Samantha) newcomer Sam on their civilized battles with natives (chalk marks like paint balls), informal tavern education to thriving colony. General Shaklar, dictator and psychiatrist, convinces new governor Bhelabher to stay as administrator instead. Bhelabher entrusts Dar with a warning of an impending coup on Terra. His IDE (Interstellar Dominion Electorates)government official second, Canis, pursues, warning all police that the "telepaths" must be killed. Democracy is crumbling, the financial drain from colony planets will be soon cut off.

Gorgeous Lona has such an affinity for computers, befriends mining-ship rescuer AI and nicknames Fess, I mistook her for an android, and mistress to her elderly "Uncle" Whitey the Wino, until repeated "Grandfather" sunk in. Whitey is really rich poet Tod Tambourin, and convinces rich Earth friend David Stroganoff to pull strings for an appointment with the Executive Secretary. Wealthy Horace Bocello convinces fellow medieval recreators to buy spaceship Brave New World, and take off next day to start their own colony. Tenuous links to Warlock series.

Exec Sec hears warning, instead broadcasts live capture of dangerous telepath Dar, and announces dictatorship for himself. Sam, telepath, falls for Horace, who rescues Dar. Lona convinces Horace's ship computer not to wipe memory of Father Marco, whose technical knowledge could repair ship, and can keep secrets by founding another Cathodean monastery. Dar and Lona leave happy-ever-after together for computer-building colony Maxima, Tod along for the ride.

Typo:
p 117 "made if official" is "made it official"

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm running several books behind on my updates. I actually finished the David Eddings books I was reading (the first series). I moved on to this book and have since finished reading the 2nd (A Warlock is Spite of Himself) and not 20 minutes ago finished the 3rd (King Kobold Revised). IMPORTANT NOTE: There are TWO book # 2's. He originally wrote "The Warlock Unlocked" as the 2nd book but after years of complaints about some aspects of the story he rewrote it as "King Kobold Revised". I can remember reading both versions and they both have their merits. I do recall being somewhat disappointed in some of my favorite parts being removed in the rewrite but all in all "King Kobold Revised" as a very good read. Now a little more of a heads-up about the story. In truth "Escape Velocity" stands alone and is the foundation for the beginning of the "Warlock" Series that follows. It has been probably 15-20 years since I first read his novels (26 at the time). I look forward to re-reading the 26 and moving on to whatever newer books he has written. I honestly don't have a clue how many are out there. But it will be fun to find out one book at a time :O) The unique thing of these stories is they go from a SPACE/Scientific background to a full blown FANTASY series with continued ties to the first novel. I highly recommend you read his works. And remember if you are not big on science fiction, don't worry you will have plenty of fantasy the rest of the way.
To my followers and friends please let me know if you decide to read any of his books. I would love to hear your thoughts after. I am now about to start book 3 (4th overall)entitled "The Warlock Enraged". Only I just discovered it is missing :O( I hope I will be able to find it in the used book store or online. Wish me luck and I'll let you know when I start reading it :O)

[Dan Cowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is simple, a little cheesy, but unexpectedly fun. The characters aren't generally anything to write home about, the plot is mostly inflicted upon them, while their own actions don't seem to directly affect anything which happens.

Taken on its own as a stand-alone, this story leaves rather a lot to be desired. However, the book was written as a prequel to Stasheff's long-running "Warlock" series, and so the flaws of Escape Velocity itself can generally be forgiven, as the plot really serves to explain where a number of the elements of that series began.

The best of these characters would be revisited in "The Warlock Wandering", published a few years later.

Other than as background, where this book shines is with it's large selection of terrible puns and wordplay in the dialogue. This is classic Stasheff, and he really hams it up here.

Also, this book, like the later "Warlock Wandering", spends a fair amount of time dealing with issues of democracy and totalitarianism, and the importance of education to a functioning society. The points here tend to be made simply and without sophistication, but this does not detract from their truth.

[Jen3n · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the pre-quel to Stasheff's Warlock in Spite of Himself book. I actually liked this one better than any of the books in the series with the exception of the first one. I'm re-reading this book now as part of my current and unexplainable though overwhelming desire to read or re-read all of the noteworthy paperback sci-fi/fantasy novels from the sixties through the eighties. Lots of Heinlein and Asimov. Lackey and Herbert. And, of course, Christopher Stasheff.

I would recommend this book to almost anyone. It's funny and quick and manages to pull off being a far-flung sci-fi novel, and techno-fantasy, and apolitical thriller all in a little package. It doesn't take much of your brain to read, either. Not high art or literature, but it's fun candy nonetheless.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, I wanted more character development and I felt cheated in a way because the story ambled along promising so much but just never seems to kick into the next gear. I mean Dar just goes along on this mission and gets involved in with a people along the way and by no action or decision making of his own comes to the end of the story with the girl and that is about it. Will read the next couple to see if it gets any better.

The thing is I liked the characters, I liked the concepts, I liked a lot of the book but just felt let down by Dar's character arc which should have carried the story more.

I should say I have never read in Stasheff before and had no understanding if the series is individual tales or a series about one character.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story. It was nice to have a beginning to the d'Armand family and Fess. The first half was actually pretty funny, but that petered out to address the seriousness of the situation that our main characters found themselves in.

This series is technically science fiction, but with so much fantasy imbued in it, it is usually placed with fantasy. This particular book is pure science fiction and so shelved that way.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like science fiction and fantasy with a little meat on its bones it's time to read the series of books starting right here with Christopher Stasheff about that mystical and magical paradise called Gramarye where scientists and engineers live side by side with elves, ghosts, witches and warlocks. This is the story of where and why and how the world of Gramarye begins. Excellently told with great characters and fun references to historical fact and future fictional places.

[Von · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found a whole stack of cheap paperbacks in the bathhouse at the boatyard and decided to stuff a few under the seat o' the beast for "emergencies". Quick and fun reads, though the form will likely get tedious should I decide to read the lot of them. I like the whole "learning without knowing you're learning" concept...reminds me of long ago back in the 'burgh and up on the mountain.

[Angela Randall]

We own as part of an omnibus: Warlock: To the Magic Born

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there is a lot of political philosophy along with references to literature and history, somehow most of this book just passed me by. There were times when I felt as if I were being "talked" to death. Don't get me wrong. There is plenty of action. It somehow just took a backseat to all the conversation. There are plays on words and names which many will find amusing.

[Homer Threesixthreetwo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one to give out too many five star reviews. When I do there is a reason and I surely recommend the book to friends. My copy I just re-read was a $2.95 paperback edition which has for quite some time had a 4 star review from me. I discovered that this book has been very influential in my ideas and social interactions. The echoes and influences have surely propelled it to 5 stars.

[Patrick Lemieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to being Book #0 of Stasheff's Warlock series (a prequel, if you will), it also connects directly to his Starship Troupers series, acting as something of a bridge between the two. It's an important book in that regard and a good read in its own right!