From MLucas@CRHA-Health.Ab.Ca Wed Jul 19 12:26:21 1995
Date: Wed, 19 Jul 95 13:28:00 MDT
Subject: Books and stuff
 
Doug,
 
I came across your reviews after doing a search on Stephen R. Donaldson.
After reading some of them, it became obvious that your opinions on books
seem to be very similar to my own. In other words, when it comes to books
your views are virtually 100% correct, differing only slightly from my
views.
 
Here are some of my opinions on your reviews, and some suggestions on books
to try out.
 
1) Your review of the two Covenant series was excellent. I too believe those
books (especially the first series) are among the most original and
ground-breaking books in the history of the genre. They deserve a place next
to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, simply because they managed to tell a
similar sort of tale in an absolutely original way. The only complaint I
have about the Covenant books is that they are too damn depressing! And this
is not a problem with the stories or anything; I just mean it makes them a
little bit harder to read. It also makes them more difficult to get others
interested in, as I have found time and again. Nevertheless I wouldn't have
it any other way.
 
2) I must say, however, that I actually prefer the Mordant's Need series
over the Covenant books, probably mainly because they are not so depressing.
And the plot is so complex and compelling: Donaldson seems to understand
what kinds of scenes will make his readers shudder with awe, and brings them
about with finesse. Plus I'm just a romantic at heart, and the story of
Terisa and Geraden turns my wheels.
 
3) Taking your recommendations, I've just started to read Dan Simmons
(Hyperion). Thanks!
 
4) Now for some recommendations of my own. Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time
series, which has been recommended to you by others, is a good one, though
it seems to be slightly overrated. It has some very good moments, but it
also seems that Jordan has become _too_ popular, and his editors let him get
away with too much. His books all approach 1000 pages, and many of the later
ones seem to need trimming down in some parts.
     One writer that I recommend to you with a passion, though, is Patricia
A. McKillip. She seems to be a friend of Donaldson's (I believe he dedicated
The One Tree to her, while she dedicated one of her Riddle-Master series to
him). She is not all that prolific, but be sure to read the Riddle-Master
series, starting with the Riddle Master of Hed. Also, try to find (in the
library, since it's not very popular) a book by her called Fool's Run. It's
a single volume science-fiction book, and is one of the best novels I've
read in my life. Donaldson (on the book jacket) said something to the effect
of "There are no better writers than Patricia A. McKillip. If you don't
believe me, read Fool's Run. Like a shimmer of oil on water, her writing is
at once beautiful and evanescent. Some writers paint the surface: some go
deep. McKillip does both." You couldn't ask for a better recommendation,
from a better source. (I mean Donaldson, not me.)
 
5) I agreed with you on the Timothy Zahn books; they actually managed to
bring back the feeling of the Star Wars trilogy, a feat in itself. However,
I am growing quite upset about all the Star Wars books that are being
published now. I liked Jedi Search, Kevin Anderson's first book, but the
sequel Dark Apprentice was horrible, probably the worst book I've read cover
to cover. I don't want Star Wars books to turn into something akin to Star
Trek ones; a way of publishing inferior writing while being insured of many
sales. Just my little beef.
 
6) You didn't like the Ludlum books you mentioned, but you didn't read The
Bourne Identity. I agree with you that The Bourne Supremacy was mediocre at
best, and The Bourne Ultimatum I couldn't even finish, but the first one was
brilliant.
 
7) I understand your reluctance to buy hardcovers; yet I don't understand
where you get the resolve to hold back on, say, Donaldson's Gap series. How
can you wait? What I usually do is borrow the hardcover from the library
(often there's a waiting list, but don't be afraid to reserve it). Then, if
I liked it enough, I'll buy it when it comes out in paperback: this way I'll
own it in case I want to read it again or lend it to a friend, and also I'll
give the author some royalties for writing such a great book.
     The Gap series is awesome! The characters and setting in it are so
strong, and the plot so intricate, that I prefer this series over even the
Covenant books. The first novel, The Real Story, is finely crafted story
with a small scope. But as the series progresses, the scope grows more epic,
the plot more intricate and appealing, the characters more real. I urge you
to buy all the paperbacks right away (the first four are out), then borrow
the fifth (and last) book, This Day All Gods Die, from the library when it
comes out, which is supposed to be very soon. I myself will spring for the
hardcover; Donaldson deserves the royalties.
 
8) I once heard that Stephen R. Donaldson wrote some mystery novels under a
pen name; do you know anything about this?
 
Lastly, I will leave you with this quote from the famous poet John Keats:
"Truth is beauty, beauty truth: that is all ye know on earth, and all ye
ever need know."
 
Mike Lucas
Mike.Lucas@CRHA-Health.ab.ca