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Fleet of Worlds #3
Destroyer of Worlds
Worlds closer to the galatic core than Known Space are --or were-- home to intelligent speciers. Some learned of the core explosion in time to flee. Destroyer of Worlds opens in 2670, ten years after Juggler of Worlds closes; with refugee species fleeing in an armada of ramscoops in the direction of the Fleet of Worlds. The onrushing aliens are recognized as a threat; they have left in their trail a host of desolated some raided for supplies, some attacked to eliminate competition, and some for pure xenophobia.Only the Puppeteers might have the resources to confront this threat--but the Puppeteers are philosophical cowards... they don't confront anyone. They need sepoys to investigate the situation and take action for them. The source of the sepoys? Their newly independent former slave world, New Terra.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2009
56 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
About the author
Larry Niven
689 books3,313 followersLaurence van Cott Niven's best known work is Ringworld (Ringworld, #1) (1970), which received the Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. His work is primarily hard science fiction, using big science concepts and theoretical physics. The creation of thoroughly worked-out alien species, which are very different from humans both physically and mentally, is recognized as one of Niven's main strengths.
Niven also often includes elements of detective fiction and adventure stories. His fantasy includes The Magic Goes Away series, which utilizes an exhaustible resource, called Mana, to make the magic a non-renewable resource.
Niven created an alien species, the Kzin, which were featured in a series of twelve collection books, the Man-Kzin Wars. He co-authored a number of novels with Jerry Pournelle. In fact, much of his writing since the 1970s has been in collaboration, particularly with Pournelle, Steven Barnes, Brenda Cooper, or Edward M. Lerner.
He briefly attended the California Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics (with a minor in psychology) from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, in 1962. He did a year of graduate work in mathematics at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has since lived in Los Angeles suburbs, including Chatsworth and Tarzana, as a full-time writer. He married Marilyn Joyce "Fuzzy Pink" Wisowaty, herself a well-known science fiction and Regency literature fan, on September 6, 1969.
Niven won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story for Neutron Star in 1967. In 1972, for Inconstant Moon, and in 1975 for The Hole Man. In 1976, he won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette for The Borderland of Sol.
Niven has written scripts for various science fiction television shows, including the original Land of the Lost series and Star Trek: The Animated Series, for which he adapted his early Kzin story The Soft Weapon. He adapted his story Inconstant Moon for an episode of the television series The Outer Limits in 1996.
He has also written for the DC Comics character Green Lantern including in his stories hard science fiction concepts such as universal entropy and the redshift effect, which are unusual in comic books.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/larryn...
Niven also often includes elements of detective fiction and adventure stories. His fantasy includes The Magic Goes Away series, which utilizes an exhaustible resource, called Mana, to make the magic a non-renewable resource.
Niven created an alien species, the Kzin, which were featured in a series of twelve collection books, the Man-Kzin Wars. He co-authored a number of novels with Jerry Pournelle. In fact, much of his writing since the 1970s has been in collaboration, particularly with Pournelle, Steven Barnes, Brenda Cooper, or Edward M. Lerner.
He briefly attended the California Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics (with a minor in psychology) from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, in 1962. He did a year of graduate work in mathematics at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has since lived in Los Angeles suburbs, including Chatsworth and Tarzana, as a full-time writer. He married Marilyn Joyce "Fuzzy Pink" Wisowaty, herself a well-known science fiction and Regency literature fan, on September 6, 1969.
Niven won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story for Neutron Star in 1967. In 1972, for Inconstant Moon, and in 1975 for The Hole Man. In 1976, he won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette for The Borderland of Sol.
Niven has written scripts for various science fiction television shows, including the original Land of the Lost series and Star Trek: The Animated Series, for which he adapted his early Kzin story The Soft Weapon. He adapted his story Inconstant Moon for an episode of the television series The Outer Limits in 1996.
He has also written for the DC Comics character Green Lantern including in his stories hard science fiction concepts such as universal entropy and the redshift effect, which are unusual in comic books.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/larryn...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 13, 2016
There is a lot to like in this third of four in a recent prequel series to Ringworld, which was published in 1970. We get a rich story of different alien species working their way toward effective cooperation despite mutual fears over motives. They all feel the threat of another psychotically aggressive species, the Pak, whose massive fleet of ships are headed their way while wreaking a path of destruction. The result is a lot of fun with alternative minds, their interesting strengths and technologies, and quite a lot of thrills surrounding the common mission to saving all their asses.
The humans raised by the Puppeters have become respected by their former masters and work to scout out alien cultures in the path of the Fleet of Worlds. The set of worlds populated by the thee-legged, two-headed Puppeteers are under acceleration away from the cataclysmic chain reaction at the center of the galaxy. The worlds have artificial suns and are vulnerable to attack. Sigmund Ausfaller, a former interstellar security agent for the United Nations appropriated from old earth, helps mentor the naïve humans in a proper level of paranoid outlook and strategies. An ocean dwelling species with a hive mind live near the Fleet path, the Gw’oth, whose technology is advancing so fast that they could pose a threat. Getting to know the Gw’oth is a lot of fun in this story. The humans want to trust them, but the Puppeteers, chickens at heart, fear then too much.
