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Rings of the Master #3
Warriors of the Storm
Vulture is a shapechanger capable of absorbing the body and memories of any organic being. Without the information only Vulture can collect, the rebels will never succeed in gathering the five rings necessary to defeat Master System. Now an unknown entity seems to be giving Vulture an unseen hand. But the question is -- whose side is it on?
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 12, 1987
3 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Jack L. Chalker
132 books354 followersBesides being a science fiction author, Jack Laurence Chalker was a Baltimore City Schools history teacher in Maryland for a time, a member of the Washington Science Fiction Association, and was involved in the founding of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Some of his books said that he was born in Norfolk, Virginia although he later claimed that was a mistake.
He attended all but one of the World Science Fiction Conventions from 1965 until 2004. He published an amateur SF journal, Mirage, from 1960 to 1971 (a Hugo nominee in 1963 for Best Fanzine).
Chalker was married in 1978 and had two sons.
His stated hobbies included esoteric audio, travel, and working on science-fiction convention committees. He had a great interest in ferryboats, and, at his wife's suggestion, their marriage was performed on the Roaring Bull Ferry.
Chalker's awards included the Daedalus Award (1983), The Gold Medal of the West Coast Review of Books (1984), Skylark Award (1985), Hamilton-Brackett Memorial Award (1979), as well as others of varying prestige. He was a nominee for the John W. Campbell Award twice and for the Hugo Award twice. He was posthumously awarded the Phoenix Award by the Southern Fandom Confederation on April 9, 2005.
On September 18, 2003, during Hurricane Isabel, Chalker passed out and was rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of a heart attack. He was later released, but was severely weakened. On December 6, 2004, he was again rushed to hospital with breathing problems and disorientation, and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a collapsed lung. Chalker was hospitalized in critical condition, then upgraded to stable on December 9, though he didn't regain consciousness until December 15. After several more weeks in deteriorating condition and in a persistent vegetative state, with several transfers to different hospitals, he died on February 11, 2005 of kidney failure and sepsis in Bon Secours of Baltimore, Maryland.
Chalker is perhaps best known for his Well World series of novels, the first of which is Midnight at the Well of Souls (Well World, #1).
He attended all but one of the World Science Fiction Conventions from 1965 until 2004. He published an amateur SF journal, Mirage, from 1960 to 1971 (a Hugo nominee in 1963 for Best Fanzine).
Chalker was married in 1978 and had two sons.
His stated hobbies included esoteric audio, travel, and working on science-fiction convention committees. He had a great interest in ferryboats, and, at his wife's suggestion, their marriage was performed on the Roaring Bull Ferry.
Chalker's awards included the Daedalus Award (1983), The Gold Medal of the West Coast Review of Books (1984), Skylark Award (1985), Hamilton-Brackett Memorial Award (1979), as well as others of varying prestige. He was a nominee for the John W. Campbell Award twice and for the Hugo Award twice. He was posthumously awarded the Phoenix Award by the Southern Fandom Confederation on April 9, 2005.
On September 18, 2003, during Hurricane Isabel, Chalker passed out and was rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of a heart attack. He was later released, but was severely weakened. On December 6, 2004, he was again rushed to hospital with breathing problems and disorientation, and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a collapsed lung. Chalker was hospitalized in critical condition, then upgraded to stable on December 9, though he didn't regain consciousness until December 15. After several more weeks in deteriorating condition and in a persistent vegetative state, with several transfers to different hospitals, he died on February 11, 2005 of kidney failure and sepsis in Bon Secours of Baltimore, Maryland.
Chalker is perhaps best known for his Well World series of novels, the first of which is Midnight at the Well of Souls (Well World, #1).
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 29, 2022
Another reread, July 2022.
While the first book established the primary characters and context, the second book worked out the forging of a team among them. By the end of the Pirates of the Thunder, our rough and ready crew is finally ready to start going after the five rings, and indeed, Warriors of the Storm beings with the first 'caper' to retrieve a ring on the planet Janipur. When the Master System colonized more than 400 planets with humanity, it adapted each one to the world they were transported to, often resulting in radically new forms of people.
