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Book Review of Haydn of Mars

Haydn of Mars
Haydn of Mars
Author: Al Sarrantonio
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Trey avatar reviewed on + 260 more book reviews


Sigh. I'd hoped to like this more.
The concept is intriguing - on a terraformed Mars, humanoid cats struggle for who is to rule and how, monarchists vs. republicans, with Princess Hadyn, then Queen, forced into exile to continue the fight.

However, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. First, the cats are too human. I'd have expected a lot more casual cruelty and predatory outlooks from them - even the viewpoint character of Hadyn - than we got. The other is, how can a face covered in fur blush?

Also, Sarrontonio seems to have a bad case of break the cutie where every time something good comes along for Hadyn, its immediately topped by something at least equally bad or worse as happening as well.

Anyway, the world building is interesting, but that's about it.