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Farscape: Novels & Guides #2
Farscape: House of Cards
The pleasure planet Liantac was once the greatest gambling resort in the Unchartered Territories. Even now, having fallen on hard times, it remains a spectacle of glitz and greed. Astronaut John Crichton and his fellow interstellar fugitives see Liantac as the source of much-needed supplies--except for Rygel, whose boundless avarice is tempted by the promise of easy riches.
Imagine his shock, then, when he loses their starship, Moya , in a game of chance!
To discharge the debt, and liberate their ship from the planetary authorities, Crichton, Aeryn, and the others must take on a number of challenging assignments. But all is not what it seems, for treachery and deadly intrigue hides within this... House of Cards .
Imagine his shock, then, when he loses their starship, Moya , in a game of chance!
To discharge the debt, and liberate their ship from the planetary authorities, Crichton, Aeryn, and the others must take on a number of challenging assignments. But all is not what it seems, for treachery and deadly intrigue hides within this... House of Cards .
199 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 23, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 20, 2008
This is the best novel of the three that were based on the beloved sci-fi TV series "Farscape".
My reasons for it are as follows: First, the author acknowledges the sources he went through to make sure everything was highly accurate to the "Farscape" characters and universe. Second, he places a story at a time where it wouldn't really affect the story even if it were a real episode. And lastly, it features some of the great plot twists and turns you'd expect from an episode of this excellent TV show.
Basically, this book reads like an episode of the show, and I could vividly imagine the actors on the show acting it out like it was a real episode, which is exactly how you want to feel when reading a tie-in novel like this. If "Farscape" didn't get cancelled in it's fourth season, then it would've been nice to see more tie-ins like this. But, now that it's coming back in webisodes, we just might get our wish!
This book for anyone who likes reading sci-fi/fantasy, or even just tie-in novels based on film, TV, and/or video games. But I personally feel fans of "Farscape" will also enjoy it. I know I did!
My reasons for it are as follows: First, the author acknowledges the sources he went through to make sure everything was highly accurate to the "Farscape" characters and universe. Second, he places a story at a time where it wouldn't really affect the story even if it were a real episode. And lastly, it features some of the great plot twists and turns you'd expect from an episode of this excellent TV show.
Basically, this book reads like an episode of the show, and I could vividly imagine the actors on the show acting it out like it was a real episode, which is exactly how you want to feel when reading a tie-in novel like this. If "Farscape" didn't get cancelled in it's fourth season, then it would've been nice to see more tie-ins like this. But, now that it's coming back in webisodes, we just might get our wish!
This book for anyone who likes reading sci-fi/fantasy, or even just tie-in novels based on film, TV, and/or video games. But I personally feel fans of "Farscape" will also enjoy it. I know I did!
January 2, 2020
Had a great time reading this one. While this book is on the shorter side, weighing in at just 199 pages, all the regular protagonists get their time in the spotlight and I never once got the feeling that their parts were rushed.
What I really liked about this book was how well the author was able to match the tone of the show; not too serious, not too silly. The dialog was spot on and managed to pretty accurately capture each characters mannerisms and quips. I had no trouble reading each characters' lines (in their voices) and believing it could be something they would say. It genuinely felt like another episode of the series.
Sure, the story wasn't mind blowing--you could read the synopsis and probably gather that much. But I did have a blast reading it. And for a series that was canceled much too early, it was an absolute pleasure to have the gang back together again for one more adventure. Any Farscape fan would be wise to take a gamble on this one.
V-i-v-a L-a-s V-e-g-a-s!
What I really liked about this book was how well the author was able to match the tone of the show; not too serious, not too silly. The dialog was spot on and managed to pretty accurately capture each characters mannerisms and quips. I had no trouble reading each characters' lines (in their voices) and believing it could be something they would say. It genuinely felt like another episode of the series.
Sure, the story wasn't mind blowing--you could read the synopsis and probably gather that much. But I did have a blast reading it. And for a series that was canceled much too early, it was an absolute pleasure to have the gang back together again for one more adventure. Any Farscape fan would be wise to take a gamble on this one.
V-i-v-a L-a-s V-e-g-a-s!
February 19, 2016
One of the few Farscape novels out there, I loved every page of this. It felt just like an actual episode.
June 17, 2020
Really it’s only four stars but compared to the other two Farscape novels it earns the extra star. ’Ship of Ghosts’ feels like the author was working on a fantasy novel and decided to change somethings up and rename the characters to fit Farscape. ‘Dark Side of the Sun’ had some moments that felt like Farscape but the author so missunderstood Chiana that it was painful. However, ‘House of Cards’ felt like a three part episodes of Farscape and you could tell that this author was writing a love note to the show. None of the crew of Moya shine too brightly in it, but the author gives each a chance to shine a little. This one more adventure with the crew of Moya and author tells you exactly where it fits in the show so you don’t have to wonder.
December 30, 2024
Years after watching the series I discovered that there were indeed Farscape novels! A fun little adventure to the Vegas-like world of Liantac. It felt a little more tame than Vegas, but seeing my favorite characters again was a joy. According to the Author's note, this story transpires near the end of season 2 between "Won't get fooled again" and "The locket". To be honest I'm not sure that they needed to be that specific for the reader. Suffice it to say Zhaan is still with the crew and Jothee has not yet joined them.
I found most of the characters' portrayals were faithful though D'argo and Aeryn Sun's were occasionally a little off. Sadly one of the more interesting characteristics of this planet - being plagued by 'larik' particles wasn't explained to the depth I would have liked, instead the solution just boiled down Chrichton's scientific acumen and some vague difference in exhaust/propulsion systems between Chrichton's module and the ships native to this part of the Universe.
Given the time window, DeCandido was limited with how far he could go with the characters but this is still a fun story. It felt like I was reading an episode that never got aired. It has a little mystery that slowly unfolds (although somewhat predictably) and ends up with everything back to normal, even maybe a little better than where we started. Due to the choice to skim over some of the more interesting aspects of the environment created here along with some slight character misrepresentation, I give it a 4/5.
I found most of the characters' portrayals were faithful though D'argo and Aeryn Sun's were occasionally a little off. Sadly one of the more interesting characteristics of this planet - being plagued by 'larik' particles wasn't explained to the depth I would have liked, instead the solution just boiled down Chrichton's scientific acumen and some vague difference in exhaust/propulsion systems between Chrichton's module and the ships native to this part of the Universe.
Given the time window, DeCandido was limited with how far he could go with the characters but this is still a fun story. It felt like I was reading an episode that never got aired. It has a little mystery that slowly unfolds (although somewhat predictably) and ends up with everything back to normal, even maybe a little better than where we started. Due to the choice to skim over some of the more interesting aspects of the environment created here along with some slight character misrepresentation, I give it a 4/5.
November 20, 2025
I'll be honest, this was a bit of a letdown. That's not to say the book is bad (it isn't), but of the three Farscape novels that were released, House of Cards, as far as I can tell at least, has the reputation of being "the good one." That, and I generally like DeCandido's work in other IPs, including the Farscape comics. This, however, is just fine.
Part of the issue is the setting. Liantac is little more than a "casino planet," and for a series as imaginative as Farscape, it feels a bit bland as far as choice of setting goes. The lians in question are decent, and since this isn't live-action, the storyline allows far more aliens (not including sebaceans) to show up than a typical episode would. That, and DeCandido's handling of the characters is on point, though some get more to do than others. Ironically, Rygel probably gets the most important role in a sense, despite being confined to his ThroneSled.
So, again, House of Cards is fine enough as tie-in fiction goes. It just doesn't have that 'extra oomph' to propel it to four stars. I've seen some people say it could fit right in as a two-parter episode, and while that may be true, it wouldn't go down as one of the all-time greats in the series, nor is there anything in here that's required reading. The characterization is good, especially for John and Aeryn (John has to confront the weight of being away from Earth for so long, Aeryn is drowning in guilt over her PK past), but at the end of the solar day, it's just...fine.
Part of the issue is the setting. Liantac is little more than a "casino planet," and for a series as imaginative as Farscape, it feels a bit bland as far as choice of setting goes. The lians in question are decent, and since this isn't live-action, the storyline allows far more aliens (not including sebaceans) to show up than a typical episode would. That, and DeCandido's handling of the characters is on point, though some get more to do than others. Ironically, Rygel probably gets the most important role in a sense, despite being confined to his ThroneSled.
So, again, House of Cards is fine enough as tie-in fiction goes. It just doesn't have that 'extra oomph' to propel it to four stars. I've seen some people say it could fit right in as a two-parter episode, and while that may be true, it wouldn't go down as one of the all-time greats in the series, nor is there anything in here that's required reading. The characterization is good, especially for John and Aeryn (John has to confront the weight of being away from Earth for so long, Aeryn is drowning in guilt over her PK past), but at the end of the solar day, it's just...fine.
July 17, 2017
Great continuation of the TV show and comics.
January 27, 2018
Your typical fun Farscape romp. Worth reading the authors note, and rewatching season 2 so you get the right timing in relation to the series. Loved the idea of Rygel and Chiana in a space Vegas.
