In the Courts of the Crimson Kings (Lords of Creation, Bk 2)
Author:
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Hardcover
Let me preface by mentioning that I am a fan of the works of the writer, SM Stirling and science fiction in general. Mr. Stirling has written some mind blowing, action packed stories with memorable characters and fascinating worlds. I highly recommend the Island in the Sea of Time trilogy and Conquistador as well as the first book in this series, The Sky People. They are unforgettable reads.
Having said that,I find it regrettable to report that Courts of the Crimson Kings is just not up to Mr. Stirling's usual standards. Unlike his previous titles, this book's undeveloped characters don't emotionally invest the reader in their fates. You don't know these people so you don't fear for them. They are like strangers on the subway. There's not a lot of plot here either. Stirling becomes so bogged down in the details of describing the people of Mars,their culture, and animal based technology that he leaves little room for plot development.
The Martian society is heavily based on a chesslike board game that all citizens play as practically the only form of entertainment in their every spare minute. This game permeates every aspect of their lives and pretty much every page of the book. These people talk about the game constantly since much of their language references the game. It gets kind of tedious after awhile. As far as the afore-mentioned genetically engineered animal based technology...remember Wilma's kitchen appliances and other household items on THE FLINTSTONES? The bird beak record player and such? Yep. Welcome to Bedrock.
I forced myself to finish it but this book just wasn't for me. I look forward to better works from Mr. Stirling.
Having said that,I find it regrettable to report that Courts of the Crimson Kings is just not up to Mr. Stirling's usual standards. Unlike his previous titles, this book's undeveloped characters don't emotionally invest the reader in their fates. You don't know these people so you don't fear for them. They are like strangers on the subway. There's not a lot of plot here either. Stirling becomes so bogged down in the details of describing the people of Mars,their culture, and animal based technology that he leaves little room for plot development.
The Martian society is heavily based on a chesslike board game that all citizens play as practically the only form of entertainment in their every spare minute. This game permeates every aspect of their lives and pretty much every page of the book. These people talk about the game constantly since much of their language references the game. It gets kind of tedious after awhile. As far as the afore-mentioned genetically engineered animal based technology...remember Wilma's kitchen appliances and other household items on THE FLINTSTONES? The bird beak record player and such? Yep. Welcome to Bedrock.
I forced myself to finish it but this book just wasn't for me. I look forward to better works from Mr. Stirling.