Other scouting work turns up a lone Pak who has been in cold sleep. The goal to learn as much about this species as possible is challenged by their extreme danger and craft. The narration spends time in the mind of this Pak, where we learn how their drive to sustain and protect their clan is simply all that counts. A female pilot revived from a point in human past over a thousand years ago helps based on experience then with another Pak. This colors in nicely some of unresolved aspects of the ending to Niven’s 1973 novel “Protector”, an oldie favorite of mine.
There is more character development in this tale than in much of Niven’s past work, perhaps under the influence of his co-author Lerner. Schaffer is growing more likable, now married with children, and his friendship with the Puppeteer Baedeker, a former enemy, is satisfying to experience. I enjoyed this one more than the first two in the series, but I am doubtful over how well a reading of this as a freestanding novel would work. At least I can say to those considering the series that I think the set has sufficient depth and diversity to make it worth the commitment. I look forward to the last in the series so I can learn the ultimate solutions to the Pak threat, whether the Gw’oth become true friends or enemies, and, of course, the links to the multi-species mission to Ringworld.
The humans raised by the Puppeters have become respected by their former masters and work to scout out alien cultures in the path of the Fleet of Worlds. The set of worlds populated by the thee-legged, two-headed Puppeteers are under acceleration away from the cataclysmic chain reaction at the center of the galaxy. The worlds have artificial suns and are vulnerable to attack. Sigmund Ausfaller, a former interstellar security agent for the United Nations appropriated from old earth, helps mentor the naïve humans in a proper level of paranoid outlook and strategies. An ocean dwelling species with a hive mind live near the Fleet path, the Gw’oth, whose technology is advancing so fast that they could pose a threat. Getting to know the Gw’oth is a lot of fun in this story. The humans want to trust them, but the Puppeteers, chickens at heart, fear then too much.
Other scouting work turns up a lone Pak who has been in cold sleep. The goal to learn as much about this species as possible is challenged by their extreme danger and craft. The narration spends time in the mind of this Pak, where we learn how their drive to sustain and protect their clan is simply all that counts. A female pilot revived from a point in human past over a thousand years ago helps based on experience then with another Pak. This colors in nicely some of unresolved aspects of the ending to Niven’s 1973 novel “Protector”, an oldie favorite of mine.
There is more character development in this tale than in much of Niven’s past work, perhaps under the influence of his co-author Lerner. Schaffer is growing more likable, now married with children, and his friendship with the Puppeteer Baedeker, a former enemy, is satisfying to experience. I enjoyed this one more than the first two in the series, but I am doubtful over how well a reading of this as a freestanding novel would work. At least I can say to those considering the series that I think the set has sufficient depth and diversity to make it worth the commitment. I look forward to the last in the series so I can learn the ultimate solutions to the Pak threat, whether the Gw’oth become true friends or enemies, and, of course, the links to the multi-species mission to Ringworld.
February 28, 2022
He studied the image, too extensive to be other than an astronomical phenomenon. Lots of neutrinos and the radiant glow from . . . what?
“Supernovae.”
Plural. But how many? The wave front showed no curvature. Many supernovae then, the spherical wave fronts from each explosion averaging out.
“The galactic core?” He asked in wonderment.
The Fleet of Worlds series describe events that were set in motion by the observations of Beowulf Shaeffer in “At the Core” (Crashlander). It also acts as a refresher course of what came before and fleshes out Niven’s Known Space Universe. It’s fairly cleverly executed, and I think that newcomers to this setting should be able to read these books without feeling too lost.
The first novel (Fleet of Worlds) revolves around the Puppeteers and their fleet of worlds fleeing from the galactic core, it also fleshes out their culture and the nature of their dealings with humans (which will make your skin crawl). The second novel (Juggler of Worlds) is a continuation, but touches on many of the events described in Crashlander.
This, the third entry in the series, discusses the Pak response to the crisis at the galactic core, and as such ties in directly with Protector.
In the blink of an eye, they were here. Stationary in space, beside Don Quixote. Instantaneous deceleration! And yet the Outsiders and their ship were not squashed flat.
Shedding all that the kinetic energy did not reduce the ship to a glowing cloud of plasma. And none of Don Quixote’s instruments showed where that energy had gone.
One of the strongest aspects of these novels, is the interaction between the different alien races and their disparities in (and vying for) technology. Everything is shrouded in secrecy and there is a lot of political maneuvering, spying on each other and technological bartering to ensure an equilibrium, and to prevent any one species from having a clear technological upper hand. There are layers of intrigue in Destroyer of Worlds and not a whole lot of trust going around.
“If your business is done, we have something you might find interesting.”
The Pak Protectors have evolved, over millions of years, to be genetically hard-wired for war and intellectually superior to other races, and represent a genuine threat as their fleets move from the galactic core. Affected spacefaring races can only hope to avert the threat by working together. However, there is so much back-stabbing, paranoia and general shiftiness going on that the best laid plans may amount to nothing more than a house of cards.
“For both our benefits, let us hope you survive.”
Also, some space sleuthing going on as the New Terrans are still (covertly) trying to find the location of Earth.
False hope was all that he had to offer. Things were about to end very badly—again.
The novel does have some frustrations, albeit probably intentional on the part of the authors. There’s a certain inevitability that creeps in when characters make decisions that are destined from the outset to have bad consequences. The novel generates sufficient tension, but it is obviously dependent on your level of investment in the respective role players. Using recurring Known Space characters and events adds to the internal consistency of the Universe and long-time fans will surely enjoy picking at the references.
The reason I knocked off a star, is because the focus of the novel seems to waver on occasion, losing sight of the main plot thread (or threat). However, it remains an ultimately rewarding read (and in fact, the entire series so far has been very enjoyable). Niven is considered a legend of the genre, and with good reason.
Gibberish erupted across the spectrum. Particle detectors reported impossible densities of everything. Gravimetric sensors showed—what? He did not understand. It was as though space-time itself had gone mad.
Everything grew in intensity. And grew. And grew.
“Supernovae.”
Plural. But how many? The wave front showed no curvature. Many supernovae then, the spherical wave fronts from each explosion averaging out.
“The galactic core?” He asked in wonderment.
The Fleet of Worlds series describe events that were set in motion by the observations of Beowulf Shaeffer in “At the Core” (Crashlander). It also acts as a refresher course of what came before and fleshes out Niven’s Known Space Universe. It’s fairly cleverly executed, and I think that newcomers to this setting should be able to read these books without feeling too lost.
The first novel (Fleet of Worlds) revolves around the Puppeteers and their fleet of worlds fleeing from the galactic core, it also fleshes out their culture and the nature of their dealings with humans (which will make your skin crawl). The second novel (Juggler of Worlds) is a continuation, but touches on many of the events described in Crashlander.
This, the third entry in the series, discusses the Pak response to the crisis at the galactic core, and as such ties in directly with Protector.
In the blink of an eye, they were here. Stationary in space, beside Don Quixote. Instantaneous deceleration! And yet the Outsiders and their ship were not squashed flat.
Shedding all that the kinetic energy did not reduce the ship to a glowing cloud of plasma. And none of Don Quixote’s instruments showed where that energy had gone.
One of the strongest aspects of these novels, is the interaction between the different alien races and their disparities in (and vying for) technology. Everything is shrouded in secrecy and there is a lot of political maneuvering, spying on each other and technological bartering to ensure an equilibrium, and to prevent any one species from having a clear technological upper hand. There are layers of intrigue in Destroyer of Worlds and not a whole lot of trust going around.
“If your business is done, we have something you might find interesting.”
The Pak Protectors have evolved, over millions of years, to be genetically hard-wired for war and intellectually superior to other races, and represent a genuine threat as their fleets move from the galactic core. Affected spacefaring races can only hope to avert the threat by working together. However, there is so much back-stabbing, paranoia and general shiftiness going on that the best laid plans may amount to nothing more than a house of cards.
“For both our benefits, let us hope you survive.”
Also, some space sleuthing going on as the New Terrans are still (covertly) trying to find the location of Earth.
False hope was all that he had to offer. Things were about to end very badly—again.
The novel does have some frustrations, albeit probably intentional on the part of the authors. There’s a certain inevitability that creeps in when characters make decisions that are destined from the outset to have bad consequences. The novel generates sufficient tension, but it is obviously dependent on your level of investment in the respective role players. Using recurring Known Space characters and events adds to the internal consistency of the Universe and long-time fans will surely enjoy picking at the references.
The reason I knocked off a star, is because the focus of the novel seems to waver on occasion, losing sight of the main plot thread (or threat). However, it remains an ultimately rewarding read (and in fact, the entire series so far has been very enjoyable). Niven is considered a legend of the genre, and with good reason.
Gibberish erupted across the spectrum. Particle detectors reported impossible densities of everything. Gravimetric sensors showed—what? He did not understand. It was as though space-time itself had gone mad.
Everything grew in intensity. And grew. And grew.
February 7, 2010
Wow, how long has it been since I read a Larry Niven book? I think I might have stopped after The Ringworld Throne, which would mean 1996? Long time. Anyway, this is a cracking good hard sci-fi read, with familiar races such as the Puppeteers, the Pak Protectors, and a species new to me, the Gw'oth all concerned with fleeing an explosion at the core of the galaxy. Since I've been away from Niven's work for so long, none of the little story holes that others mention in their reviews really bothered me. It was just fun to get back to the world of crash couches, auto docs, stepping disks, and paranoid three-legged ponies again. And I generally stay away from books by more than one author, having learned the hard way that they always disappoint. But Lerner's contribution seems to be a tightening of Niven's writing style, and a very coherent, suspenseful storyline. I'll probably go back and fill in with Fleet of Worlds and Juggler of Worlds now if I can find them.
June 29, 2010
How many literary series have lasted for 40+ years. The 'Known Space' series started in the mid-60s. Niven has maintained it, fresh, with a sub-set of new collaborations with Edward Lerner, focused on the 'Ringworld' subplot. It's classic Niven. For the new reader, you need to minimally read 'Ringworld' and also if possible include 'Tales of Known Space'. Great novels.
July 19, 2017
Destroyer of Worlds is a nice step up from the disappointing Juggler of Worlds. This book ties in an older book of Niven's, Protector, which I haven't read yet, but there was enough backstory that I didn't feel lost.
The Gw'oth, the aquatic race discovered in the first Fleet of Worlds book, have noted a large disturbance in space. Turns out, it's the Pak, and they are destroying much in their wake. Sigmund, his crew, and the puppeteer Baedeker team up with some Gw'oth to investigate.
As they investigate, they discover a lone Pak that was stranded on an alien world. There's plenty of action and sci-technobabble throughout. Sigmund and co know they need to do something about the Pak, as there isn't going to be time to gather a huge defense force. Plus the Pak are so intelligent, resistance would likely be futile, and an innovative solution needs to be found.
There's an interesting dynamic in the book between the Gw'oth and the other races. The Gw'oth are rapidly developing knowledge, but the others want to prevent them from getting too much information, lest they become too powerful.
Although Nessus makes a few short appearances, there isn't much of the normal Puppeteer influence on the plot. Baedeker is kind of a rogue Puppeteer and he doesn't factor too much into the narrative.
The ending was a big cliffhanger!
The Gw'oth, the aquatic race discovered in the first Fleet of Worlds book, have noted a large disturbance in space. Turns out, it's the Pak, and they are destroying much in their wake. Sigmund, his crew, and the puppeteer Baedeker team up with some Gw'oth to investigate.
As they investigate, they discover a lone Pak that was stranded on an alien world. There's plenty of action and sci-technobabble throughout. Sigmund and co know they need to do something about the Pak, as there isn't going to be time to gather a huge defense force. Plus the Pak are so intelligent, resistance would likely be futile, and an innovative solution needs to be found.
There's an interesting dynamic in the book between the Gw'oth and the other races. The Gw'oth are rapidly developing knowledge, but the others want to prevent them from getting too much information, lest they become too powerful.
Although Nessus makes a few short appearances, there isn't much of the normal Puppeteer influence on the plot. Baedeker is kind of a rogue Puppeteer and he doesn't factor too much into the narrative.
The ending was a big cliffhanger!
February 1, 2018
What can I say, I’m a life long Niven fan. I enjoyed the book, and I’m ready for the next one in the series, as soon as I work up the nerve to toss an Audible credit at a 10 hour book.
April 18, 2018
There's a lot to these books, a lot of culling and pulling together of Nivens other material, a lot of putting a time and place to things he's done in the past. I respect, I understand it, I'm not sure if I totally like reading it... one of his earlier books, "Protector" is essentially re-written back into this one, as well as a number of other short stories. Again, like in book 2, had I not read all that, this would have just been a long read, but having read it - and assuming I'm probably the target audience... I don't love the repetition.
I think what I like best about Niven is his ability to totally dislodge "good" and "evil" from his beings. Everyone basically does what they think is best - this does not lead to some artificially "grey-space" some novels try and tug on where you don't know where up or down is. It's a variation on reality, decent people trying to do whats right for them, the ones they love, and their countries (worlds, fleets). That's not really easy to do, and often author's even attempting to replicate it tend to fall back on some good/evil/in-between trope - especially in sci-fi/fantasy.
The flip side is the characters are unbelievably single-minded, all of them. I'd understand if some were, but the whole lot? They're given individual personalities but, seemingly set, no more effort is put in to show their development and interest outside the current threat - even when that threat is dozens of years, hundreds of years, and even thousands of years in the making (as is the ur-premise of all that's happening...)
For ideas, attempting to characterize and show aliens that are actually alien, the book is probably 4* to 4.25* - for drawing everything out and rehashing old material 2* - for a deft hand, world building, and working towards tightening up a lifetimes of work 4*+ - still, my enjoyment ground down with poor pacing so I have to average out my final with 3*.
I think what I like best about Niven is his ability to totally dislodge "good" and "evil" from his beings. Everyone basically does what they think is best - this does not lead to some artificially "grey-space" some novels try and tug on where you don't know where up or down is. It's a variation on reality, decent people trying to do whats right for them, the ones they love, and their countries (worlds, fleets). That's not really easy to do, and often author's even attempting to replicate it tend to fall back on some good/evil/in-between trope - especially in sci-fi/fantasy.
The flip side is the characters are unbelievably single-minded, all of them. I'd understand if some were, but the whole lot? They're given individual personalities but, seemingly set, no more effort is put in to show their development and interest outside the current threat - even when that threat is dozens of years, hundreds of years, and even thousands of years in the making (as is the ur-premise of all that's happening...)
For ideas, attempting to characterize and show aliens that are actually alien, the book is probably 4* to 4.25* - for drawing everything out and rehashing old material 2* - for a deft hand, world building, and working towards tightening up a lifetimes of work 4*+ - still, my enjoyment ground down with poor pacing so I have to average out my final with 3*.
August 29, 2010
Niven is just getting better and better, and Known Space is his most entertaining playground. In this new series, co-written by Lerner, he not only revisits Known Space, but also ties together subplots from all the prior Known Space novels in a seamless fashion. He builds the whole plot of these new books out of snippets and side stories from his prior work, to the point where one is almost convinced that he had planned these later books before even starting the Known Space tales from 20 and more years back. Niven is so good at conspiracy and plans within plans that if there was an Illuminati he should probably lead them, not that there is an Illuminati, and not that I would ever reveal anything about them. ;)
September 15, 2018
***DISCLAIMER!: If you're about to read this book... STOP!... Read Larry Niven's "Protector" before continuing and reading this novel.***
*** While this is officially the sequel to "Juggler of Worlds" and third in the "Fleet of Worlds" Pentalogy, it is also VERY MUCH a sequel and successor to his 1973 novel "Protector" which he uses VERY MUCH as a jumping-off-point and an inspiration to this novel which was written 36 years AFTER "Protector"... gotta freakin' LOVE Larry Niven's Known Space work!!! :D ***
Just wanted to put that up top of this review so people might actually see it first and take the suggestion to heart before reading this novel...
Awesome entry into the Fleet of Worlds series. It may just be my favorite so far! I really love how Niven is using this series to really tie in, and tie together all sorts of stories of Known Space, from short stories that are mere fun little tales, to series-spanning, over-arcing (across decades of his real life, and across centuries of the Known Space timeline) themes, motifs, and cosmic events that has faithfully served Niven throughout the constant gestation and birthing of amazing stories in the strange literature even known as "Known Space" (Something that, as I read more and more of it, is honestly, in my opinion one of, if not perhaps the greatest, author-created universes in all of Sci-Fi. I can't say definitively, since I haven't really read THAT much Sci-Fi in the whole grand scope of the genre, I mean, I haven't even started on DUNE, to be honest... but I can honestly feel comfortable in saying that it most definitely deserves to be in that conversation!... Abso-friggin-lutely!)
So our hero, Sigmund Ausfaller, is definitely his most likeable, so far, in this novel. Our favorite paranoid has let a little looser in his more advanced age, and what with him resigning to acceptance and making the most of his situation (and most specifically because he fell in love and created a family, bringing more light and love into his world than he ever had before when he was still living in human space) of being kidnapped and forced to live on an unfamiliar world, far, far away from human Known Space, and even having his memory involving anything to do with the location of Earth and how to get back home erased, he's definitely found a way to see the silver lining in even the most dire of situations. (I guess having died 3 times will do that to a person.)
But in this novel, he's able to keep his tough-as-nails ARM personality, as well as his more-than-paid-for-itself natural paranoia that New Terra doesn't even yet know they're being blessed with, and be more likeable while doing it. (I think this is mostly because he's no longer tracking, following, and distrusting some of our other favorite characters, like Beowulf Shaeffer and Gregory Pelton, Carlos Wu, and even Nessus... even though he's not only still in this story, but he is the one who kidnapped him and brought him to the Fleet of Worlds (although doing so after saving his life, so hey, you win some, you lose some! lol) But with his making the best out of the situations, he's found a new lease in life, and i think that is purposefully written into his character in this book masterfully. Subtly, yet noticeably...
Niven is surely a master at his craft... he deserves to be included in the conversations of "the greatest Sci-Fi authors of all time" much more than he is. The more I read his work, the more he becomes one of my all-time favorites... up there with Clarke, Heinlein, and Dick. Definitely is going to be one of the first on the tip of my tongue when offering recommendations to anyone who is either a Sci-Fi fan or has passing interest. Because while it's still hardcore Sci-Fi, it has this fun, funny, flair to his writing that I think would do well to bridge the gap for many readers who may not have yet delved very deep into Sci-Fi.
Also, I must say that if you happen to be reading this before reading the novel, and have it in your que for reading, and you haven't read Larry Niven's novel "Protector"... ABSOLUTELY read it before reading this novel. I was lucky enough to have seen a little sliver of a video interview with Niven on YouTube, where he happens to be mentioning this novel because he is in the middle of writing it at the time of the interview... anyway, he at some point mentions that this novel is a successor to "Protector" as well as the Fleet of Worlds series... And I just happened to have already bought the book "Protector" from Half-Price Books, and it was buried in some unknown slot of my reading que, so I pulled the book out of my tower of books, and I read it first, before reading this book... and I must say, I am REALLY, REALLY glad I did... it is DIRECTLY related to that book... almost even more-so than Juggler of Worlds! And it is awesome how he used that book, as a starting-off point to this entry in the Fleet of Worlds series, some 36 years AFTER! How awesome is that?! That is the pure beauty and unfathomable awesomeness of the Known Space universe of which Niven is God.
Anyway, yeah... you GOTTA read Protector first before reading this book... if you're reading this book anyway, it means that you're at LEAST 2 books into Larry Niven's body of work, but even more likely you've at LEAST read the Ringworld series, so you're most likely at LEAST 6 books into Niven's body of work... so you're already at least a little bit of a fan of Known Space, so you'll probably take my advise... but seriously... you gotta read it first... in fact, I'm going to make a nice big disclaimer at the beginning of this Review in case I can catch at least one other person and let them know to read Protector first.
*** While this is officially the sequel to "Juggler of Worlds" and third in the "Fleet of Worlds" Pentalogy, it is also VERY MUCH a sequel and successor to his 1973 novel "Protector" which he uses VERY MUCH as a jumping-off-point and an inspiration to this novel which was written 36 years AFTER "Protector"... gotta freakin' LOVE Larry Niven's Known Space work!!! :D ***
Just wanted to put that up top of this review so people might actually see it first and take the suggestion to heart before reading this novel...
Awesome entry into the Fleet of Worlds series. It may just be my favorite so far! I really love how Niven is using this series to really tie in, and tie together all sorts of stories of Known Space, from short stories that are mere fun little tales, to series-spanning, over-arcing (across decades of his real life, and across centuries of the Known Space timeline) themes, motifs, and cosmic events that has faithfully served Niven throughout the constant gestation and birthing of amazing stories in the strange literature even known as "Known Space" (Something that, as I read more and more of it, is honestly, in my opinion one of, if not perhaps the greatest, author-created universes in all of Sci-Fi. I can't say definitively, since I haven't really read THAT much Sci-Fi in the whole grand scope of the genre, I mean, I haven't even started on DUNE, to be honest... but I can honestly feel comfortable in saying that it most definitely deserves to be in that conversation!... Abso-friggin-lutely!)
So our hero, Sigmund Ausfaller, is definitely his most likeable, so far, in this novel. Our favorite paranoid has let a little looser in his more advanced age, and what with him resigning to acceptance and making the most of his situation (and most specifically because he fell in love and created a family, bringing more light and love into his world than he ever had before when he was still living in human space) of being kidnapped and forced to live on an unfamiliar world, far, far away from human Known Space, and even having his memory involving anything to do with the location of Earth and how to get back home erased, he's definitely found a way to see the silver lining in even the most dire of situations. (I guess having died 3 times will do that to a person.)
But in this novel, he's able to keep his tough-as-nails ARM personality, as well as his more-than-paid-for-itself natural paranoia that New Terra doesn't even yet know they're being blessed with, and be more likeable while doing it. (I think this is mostly because he's no longer tracking, following, and distrusting some of our other favorite characters, like Beowulf Shaeffer and Gregory Pelton, Carlos Wu, and even Nessus... even though he's not only still in this story, but he is the one who kidnapped him and brought him to the Fleet of Worlds (although doing so after saving his life, so hey, you win some, you lose some! lol) But with his making the best out of the situations, he's found a new lease in life, and i think that is purposefully written into his character in this book masterfully. Subtly, yet noticeably...
Niven is surely a master at his craft... he deserves to be included in the conversations of "the greatest Sci-Fi authors of all time" much more than he is. The more I read his work, the more he becomes one of my all-time favorites... up there with Clarke, Heinlein, and Dick. Definitely is going to be one of the first on the tip of my tongue when offering recommendations to anyone who is either a Sci-Fi fan or has passing interest. Because while it's still hardcore Sci-Fi, it has this fun, funny, flair to his writing that I think would do well to bridge the gap for many readers who may not have yet delved very deep into Sci-Fi.
Also, I must say that if you happen to be reading this before reading the novel, and have it in your que for reading, and you haven't read Larry Niven's novel "Protector"... ABSOLUTELY read it before reading this novel. I was lucky enough to have seen a little sliver of a video interview with Niven on YouTube, where he happens to be mentioning this novel because he is in the middle of writing it at the time of the interview... anyway, he at some point mentions that this novel is a successor to "Protector" as well as the Fleet of Worlds series... And I just happened to have already bought the book "Protector" from Half-Price Books, and it was buried in some unknown slot of my reading que, so I pulled the book out of my tower of books, and I read it first, before reading this book... and I must say, I am REALLY, REALLY glad I did... it is DIRECTLY related to that book... almost even more-so than Juggler of Worlds! And it is awesome how he used that book, as a starting-off point to this entry in the Fleet of Worlds series, some 36 years AFTER! How awesome is that?! That is the pure beauty and unfathomable awesomeness of the Known Space universe of which Niven is God.
Anyway, yeah... you GOTTA read Protector first before reading this book... if you're reading this book anyway, it means that you're at LEAST 2 books into Larry Niven's body of work, but even more likely you've at LEAST read the Ringworld series, so you're most likely at LEAST 6 books into Niven's body of work... so you're already at least a little bit of a fan of Known Space, so you'll probably take my advise... but seriously... you gotta read it first... in fact, I'm going to make a nice big disclaimer at the beginning of this Review in case I can catch at least one other person and let them know to read Protector first.
July 8, 2011
Well, this was just what I needed after reading something emotionally challenging. Reliably delivered the Niven cocktail of fast-moving plot, great alien species, plausible science, and 3D-enough characters.
I don't read a whole lot of science fiction anymore, and when I do, I have very little patience for flat characters, stiff writing, cheap plot devices, etc. Fortunately, Destroyer of Worlds is well-crafted. It doesn't say a whole lot of deep things about human nature or the state of the universe, but it doesn't say trite things about them either. Better than mere space opera. Plus, who wouldn't love the Gw'oth?
I don't read a whole lot of science fiction anymore, and when I do, I have very little patience for flat characters, stiff writing, cheap plot devices, etc. Fortunately, Destroyer of Worlds is well-crafted. It doesn't say a whole lot of deep things about human nature or the state of the universe, but it doesn't say trite things about them either. Better than mere space opera. Plus, who wouldn't love the Gw'oth?
March 16, 2014
Maybe I'm just falling into a wonderful trap that was made by a Pak protector, but I loved being thrown into that particular worldview again. It gave me many months of delicious dreams in my college years, extrapolating and dreaming up new ways I might outsmart one. I know, hella unlikely, but still, what a rush. I am beginning to like this later collaboration better than the previous two, but maybe I'm just prejudiced in favor of the subject matter. Perhaps I'm just a huge Pak fiend. Who knows?
February 27, 2010
Interesting. I enjoyed the story. I liked the Gwo'th, and I'm still curious about them, because in the book we sort of don't get to see much from their perspective... There's a bit of ambiguity about them. Are they as dangerous as the Puppeteers think or do they have a sense of loyalty? Are they just looking to gain knowledge about the advanced technology, or are they helping to solve the problem common to all involved? Both.
May 2, 2012
I enjoyed reading this one very much; the development of the Worlds Fleet and Known Space was fascinating, the interplay of the various races and societies was done very well, and the characters and plot were extremely engaging. However, I was very much let-down by an abrupt ending that I felt left far too many issues unresolved and too many questions unanswered.
March 21, 2010
Protectors and the Gw'oth make for an intellectually stimulating story!
This one is much better than the previous book, Juggler of Worlds.
This one is much better than the previous book, Juggler of Worlds.
March 21, 2019
Like any good platform or world invention, these never get old. Niven is a master of the adage (Heinlein's?) that there is no science fiction without the science. And math.
I want to keep reading about Beowulf Shaffer, about Sigmund Ausfaller. I find Sigmund especially inspiring and can tell he inspired other street smart unconventional super tech characters. I don't know if it predates, but Altered Carbon seems to borrow a lot from this part of the Ringworld series. Without covering them all and doing my own research, I don't know.
Sigmund is someone who I would like to be. One step ahead. Maybe two. Good enough to strike fear into the hearts of other species, like an intergalactic Lawrence Taylor who makes others change their strategy just for him!
Like other Niven books, I get so into turning pages that I miss some major points, but would rather read it again front to back than stop and diagram things out. I've had enough of those high school days. Glad these exist so I can indulge my freedom.
I want to keep reading about Beowulf Shaffer, about Sigmund Ausfaller. I find Sigmund especially inspiring and can tell he inspired other street smart unconventional super tech characters. I don't know if it predates, but Altered Carbon seems to borrow a lot from this part of the Ringworld series. Without covering them all and doing my own research, I don't know.
Sigmund is someone who I would like to be. One step ahead. Maybe two. Good enough to strike fear into the hearts of other species, like an intergalactic Lawrence Taylor who makes others change their strategy just for him!
Like other Niven books, I get so into turning pages that I miss some major points, but would rather read it again front to back than stop and diagram things out. I've had enough of those high school days. Glad these exist so I can indulge my freedom.
January 14, 2020
This is a series that has continued to entertain me over three books. What's interesting to me is just how well it weaves its way through established Known Space chronology, while at the same time adding more and more levels to narratives that are well know to fans of the series. While the first book, Fleet of Worlds, really set the stage for what was to come, and Juggler of Worlds gave a nice secret history to the whole thing while simultaneously introducing the reader to an interesting group of characters, with Destroyer of Worlds the whole thing starts to move actively forward. The breadcrumbs have been let out, and it's our job as readers to follow them. It's been a good journey thus far, and I look forward to following it a bit longer. The only question I have now is whether to jump right from Betrayer into Fate, or reread the four Ringworld books first to keep things in a fairly chronological order. We'll see...
February 9, 2018
This was quite enjoyable. Granted, I'm rather invested in Known Space universe, Ringworld specifically - and this novel was promising some answers in that area. There are few answers, but a lot of setup towards eventual answers. It's well written, and at times it was quite gripping - I couldn't put it down easily. If I were to nitpick on anything, short chapters would be the main thing. Sometimes it felt a little bit like an adventure movie, with frequent cuts and non-stop action. I bet this is Lerner's doing.
All in all, definitely worth reading if you are familiar with and like Known Space. As a stand-alone book it probably isn't strong enough to keep reader's interest, too many outside references.
All in all, definitely worth reading if you are familiar with and like Known Space. As a stand-alone book it probably isn't strong enough to keep reader's interest, too many outside references.
July 6, 2017
Best of the 5 Fleet of Worlds books...
Follows the adventures of the Puppeteers, and Sigmund Ausfaller, and the humans of New Terra... as they deal with a Pak Invasion Threat...
If you love reading about Protectors, you are going to love this book, and I do. If you dont, read this book anyway...
Niven and Lerner do a great job detailing the thought processes, and typical everyday life of asuper-genius Pak Protector...
Follows the adventures of the Puppeteers, and Sigmund Ausfaller, and the humans of New Terra... as they deal with a Pak Invasion Threat...
If you love reading about Protectors, you are going to love this book, and I do. If you dont, read this book anyway...
Niven and Lerner do a great job detailing the thought processes, and typical everyday life of asuper-genius Pak Protector...
August 16, 2018
This feels like the book the entire series was leading up to. Sooooo gooood! The Pak truly are a terrifying enemy, and almost feel like a plague upon the other species in the galaxy. I enjoyed the action, the characters, all of the wonderful twisting suspicion and paranoia and tricks that happen between all of the races (including the 'allied' ones). The ending kind of petered out strangely, with a series of diminishing climaxes, but I still enjoyed the whole deal.
February 9, 2019
The puppeteers and most of the aliens were interesting but I found the pak backstory unplausable to the point that it annoyed me. I know too much about evolutionary biology. Also, picked this book up in the middle of the series because our library has just random bits from the series (no ringworld) so I think I missed some things. Same with the Culture series except they have book one then skip to eight or something. Small town library. Anyway... 3.5 stars
December 9, 2025
The story is really hitting its stride.
A rag-tag fleet of Pak protectors is bearing down on the Fleet of Worlds and New Terra.
There's not much about Earth and Known Space in this one, just the Puppeteers, the humans of New Terra and the Gw'oth.
Ties up some loose ends from Protector.
A rag-tag fleet of Pak protectors is bearing down on the Fleet of Worlds and New Terra.
There's not much about Earth and Known Space in this one, just the Puppeteers, the humans of New Terra and the Gw'oth.
Ties up some loose ends from Protector.
March 22, 2020
Interesting sci-fi novel, concentrating more on the characters than the plot - as do all of the Known Space novels that I've read. It's easy to see how this could be a precursor to things like the Culture novels, but it's not as good.
Still worth a read, but read the Ringworld books first, they are better.
Still worth a read, but read the Ringworld books first, they are better.
May 10, 2022
This third book managed to recapture the delights of the first without the slight dip I experienced in the second. The ending was annoyingly cliffhangerish and disappointing as at this point I hate the PAC more than even the puppeteers. Needless to say I'm hooked, despite the evil characters driven by DNA imperatives alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2017
This is a very good book in the Fleet of Worlds series. Familiar characters if you have read the previous books. Niven continues to add characters and worlds to his universe. If you've read the previous books it is very enjoyable!
April 14, 2018
Much better than the second book. This one was quite action packed and kept me riveted. The shifting from character to character was well done. Also loved the further development of the several alien races.
October 9, 2018
Yes, well after reading book 2 I had conjectured whether the series would be one that ties other Niven novels together into a whole. I was right about that. When the book starts it is with a Pak which any Niven reader will recall. This is not a bad thing at all and I rather enjoyed it.
October 17, 2018
I read Protector as a kid and this novel tied into that story very well. I continue to be mystified by how the Puppeteers have managed to remain so successful, when they can't even bring themselves to try risky science experiments. I think the Gw'oth are now my very favorite Known Space aliens.
October 5, 2017
Good, highly technical SF.
December 25, 2017
Re - read this trilogy for the second time -- excellent books.
May 14, 2018
Not my kinda book. DNF
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