April 9, 2018
So damn awesome!!! Loved the show (have it on DVD) and Decandido nailed it. It was so good that I read it twice and most assuredly could have been an episode.
August 1, 2020
I have been watching and liking the tv series, so thought I'd try a book and it was a fun read. Nothing spectacular, but fun nonetheless.
May 23, 2021
Is it a good novel? Absolutely not. Is it highly enjoyable as a companion to the TV show, which is not a particularly good TV show? You bet.
June 20, 2022
Enjoyable story with the Farscape crew.
August 1, 2022
This book was such a fun read and made me feel like I was write in the tv show.
January 30, 2023
If you're a fan of the show, it's nice to spend more time with these characters - their personas are largely consistent with what we've come to expect. This is mostly a lightly entertaining trip to a space-casino (with some dastardly double-crosses in true Farscape-style), but overall it suffers from a lack of direction as the resolution comes too easily.
January 15, 2016
Most of the crew of Moya end up on a planet known for its gambling and Rygel believes he has a chance to add to its riches. He doesn't count on the house cheating and he ends up losing Moya. This sets in motion efforts by the crew to find out how Rygel lost, who is behind it, how can they pay off the debt, and are the Peacekeepers involved.
They end up with various tasks to perform, one of which involves a rather humorous singing character, and another of which involves a plant collector who wants Zhaan to work for him. Chiana proves her worth, and Chrichton gets to work with a technological problem that it seems only someone from a 'backward' planet like Earth can solve.
The story is pretty true to the characters, it's interesting, and it would have made a good episode for the series.
They end up with various tasks to perform, one of which involves a rather humorous singing character, and another of which involves a plant collector who wants Zhaan to work for him. Chiana proves her worth, and Chrichton gets to work with a technological problem that it seems only someone from a 'backward' planet like Earth can solve.
The story is pretty true to the characters, it's interesting, and it would have made a good episode for the series.
June 15, 2015
It's Farscape, what more do you want? If you're not a fan of the show, then it's probably not for you. However, if you're not a fan of the show, that simply means you haven't seen it, since it's one of the better shows (and I don't just mean sci-fi) that's been on television.
That being said, this book was really good. I haven't read many spin-off novels, but the ones I have read left me with a less-than-stellar taste in my mouth. Not with this one. The characters were written well, and the story was good enough that I could absolutely have seen the plot of this in the show. And Farscape's characters are all extremely layered.
That being said, this book was really good. I haven't read many spin-off novels, but the ones I have read left me with a less-than-stellar taste in my mouth. Not with this one. The characters were written well, and the story was good enough that I could absolutely have seen the plot of this in the show. And Farscape's characters are all extremely layered.
August 12, 2010
This was the only Farscape novel I enjoyed reading. The other 2 seemed like the author did not even know what Farscape is all about. Anyone know knows me knows I love Farscape. Sadly, this is the only novel that came close to anything the TV show pulled off. It did have one thing going for it, Keith R.A. DeCandido. He knows Farscape.
June 4, 2014
This is a good book to read if you have watched the TV show Farscape. If you haven't it is harder to understand the characters and where they came from. Overall the book was very entertaining and just like the show, made me laugh numerous times. I recomend this book to any sci-fi fan, although watch the show before you read it; the experience is much better.
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August 23, 2007science fiction,fiction
February 16, 2009
Perfectly in character <3
March 24, 2009
While the plot wasn't so terrible, the writing surely was. Just watch the show.
July 28, 2009
Reminded me of how much I love the show. So much so that I stopped reading for awhile so that I could rewatch the pilot and "Out of Their Minds".
October 20, 2014
avaricious muppet gambles away sentient spacefaring vessel, causing leatherclad models much consternation.
January 23, 2012
For a "media tie-in" book, this was pretty good. The author certainly had the proper tone. The story "felt" right. Farscape fans should read it...
December 29, 2012
Heh, it was as entertaining as one of the lesser episodes of the series. But I found it three-stars worth of pleasant for some reason.
July 17, 2024
Rygel frells up and everyone else is forced to fix it. What else is new?
Be prepared to be slapped with at least some Farscape Nostalgia.
Be prepared to be slapped with at least some Farscape Nostalgia.
November 1, 2014
A great book. He captured the characters very well. You can tell that the author is a fan of the show.
September 13, 2015
Fun read. Has everything that made the series awesome.
September 6, 2015
About the same quality as any series episode. Nothing grand, but nothing disappointing. Most readers who like the series should like this book.
January 3, 2015
Better than book one but enjoyed both of the storylines just as much, I liked it nevertheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews