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Deathstalker #5
Deathstalker Destiny
Owen Deathstalker’s greatest love—Hazel d’Ark—has been abducted by the Blood Runners, a culture dedicated to the extremes of genetic experimentation. Stranded in a mission on Lachrymae Christi, Owen busies himself with the task of ensuring the survival of the leper colony living there, awaiting an opportunity to rescue Hazel…or avenge her death.
421 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
38 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Simon R. Green
312 books3,208 followersSimon Richard Green is a British science fiction and fantasy-author. He holds a degree in Modern English and American Literature from the University of Leicester. His first publication was in 1979.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 27, 2019
The Deathstalker series is sci-fi in the Star Wars mould. It has evil Empires, AI, Cyborgs, and even a bit of magic! It also has a fairly large POV cast which helps give the world a bit of depth.
This fifth Deathstalker book was the last one in the main story cycle. There are three more books but they are set 200 years in the future. This book wrapped up most of the ongoing story arcs and concluded the stories of most of the characters we have followed over the course of the series.
The story in this fifth book was OK. With Hazel D'ark abducted by the Bloodrunners Owen Deathstalker has to find a way to save her! The rest of humanity have a few problems as well as Aliens, the Shub AI, and the Recreated all decide to attack at once. As if that was not bad enough there was the usual internal politicking and bickering in Golgotha as Shub, Blue Block, and even the Matter Mundi all had to be dealt with by what was left of the Campbell, Wolfe, and Shrek families. Jack Random was also on the scene but that was not necessarily a good thing as the guy had started to believe his own myth.
It all made for decent enough reading. We got to learn the truth about the Madness Maze and the Recreated and got most of the other ongoing story arcs concluded in a fairly satisfying manner. My only real complaint is how things worked out personally for Owen but I guess I can see why Green went that way if he has a sequel trilogy planned! I always liked the fact that the cast was pretty large in these books so I enjoyed catching up with and concluding the stories of the likes of Findlay Campbell and Toby Shrek and all the others. Owen was the lead but all those other characters and their problems definitely enhanced and enriched this series.
I do think I'd likely have enjoyed this more had I not run it up against the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown but even with the unfortunate timing I still found this to be a decent enough read.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Audio Note: Graphic Audio did a great job with the audio for this whole series!
This fifth Deathstalker book was the last one in the main story cycle. There are three more books but they are set 200 years in the future. This book wrapped up most of the ongoing story arcs and concluded the stories of most of the characters we have followed over the course of the series.
The story in this fifth book was OK. With Hazel D'ark abducted by the Bloodrunners Owen Deathstalker has to find a way to save her! The rest of humanity have a few problems as well as Aliens, the Shub AI, and the Recreated all decide to attack at once. As if that was not bad enough there was the usual internal politicking and bickering in Golgotha as Shub, Blue Block, and even the Matter Mundi all had to be dealt with by what was left of the Campbell, Wolfe, and Shrek families. Jack Random was also on the scene but that was not necessarily a good thing as the guy had started to believe his own myth.
It all made for decent enough reading. We got to learn the truth about the Madness Maze and the Recreated and got most of the other ongoing story arcs concluded in a fairly satisfying manner. My only real complaint is how things worked out personally for Owen but I guess I can see why Green went that way if he has a sequel trilogy planned! I always liked the fact that the cast was pretty large in these books so I enjoyed catching up with and concluding the stories of the likes of Findlay Campbell and Toby Shrek and all the others. Owen was the lead but all those other characters and their problems definitely enhanced and enriched this series.
I do think I'd likely have enjoyed this more had I not run it up against the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown but even with the unfortunate timing I still found this to be a decent enough read.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Audio Note: Graphic Audio did a great job with the audio for this whole series!
January 14, 2021
Notes:
I started off with the Graphic Audio adaptation but I knew I wasn't getting the full story. Happily, my library has the whole series and I borrowed Deathstalker Destiny. I enjoyed the Graphic Audio version but the adapatation cuts corners that take away from the whole picture.
A great ending to a fun series! =)
I started off with the Graphic Audio adaptation but I knew I wasn't getting the full story. Happily, my library has the whole series and I borrowed Deathstalker Destiny. I enjoyed the Graphic Audio version but the adapatation cuts corners that take away from the whole picture.
A great ending to a fun series! =)
February 23, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You really need to read the Deathstalker series in order or you would be pretty much lost. Even reading in order, each group of chapters will just drop into a scene and if you don't know what was going on in the previous book, then you have no hope of following the story, particularly with the large number of locations, characters, and even species.
So briefly, with the rebellion and war over, the power grab continued with all the bad guys. My beloved rebels, in Deathstalker Honor are sent out to deal with all the remaining "problems" and help prepare for the new battles with the aliens, the Ghost Warriors from Shub and the Hayden men. Of course, it's up to Owen and Hazel, Jack and Ruby, Finlay, Evie and Diana Virtue, and Captain Silence to save the tattered remains of the empire from the new threats.
Deathstalker Destiny is told in the same style as all the rest of the series. There are great fights in dire situations with our heroes pulling with personal sacrifices and a sense of humor. Some of the bad guys were dealt with in Honor and the rest are dispensed here. Many secrets are revealed including the history about the madness maze and the dark void. I know there are a couple more books in the series, but I won't read them because everything is resolved with the my beloved characters here.
Narration:
Gildart Jackson is the voice of this series. His performance is wonderful. I recognize all these characters' voices easily now. The story is well paced, with great timing for the humor. I am glad to listen at 1.5x because of the length.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/user-149056452...
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You really need to read the Deathstalker series in order or you would be pretty much lost. Even reading in order, each group of chapters will just drop into a scene and if you don't know what was going on in the previous book, then you have no hope of following the story, particularly with the large number of locations, characters, and even species.
So briefly, with the rebellion and war over, the power grab continued with all the bad guys. My beloved rebels, in Deathstalker Honor are sent out to deal with all the remaining "problems" and help prepare for the new battles with the aliens, the Ghost Warriors from Shub and the Hayden men. Of course, it's up to Owen and Hazel, Jack and Ruby, Finlay, Evie and Diana Virtue, and Captain Silence to save the tattered remains of the empire from the new threats.
Deathstalker Destiny is told in the same style as all the rest of the series. There are great fights in dire situations with our heroes pulling with personal sacrifices and a sense of humor. Some of the bad guys were dealt with in Honor and the rest are dispensed here. Many secrets are revealed including the history about the madness maze and the dark void. I know there are a couple more books in the series, but I won't read them because everything is resolved with the my beloved characters here.
Narration:
Gildart Jackson is the voice of this series. His performance is wonderful. I recognize all these characters' voices easily now. The story is well paced, with great timing for the humor. I am glad to listen at 1.5x because of the length.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/user-149056452...
August 22, 2018
Well, I honestly don't know what to say about this one that doesn't give too much away. A general view, then, before I move into the heavy duty spoilers.
Simon R. Green does not disappoint in this stunning, fantastic and wrenching conclusion to this part of the Deathstalker Saga. The delightful banter, almost unbelievable worlds, huge problems and last-minute rescues continue in this installment, as well as many monumental plot twists.
Also, if you thought that the prophecies of the young esper boy back on Mistworld were insignificant - you were wrong. Everything the young boy said comes to have a deeper meaning, some of the predictions coming true in the cruellest of ways.
Well now, onto the spoilers that I feel myself bound to address. You should read these spoilers for either of these two reasons: 1. You have already read the book and therefore feel no compunction about reading what I thought of parts of the book, or 2. You desperately want to know why, after all my glowing praises, I have only given the book four out of five stars, and therefore do not really care about spoilers (like myself, sometimes).
Spoiler #1 - Kit SummerIsle:
Spoiler #2 - Jack and Ruby:
Well, those two spoilers really bring me to the end of this review. This book is absolutely amazing, I would have to say probably better than any of the others, aside from the disappointments mentioned in the spoilers about how Green treated one of his characters. But truly, Deathstalker Destiny is not a book to miss - it is heart-wrenching, terrifying, beautiful, cruel and wonderful.
Simon R. Green does not disappoint in this stunning, fantastic and wrenching conclusion to this part of the Deathstalker Saga. The delightful banter, almost unbelievable worlds, huge problems and last-minute rescues continue in this installment, as well as many monumental plot twists.
Also, if you thought that the prophecies of the young esper boy back on Mistworld were insignificant - you were wrong. Everything the young boy said comes to have a deeper meaning, some of the predictions coming true in the cruellest of ways.
Well now, onto the spoilers that I feel myself bound to address. You should read these spoilers for either of these two reasons: 1. You have already read the book and therefore feel no compunction about reading what I thought of parts of the book, or 2. You desperately want to know why, after all my glowing praises, I have only given the book four out of five stars, and therefore do not really care about spoilers (like myself, sometimes).
Spoiler #1 - Kit SummerIsle:
Spoiler #2 - Jack and Ruby:
Well, those two spoilers really bring me to the end of this review. This book is absolutely amazing, I would have to say probably better than any of the others, aside from the disappointments mentioned in the spoilers about how Green treated one of his characters. But truly, Deathstalker Destiny is not a book to miss - it is heart-wrenching, terrifying, beautiful, cruel and wonderful.
January 28, 2022
This is the final novel of the Owen Deathstalker saga, a series of five books that really put author Simon R. Green on the map. As the name in the title, “Destiny” implies, things are mostly wrapped up here with a number of heroes as well as villains meeting their fates for good or bad.
This has been an interesting series and I’m glad I read it. It can be long and get bogged down from time to time but ultimately, this is a huge-concept science fiction universe with a vast cast of characters. The concepts are equally vast and certainly imaginative. To wrap it all up in this final novel is quite an accomplishment and I would say the ending is quite satisfying, even if not quite the way I saw it all unfolding.
We will see some of these characters in the next three Deathstalker books, even though the next one picks up some 200 years after the end of this one. I’m looking forward to them.
This has been an interesting series and I’m glad I read it. It can be long and get bogged down from time to time but ultimately, this is a huge-concept science fiction universe with a vast cast of characters. The concepts are equally vast and certainly imaginative. To wrap it all up in this final novel is quite an accomplishment and I would say the ending is quite satisfying, even if not quite the way I saw it all unfolding.
We will see some of these characters in the next three Deathstalker books, even though the next one picks up some 200 years after the end of this one. I’m looking forward to them.
July 23, 2019
Even after all this time, (close to 20 years), I still hear the graphic audio voices in my head when reading the dethstalker books, and that more than anything makes the books just as enjoyable as they were when I read the first 3 or 4 of them via audio. I don't think that will ever go away, and I am thankful for it, because it makes these books so much more enjoyable. For whatever reason, I never did get audio copies of all of the deathstalker books, though I'd not mind fixing that oversight. In any case, if you've read any of the deathstalker books, and if you liked them even a little bit, you really should read them all, and if you can, get the audio recordings done by graphic audio, those were some fantastic works, it's just a shame audible no longer sells the graphical audio versions of their works.
Still, great scifi story, even without the voice acting, and I'm off to read more now.
Still, great scifi story, even without the voice acting, and I'm off to read more now.
November 23, 2019
Actually it should be 2 1/2 stars, but I rounded up.
When Simon R Green ends a series he doesn’t play. Sooo many deaths and secrets revealed. We learn who/what the Mater Mundi actually is, more deep history of the empire is revealed, the and we witness the final fates of the Maze People—and it ain’t pretty. There are also numerous other deaths and resolutions, most are done quickly and anti-climatically, especially villain of note. Usually when Green puts the big finish on a series you’re left nearly breathless because of all the twists, but this time it feels like it ended because he no longer wanted to write it. And yes, I recognize that there is another trilogy set in this universe (which I will be reading), but it is set far in the future where everyone here is likely dead, so for all intents and purposes this is the end.
When Simon R Green ends a series he doesn’t play. Sooo many deaths and secrets revealed. We learn who/what the Mater Mundi actually is, more deep history of the empire is revealed, the and we witness the final fates of the Maze People—and it ain’t pretty. There are also numerous other deaths and resolutions, most are done quickly and anti-climatically, especially villain of note. Usually when Green puts the big finish on a series you’re left nearly breathless because of all the twists, but this time it feels like it ended because he no longer wanted to write it. And yes, I recognize that there is another trilogy set in this universe (which I will be reading), but it is set far in the future where everyone here is likely dead, so for all intents and purposes this is the end.
January 11, 2020
Wow, just wow.
Everything gets tied up in this book. All the unanswered questions are answered. Plenty of action. Things we thought we knew were wrong. We find out the secrets behind everything, including the fates of the Madness Maze people.
It was hard to put this book down; so much so that I ended up reading most of it in one sitting, staying up far later than I should have.
It could have been a 5 star book easily. Unfortunately Green messed up his timeline. At one point a character dies, only to be right back alive a few pages later, with no explanation of how he died. Which is a major flaw of the authors; as I've seen similar such errors throughout all of his series.
Everything gets tied up in this book. All the unanswered questions are answered. Plenty of action. Things we thought we knew were wrong. We find out the secrets behind everything, including the fates of the Madness Maze people.
It was hard to put this book down; so much so that I ended up reading most of it in one sitting, staying up far later than I should have.
It could have been a 5 star book easily. Unfortunately Green messed up his timeline. At one point a character dies, only to be right back alive a few pages later, with no explanation of how he died. Which is a major flaw of the authors; as I've seen similar such errors throughout all of his series.
August 14, 2025
Don't hate me, I really liked it (I'm feeling like a rating between 2.25 and 2.5 would be accurate, maybe), but that was just too much, meaning deus ex machina^10*3 or sth.
Note to self: I'm also appalled by the tastes of these characters in romantic interests. Not that I am complaining ... too much. The heart wants what the heart wants and all that -- even when it's enitrely incompatible with what would be good for someone.
Note to self: I'm also appalled by the tastes of these characters in romantic interests. Not that I am complaining ... too much. The heart wants what the heart wants and all that -- even when it's enitrely incompatible with what would be good for someone.
November 5, 2019
Man, what a conclusion to an amazing series. Jackson does a tremendous job of wrapping up all of his plot lines and giving the reader closure on the multitude of characters through whose perspective the series is told. This series is what all Space Epics and Fantasy series should strive to be, and it all culminates in this final book.
March 23, 2023
Thinking back to 1994 when this series started, almost 30 years ago, I can remember the excitement
at starting a new grand adventure, a Space Opera.
Epic in scope. Boundless in imagination. This series is everything you want in Epic Sci-Fi.
A wicked villain ; a reluctant hero ; freaky aliens.
Just plain damn fun.
Green was one of my favourite authors for a long time after this.
at starting a new grand adventure, a Space Opera.
Epic in scope. Boundless in imagination. This series is everything you want in Epic Sci-Fi.
A wicked villain ; a reluctant hero ; freaky aliens.
Just plain damn fun.
Green was one of my favourite authors for a long time after this.
Read
October 23, 2025Owen Deathstalker?s greatest love?Hazel d?Ark?has been abducted by the Blood Runners, a culture dedicated to the extremes of genetic experimentation. Stranded in a mission on Lachrymae Christi, Owen busies himself with the task of ensuring the survival of the leper colony living there, awaiting an opportunity to rescue Hazel?or avenge her death.
May 31, 2019
The final book in the series. I actually liked this one a lot, mostly because the plotlines are wrapped up. I didn't really like the ending, but oh well. I won't rip this one up. I just plain liked it. I enjoyed this series, even if it was over the top.
November 28, 2024
I'm hooked. Everyone of Green's series are impossible to not finish. You become friends with or enemies of the characters! When I'm on the last book of a series...it takes me forever to finish. I just can't say goodbye
January 28, 2018
واقعا خیلی حواشی داره که بنطرم میتونست نداشته باشه ولی کلیت داستان جالبه و همین باعث میشه با وجود قسمت های حوصله سر بر ادامه اش بدم
April 22, 2018
Green did a nice job of wrapping up loose ends, but this was less satisfying than I hoped.
April 10, 2019
An amazing wrap-up to a solid Sci Fi series.
January 13, 2020
An interesting end.
June 30, 2023
I liked it. Good ending of story
August 23, 2025
a good finale.
February 21, 2017
I really wanted to like this series. it's dies have an interesting story. I the writing was awful, the dialog laughable and the ending was horrific. I can understand going for the tragedy it was written so poorly. There are so many obvious and overly used cliches throughout the book that take away from the flow of the book and distract from the story. It's a good story though. Everything else is garbage.
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November 30, 2009
A terrific way to wrap up Owen Deathstalker's story (the following trilogy is the Deathstalker Legacy which, from reading the back of the first book, does not directly follow Deathstalker Destiny but is related). Once again: tons of action and jumping between character perspectives. This book keeps you reading for sure (though, I love the multiple perspectives; I know this is not everyone's favorite). I was actually surprised at how much is explained and wrapped up in this book-- story lines you didn't necessarily think would be touched upon again were finished quite nicely. It was a satisfying finish.
June 10, 2013
"The conclusion to Owen Deathstalker's saga does an amazing job of tying up the many loose ends and unexplained events throughout the series. Of course, almost everyone comes to a tragic end and there's truly horrific gore and mayhem, but the ending is nonetheless satisfying. Makes me want to read the book again, now that I know the real beginnings and endings, just to see if Green missed anything."
July 1, 2013
Did I actually read this whole series? Good god. On second thought, if I had it all to do over again, I should have read some Ursula K. LeGuin, or you know, anything with some kind of semblance of relation to the real world. None of this tired cliche mess with its typical sci-fi sexism and complete destruction of alien otherness. Truly, a cornerstone of the monument that is bad writing.
August 3, 2011
Epic space fantasy. This definitely has its place in the genre just barely below the greats like Asimov and Frank Herbert. Green somehow managed to write a half a dozen or so books in this series and keep every one coming out as good as the last in its own way.
December 28, 2013
The whole deathstalker series is seriously campy sci-fi fantasy fun. I enjoyed the audio experience more than the written in this instance as the performance was full-cast audio which really added to the experience.
September 14, 2007
I still couldn't put it down
December 14, 2009
Less fun than the 4th book. I promise myself not to read another Deathstalker book again.
January 3, 2010
Will there ever be peace in the empire?
February 16, 2010
Ties up all the plot threads neatly, although it is not as enjoyable as other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews