Ian’s Comments (group member since Aug 17, 2014)

Ian’s comments from the Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy group.

Wrath of Empire, latest book in the "Shayla's World" series, is now available at an introductory price of $0.99.

If the purpose of "fancy" is to admire the writing first and the story second, then color me plain.

To me, the purpose of writing is to tell the story. Sometimes, done well, "fancy" writing enhances the story but ultimately, fancy or plain, the goal of writing is to let the story shine.

Just my 2 cents worth :)

Alan wrote: "Whether that could or should have been done right back at the start, by Niven himself before Lerner got involved . . . open to debate!"

I think the extent to which Niven explored the other species was sufficient for the original Ringworld novel. Sure he could have gone deeper, but would that have added anything of value to that particular story at that particular time? Open to debate, but my opinion is probably not. That's not what that story was about, and too much detail would have bogged it down. Yes, you can have too much of a good thing :)

Alan wrote: "Niven's Puppeteers and Kzinti are good for a 'light read', but lack enough depth to be called 'fascinating' "

I felt these aliens were explored well in some of the companion novels. For example, Fleet of Worlds delves into the Puppeteers, and Destiny's Forge gives depth to the Kzinti.

The only words on the cover I'm likely to notice, let alone pay attention to, are author and title. Then it's straight to page 1 and see if I'm hooked by the opening and the author's voice.

Voice is probably the biggest single factor for me. Do I see myself spending the next week or so in this author's company without gouging my eyes out with a spoon?