Tambu

by Robert Lynn Asprin

For years the mysterious figure known only as Tambu has held the settled planets in his iron grip. The fleet of pirates and criminals under his command have established and maintained a reign of terror and extortion, successfully defying all efforts of the newly-formed Defense alliance to halt or curb their activities. Now, for the first time, a reporter has been granted an interview with Tambu: the story will finally be told of Tambu's origin, his rise to power, and – most important – his philosophies and logic for running his force. If Tambu can be believed. And if the reporter is allowed to leave with his story.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy

195 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1979

About the author

Robert (Lynn) Asprin was born in 1946. While he wrote some stand alone novels such as The Cold Cash War, Tambu, and The Bug Wars and also the Duncan & Mallory Illustrated stories, Bob is best known for his series fantasy, such as the Myth Adventures of Aahz and Skeeve, the Phule's Company novels, and the Time Scout novels written with Linda Evans. He also edited the groundbreaking Thieves' World anthology series with Lynn Abbey. Other collaborations include License Invoked (set in the French Quarter of New Orleans) and several Myth Adventures novels, all written with Jody Lynn Nye.

Bob's final solo work was a contemporary fantasy series called Dragons, again set in New Orleans.

Bob passed away suddenly on May 22, 2008. He is survived by his daughter and son, his mother and his sister.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asprin is best remembered for his humorous stories and shared-world work, but this is a good blend of space opera adventure and ruminations on the nature of leadership and power. It's a quick read and an interesting story with real substance. Nice Rowena Morrell cover, too, one of her good science fiction paintings.

[Ray Heuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may not be totally unbiased about this book as a couple of my friends (?) have told me that the main character could have been based on me.
Basically, this novel is the Biography of a Space Pirate (but that title was already taken). as a trader, businessman, and stand-up guy is bounced from one of fate's chances to the next. He starts out totally law-abiding, but is framed and has to run from the galactic police. He becomes a "rogue" trader skirting the edges of the law, but always trying to get and give a fair deal. Then he's ambushed by a rival, but outfights them and ends up with several ships AND their cargo. His constant actions to remain unknown and to keep an ever-growing and frequently mutinous rag-tag fleet are a lesson in how events can shape a man.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something delightfully addictive about this book. I have read it once or twice each year since I first discovered it. To me, that is the mark of a classic. The characters are developed far more than I thought possible in a book this short, the title character in particular. It is always refreshing for me when a character inspires both disgust and compassion.

I would recommend Tambu to any science fiction fan. It is a fun little read that has surprising depth.

[Jüri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Märksa tõsisem raamat, kui müüdi-Asprinilt ootaks.
Tambu on mõistatuslik tegelane, kes kunagi oli kosmosepiraat, nüüd on aga Universumi võimsama sõjalaevastiku n-ö admiral.
Tegu ongi ühe pika intervjuu esitamisega romaanina, mille käigus lugeja saab teada Tambu tõelise loo.
Näpud suisa sügelevad viit panema, kuid ausus ei luba. Robert Lynn Asprin oli hea fantaasiaga leidlik kirjamees, kel ka süda oli õigel kohal, kuid kirjatehnikaga olid mehel lood pisut kehvemad. «Tambu» on väga hea, aga pisut konarlikult kirja pandud romaan.

[Bookshark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting meditation on power and what makes a hero/villain. It's not a philosophical treatise, but it is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As a sidenote, I found the portrayal of the female characters refreshingly nuanced and egalitarian (something that isn't always guaranteed in classic sci-fi).

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a classic of science fiction, but it should be. This book is a study on the responsibility of leadership, and the internal struggle between what someone believes is best for themselves, what's best for those they lead, and those they are meant to protect.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a villain. Definitely not a villain.

[Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

The difficulties of being a CEO of a major corporation. Set in space.

[Mark Isaak · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with several of his other books, Asprin explores the qualities of leadership. In "Tambu", however, he leaves out the humor which add so much to my enjoyment of his other books. The characters here are still good, but the situations are sometimes forced, and the book on the whole is grim.

[SciFiOne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade A-

[Samuel Lubell]

The reluctant rise of a space pirate who thinks himself a space cop.

[Igor Pozdnyakov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best management manual for a growing corporation ever.

[Leelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorites by Asprin. A great space opera and an enjoyable read. The end is abrupt and also a bit of a downer. But it works.

[Shamesdean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing............

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important lesson about how pretending can become being. One of my favorite books to reread.

[Ben Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tambu as a character was reminiscent of a more serious Willard Phule, the whole book really reminded me of the Phule's Company series if that series weren't comedic.

The book wasn't mind bending or life changing in any way - but the story definitely entertained and drew me in.