The people of Janipur look something like human cows, walking on all four limbs, but adults are capable of standing and walking upright for a little bit. They also practice a sort of Disney-like version of Hinduism, just like the 'historical' cultures resurrected on Earth. In any case, the Master System knows the pirates are coming for the ring, but they have an ace in the hole with Vulture. Vulture is the 'construct' for lack of better words that was created by the mad doctor back in Earth space in the first volume here. He can basically 'eat' someone and assume their form and mind to a tee, capable to passing even the most stringent mindscan and so forth. They send him in to scope out the place and then start the plan.
The next ring is located in another a bizarre world, kept extremely primitive (e.g., hunter gather) by a transformed humanity subset. In this world, the master computer redesigned humanity to be asexual, and primarily women in expression, but the leader assumed male form and via pheromones basically enslaves the tribe up to around 100 people. Infiltration is difficult as the transformed pirates come under the same chemical 'charms' to serve the master. And yes, the Master System knows the pirates are coming here eventually as well and puts the locals into high alert...
These capers are very fun, with lots of trials and tribulations to be sure. The world building is pretty amazing and thoughtful; almost like something Vance would do. Solid edition to the series with Chalker's almost patented twists and turns along with skillful plotting. Also, as always, he needed a better editor, but so it goes.
While the first book established the primary characters and context, the second book worked out the forging of a team among them. By the end of the Pirates of the Thunder, our rough and ready crew is finally ready to start going after the five rings, and indeed, Warriors of the Storm beings with the first 'caper' to retrieve a ring on the planet Janipur. When the Master System colonized more than 400 planets with humanity, it adapted each one to the world they were transported to, often resulting in radically new forms of people.
The people of Janipur look something like human cows, walking on all four limbs, but adults are capable of standing and walking upright for a little bit. They also practice a sort of Disney-like version of Hinduism, just like the 'historical' cultures resurrected on Earth. In any case, the Master System knows the pirates are coming for the ring, but they have an ace in the hole with Vulture. Vulture is the 'construct' for lack of better words that was created by the mad doctor back in Earth space in the first volume here. He can basically 'eat' someone and assume their form and mind to a tee, capable to passing even the most stringent mindscan and so forth. They send him in to scope out the place and then start the plan.
The next ring is located in another a bizarre world, kept extremely primitive (e.g., hunter gather) by a transformed humanity subset. In this world, the master computer redesigned humanity to be asexual, and primarily women in expression, but the leader assumed male form and via pheromones basically enslaves the tribe up to around 100 people. Infiltration is difficult as the transformed pirates come under the same chemical 'charms' to serve the master. And yes, the Master System knows the pirates are coming here eventually as well and puts the locals into high alert...
These capers are very fun, with lots of trials and tribulations to be sure. The world building is pretty amazing and thoughtful; almost like something Vance would do. Solid edition to the series with Chalker's almost patented twists and turns along with skillful plotting. Also, as always, he needed a better editor, but so it goes.
May 25, 2015
This third installment of The Lords of the Middle Dark series focused on the rebels attempts to acquire two of the required five control rings. The worlds Master System has hidden the rings on are very different and present unique problems to the rebels.
The shape changer Vulture is the key team member as the creature can assume the form of anyone it kills. The talent makes him a great "inside man" for both heists. A different team is used for both missions and the rebels who participate are forced to permanently take new and alien bodies.
Unfortunately it was all a bit dull. The action was lacking and I also missed any characters I could truly care for. Even most of the characters we were familiar with suffered a lot of changes to get the job done. Sadly, the physical and mental adaptions the rebels had to endure were less interesting than I had hoped they would be.
Hopefully the fourth installment will be a bit faster paced.
Rating: 2.5 stars.
Audio Note: Jamie Du Pont MacKenzie does an acceptable job with the narration of this series.
The shape changer Vulture is the key team member as the creature can assume the form of anyone it kills. The talent makes him a great "inside man" for both heists. A different team is used for both missions and the rebels who participate are forced to permanently take new and alien bodies.
Unfortunately it was all a bit dull. The action was lacking and I also missed any characters I could truly care for. Even most of the characters we were familiar with suffered a lot of changes to get the job done. Sadly, the physical and mental adaptions the rebels had to endure were less interesting than I had hoped they would be.
Hopefully the fourth installment will be a bit faster paced.
Rating: 2.5 stars.
Audio Note: Jamie Du Pont MacKenzie does an acceptable job with the narration of this series.
July 25, 2018
I read a book, it goes on my bookshelves (mostly). Every so often, when those shelves are bulging, I have a cull and books that I doubt I will ever read again get taken to the charity shop. Anything that I remember enjoying stays, with the intention of (one day, soon, I promise...) re-reading it.
Recently I have found that time and have started re-reading books. This series is one that has sat on my shelves, resolutely, since I first read it, all in one go, probably not long after it was released in the U.K. (late 80s, early 90s). I always remembered enjoying it and looked forward to re-visiting.
Finally! They can now go to the charity shop - well, when I've finished the last one anyway. It's not that they are bad - just nowhere near as enjoyable as I remember them. Full of exposition and lacking in action. Really not enjoying them as much as I thought I would - showing that hindsight may well be twenty/twenty.
Recently I have found that time and have started re-reading books. This series is one that has sat on my shelves, resolutely, since I first read it, all in one go, probably not long after it was released in the U.K. (late 80s, early 90s). I always remembered enjoying it and looked forward to re-visiting.
Finally! They can now go to the charity shop - well, when I've finished the last one anyway. It's not that they are bad - just nowhere near as enjoyable as I remember them. Full of exposition and lacking in action. Really not enjoying them as much as I thought I would - showing that hindsight may well be twenty/twenty.
November 25, 2023
Warriors of the Storm is a worthy continuation of the Rings of the Master series. In this installment, the pirates of the Thunder work on acquiring two rings, one from the planet Janipur and the other from planet Matriyeh. Vulture plays a key role in both operations, as does the AI Star Eagle and its ability to transmute its occupants into the form of the residents of those planets. The captains and crew work through slow, patient planning processes in order to best Master System and secure the rings of power. The crew can't account for everything, however, and the crews sent down to the planets run into unforeseen circumstances and situations that they need to overcome.
The narrative does turn slow in certain parts, but it picks up quickly towards the end of both operations. At this point, I'm thoroughly invested in the story and can't wait to see how it wraps up. Chalker has a real knack for describing alien worlds and peoples without going overboard on details. If you're looking for a purely science fiction world set in the future run by AI, I would highly recommend this series.
The narrative does turn slow in certain parts, but it picks up quickly towards the end of both operations. At this point, I'm thoroughly invested in the story and can't wait to see how it wraps up. Chalker has a real knack for describing alien worlds and peoples without going overboard on details. If you're looking for a purely science fiction world set in the future run by AI, I would highly recommend this series.
January 6, 2025
Warriors of the Storm by Jack L. Chalker (Rings of the Master #3).
The Pirates of the Thunder are now ready to steal the first ring, one of five keys to defeating the Master Conputer that rules the known galaxy. But to blend in with the not quite human colonial inhabitants, the ultimate price must be paid by one or more of them, leaving their humanity behind forever.
A very good addition to this series, even if it was a little surprising how quickly they acquired two of the rings needed to take control of the Master Computer. The two colonial worlds are described well and made me want to see more of them.
The Pirates of the Thunder are now ready to steal the first ring, one of five keys to defeating the Master Conputer that rules the known galaxy. But to blend in with the not quite human colonial inhabitants, the ultimate price must be paid by one or more of them, leaving their humanity behind forever.
A very good addition to this series, even if it was a little surprising how quickly they acquired two of the rings needed to take control of the Master Computer. The two colonial worlds are described well and made me want to see more of them.
August 17, 2018
There's some weird sex thing going on in the authors head as revealed by the bizarre female characters, with different alien bodies but somehow desirable. There are no equivalent male characters, indeed almost no males at all in this book, and the temporary males are all voracious sex addicts furiously trying to impregnate all the females. That aside the story is interesting, though at the current pace I cannot see how it can finish in the next book.
November 9, 2025
How on earth is he going to finish this up? So far I’ve loved these books, very interesting concepts and a new pace for me. The pulp genre of sci fi at first feels uncomfortable as I’m used to getting to know a few characters well instead of having so many come and go all the time. The last chapter of the janipure segment was 5stars and I held my breath about as long as I could while reading that part. This has probably been my favourite of the 3 so far. Cannot wait for book #4
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October 23, 2025Vulture is a shapechanger capable of absorbing the body and memories of any organic being. Without the information only Vulture can collect, the rebels will never succeed in gathering the five rings necessary to defeat Master System. Now an unknown entity seems to be giving Vulture an unseen hand. But the question is -- whose side is it on?
May 15, 2017
The second to last book in the Rings of the Master series by Jack L. Chalker. The series really stands by itself because I can think of nothing to compare it to. It is almost too complex to describe, and yet it still has that small-group-of-rebels-on-a-quest-to-save-the-world thing going for it.
February 2, 2013
Just saw this series and it has been years but I was in the mood... so a marathon re-read of the series ensued... and it was fabulous!
We start out many years in the future... Earth is under control of Master System, a computer. The population has been culled, changed, the universe seeded with our oddly changed descendants, and what is left on Earth has been reduced to limited populations of racially distinct groups isolated in area as well as era.
Each generation any who have the potential to challenge are eliminated or are allowed into the inner sanctum. They live most of the year with science and technology, and the other times within their "primitive" cultures.genius,
What if there was a way to challenge the status quo? Enter an AmerIndian Historian, a Chinese teenage genius, and more...
Book 2 carries the story further. We are now in space with a band of pirates determined to break the system that has enslaved humanity. We go with them on a quest to collect 5 golden rings... on different planets where humanity was settled by Master System. Or at least versions of humanity...
Book 3 see our renegade heroes with some rings and some challenges... how many will have to make the ultimate sacrifice of being mutated into the creatures humanity has transformed into to survive on these alien planets?
We start out many years in the future... Earth is under control of Master System, a computer. The population has been culled, changed, the universe seeded with our oddly changed descendants, and what is left on Earth has been reduced to limited populations of racially distinct groups isolated in area as well as era.
Each generation any who have the potential to challenge are eliminated or are allowed into the inner sanctum. They live most of the year with science and technology, and the other times within their "primitive" cultures.genius,
What if there was a way to challenge the status quo? Enter an AmerIndian Historian, a Chinese teenage genius, and more...
Book 2 carries the story further. We are now in space with a band of pirates determined to break the system that has enslaved humanity. We go with them on a quest to collect 5 golden rings... on different planets where humanity was settled by Master System. Or at least versions of humanity...
Book 3 see our renegade heroes with some rings and some challenges... how many will have to make the ultimate sacrifice of being mutated into the creatures humanity has transformed into to survive on these alien planets?
November 19, 2014
In this book, our heroes finish infiltrating one planet, steal a ring, and have a big ol' space battle. Then they infiltrate another planet and steal another ring.
For some reason I didn't have this book when I originally read the series, so I didn't read it for the first time until much later. That was enlightening, since I'd missed a huge part of the plot as a kid. I really like the whole Matriyeh story arc, it's one of my favorite parts.
Now that I'm older, I'm catching all the typos in these books, and all the places where Chalker contradicts himself (is it 90 centimeters tall or 400 centimeters tall? Did they see ruins on that planet or didn't they?), plus just areas of poor writing (using "anyway" twice in the same sentence, that sort of thing, which happens all the time, and characters giving big expository speeches directed to other characters who know all that already, just for the sake of telling it to the reader). It's frustrating, because these books were a huge part of my conception of science fiction as a kid, and now I'm finding flaws in them. Still, though, the overall plot and its intricacies is a lot of fun, and the treasure hunt doesn't get old.
::edit:: reread in October 2014
For some reason I didn't have this book when I originally read the series, so I didn't read it for the first time until much later. That was enlightening, since I'd missed a huge part of the plot as a kid. I really like the whole Matriyeh story arc, it's one of my favorite parts.
Now that I'm older, I'm catching all the typos in these books, and all the places where Chalker contradicts himself (is it 90 centimeters tall or 400 centimeters tall? Did they see ruins on that planet or didn't they?), plus just areas of poor writing (using "anyway" twice in the same sentence, that sort of thing, which happens all the time, and characters giving big expository speeches directed to other characters who know all that already, just for the sake of telling it to the reader). It's frustrating, because these books were a huge part of my conception of science fiction as a kid, and now I'm finding flaws in them. Still, though, the overall plot and its intricacies is a lot of fun, and the treasure hunt doesn't get old.
::edit:: reread in October 2014
June 3, 2013
Book One was character inception and plot layer. The book was full of plot history and character development. The sheer richness of the beginning of the series was gorgeous. It seemed like it had unlimited possibilities. Then came Book Two. Here, the cast was still growing and the plot was still thickening... the stage was being set!
Now you come to Book Three... the curtain rises... and the stage explodes with everything thus far set-up. Idle idiosyncrasies and personal histories shape the plot is ways I never would have thought. The inter-personal relationships become more involved, also thus shaping the plot. Alternate-human cultures are explored is beautiful detail, as are the world in which the future humans live. Clever are the crew when confronted with difficulties on the ship, on the planet or between each other. Some lingering questions are answered about the rings mysteries.
Book Three is a definite confirmation that the Rings of the Master series is character driven. Book Three sets the bar QUITE high for Book Four.
Now you come to Book Three... the curtain rises... and the stage explodes with everything thus far set-up. Idle idiosyncrasies and personal histories shape the plot is ways I never would have thought. The inter-personal relationships become more involved, also thus shaping the plot. Alternate-human cultures are explored is beautiful detail, as are the world in which the future humans live. Clever are the crew when confronted with difficulties on the ship, on the planet or between each other. Some lingering questions are answered about the rings mysteries.
Book Three is a definite confirmation that the Rings of the Master series is character driven. Book Three sets the bar QUITE high for Book Four.
March 16, 2020
This author is weirdly obsessed with sex. I have to keep in mind that this was from the late 80s. The author also has a tendency to info-dump. The multiple worlds are complex, but he lets the characters lecture each other in order to explain things to the reader. The topics in each paragraph don't even flow together-- the writing is awkward and clunky, and especially so in the "informative" sections.
Original (pre-2008) review: This book has some good prompts about human vs. machine and consciousness. What is truly alien?
Original (pre-2008) review: This book has some good prompts about human vs. machine and consciousness. What is truly alien?
April 23, 2021
I highly recommend this entire series of books. I have read, and re-read the series, worn out a half-dozen paperback copies, and have my current paperback copies inside of shrink-wrapped bags. Now I enjoy the series on Kindle and Audible.
This series, along with many others, is part of the literature that shapes my own writing, world building, and character generation. Mr. Chalker, thank you for creating such a wonderful series of books.
This series, along with many others, is part of the literature that shapes my own writing, world building, and character generation. Mr. Chalker, thank you for creating such a wonderful series of books.
March 21, 2015
This book 3 of the Rings of the Master. Our fugitives are off after the 2nd ring and they have to targets to choose from. One world is heavily guarded and second is a very primitive world but is surrounded by satellites which begs for the question why. This is a great read with twist and turns and turns again.
January 16, 2022
3.5 stars
The crew of the Thunder start to close in on the mysterious Rings of Power.
A bit more going on than the previous book, but still seems a bit long winded in places (especially in the second half).
Various members have to make sacrifices to see the mission through, which adds to their development.
At least things seem to be happening now and moving towards the conclusion.
The crew of the Thunder start to close in on the mysterious Rings of Power.
A bit more going on than the previous book, but still seems a bit long winded in places (especially in the second half).
Various members have to make sacrifices to see the mission through, which adds to their development.
At least things seem to be happening now and moving towards the conclusion.
December 27, 2017
Always hilarious reading old sci-fi. Nearly omnipotent computing power, but really crappy GPS? No handheld devices? I suppose this sort of pulpy book is destined to fade into irrelevance, with only those of us who read it contemporaneously able to enjoy it at all.
May 15, 2009
I am totally excited about this series. They are really good!
May 5, 2010
See what I said on "Lords of the Middle Dark".
November 29, 2013
This was the third in the book in the series. This was an ok series and good enough to keep reading this book and to want to finish the series.
January 11, 2012
Grade B. Book Rm3.
Read
August 10, 2012shapeshifting angelic beings, puffs of smoke, not too bad
February 6, 2014
This galactic soiree carries the rebels to innumerable worlds looking for the means to free themselves. A wonderful series and stretches the imagination to new limits.
June 10, 2015
Bit slow in trying to build up to the conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews