Best of the Post-Bradley works
I've read probaby all of the late Marion Zimmer Bradley's works (excepting the numerous short story compilations). I think I prefer MZB's writing in the books that came out chronologically in the middle of her series (not the early pulp fiction books), like Bloody Sun, Thendara House, Forbidden Tower, and the Sharra series. They were compelling stories of culture clashes, struggles with sexuality, gender roles, and technology. The later books seem to stray from the themes that are really what makes Darkover stand out. That said, this was my favorite of the collaborative books between MZB and another author. A fundamental part of Darkover culture is the "Compact", an agreement not to use any weapon that doesn't put you in reach of your opponent. This book discusses how the compact was reached. I found Varzil to be a fascinating figure - strong, serious, driven, brilliant. Very unusual for both MZB's work and other science fiction.
great story
sob(i did not know that marion had passed). i am not sure whether this was done before her death or not but it is beautifully written and a credit. why does it seem all the good authors pass so quickly(v.c andrews was another).anyway this book chronicles the lifes of the famous keep varzil the good and the hastur king carolin hastur and their many trials from adolescent to points that their separate destiny's take them.
for these 2 men meet at arillian for training in their laran. while carolin is a minor telepath, varzil is one of extraoridary ability and is soon put in keeper training. carolin soon returns home to assume his duties as heir to the throne and all the political strifes that were rampant in this period of darkover history.
the book keeps you interested from beginning to end and you are almost upset that you have to wait for the 3rd book in this story to come out to see the ending. for all darkover fans, this is definitely one you do not want to miss.
The Legacy Goes On
In this text the reader is treated to a different POV of the times around Hawkmistress! (a Zimmer-Bradley novel). Varzil, one of the greatest Keepers, is shown from the beginning of this training AND this novel takes up a few years after the first book in the trilogy left off (but that news is slow in being told to the reader).Several different subplots are skillfully woven together, and at the end enough is left hanging to leave me wondering how Deborah will interpret Marion's notes.
That said, this is not a book to start with if one has never read any of Zimmer-Bradley or Ross' work, but it is an excellent and worthy addition to the Darkover fold.
Marion's vision continues . . .
Hi, Steve Y. Normally, I don't respond to reviews personally, but I want you to know that Marion and I worked together on the concept of this 3-book project before she passed away. Many of the ideas, as well as characters and settings, are hers. You probably noticed that a number of scenes appeared in HAWKMISTRESS!She left several partial manuscripts, which I will be finishing over the next few years, and they will appear with both our names. After that, we'll see where the saga of Darkover leads us...
I hope you enjoy how I have developed and completed these stories. Thank you for your input!
Best,
Deborah
Also, I'm not tooting my own horn with the stars. They wouldn't let me post a reply without them. Consider it a comment on your comment!
MZB died 3 years ago
Please - let her rest in peace. This greed by her estate is outrageous. Put the title under the real author's name - Ross.
(10 reviews)
