Ripping space opera with sociological SF undertones! My review, with caveats...

books:


	• Requiem for the Conqueror: Forbidden Borders 1 (Forbidden Borders) W. Michael Gear DAW, 1991 - 624 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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soap opera sci-fic, but fun

Yeah this book isn't hard science fiction, but its a fun read if you're in the mood for it. A lot of the characters are pretty shallow, and its basically the equivalent of a kiddy fairy tale. But, unlike some writers of similar fiction (like for instance Piers Anthony), Gear doesn't try to pretend he is writing some deep novel, its just one rambucious, oath swearing, laser shooting, big-boobed chick, wild, story ride that is fun if you're feeling right for it. Don't expect to read another "Childhood's End", expect more kind of a mix between Beverly Hills 90210 and Bonanza.

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Ripping space opera with sociological SF undertones! My review, with caveats...

I first discovered W. Michael Gear when I picked up a copy of "The Artifact" off a grocery store shelf in 1990. Impressed with Gear's ability to draw engaging characters against an extensive future-SF backdrop, I was delighted to stumble across "Requiem for the Conqueror" on yet another grocery store shelf in 1992.

I was a senior in highschool at that time, and devoured this book, eagerly seeking out its sequels. The character named Sinklar Fist reminded me a lot of myself at that time: not yet an adult but no longer a boy, bright, nerdy, a virgin, with no clue where he was going in life, but with plenty of energy and seeking some kind of big project into which he could channel himself. I relished Sink's exploits, felt his pain, cheered his victories, and very much enjoyed the overall drama and panache of this somewhat-over-the-top SF spectacle.

That was 14 years ago. Having re-read this book again for the first time since 1992, I couldn't give it the same stellar marks I would have given it as a teen. Certain things grated. Namely because I'm a grown man, with wife and child and a career, both civilian and military, and certain aspects of the story ring as cliché.

(NOTE: the paragraphs below contain spoilers!)

For one thing, Sinklar's meteor rise through the ranks, regardless of his intelligence, is both improbable and contrived. Nobody goes from being a Private to a General in such a short timeframe, and certainly nobody that young would be allowed to retain his battlefield commission without first passing through the bowels of various officer schools; no matter how heroic he had proven himself in war. Also, in terms of dialogue, Sinklar and his supposedly "green" buddies turn into cigar-chomping Clint Eastwood veterans way, waaaaaaay before such evolution seems warranted; even with heavy combat. Then there is the problem of Sinklar's open romance with fellow soldier Gretta Artina, right there on the battlefield, a situation which will read as ludicrous to anyone who has ever served in the real military; especially in an active infantry unit.

Finally, this book contains an overabundance of pulp-era pulchritude. Does every main female character have to have a supernaturally perfect body and face? Maybe when I was a youngster I salivated at all the overdone description of large, firm, heaving breasts pressed tightly into too-tight uniforms, sensual eyes casting alluring gazes, saucily swaying hips attached to tight, round buttocks, which in turn are attached to long, shapely legs, and so on and so forth.

But now? Now I grew tired of the soft porn. Not every woman can be a beauty queen, and even if she is, it won't come out in a military setting; to say nothing of all the romance novel antics that go along with that kind of characterization.

Having said all this, I still give the book four stars, on account of the Big Ideas which underpin the story. This isn't just about a young man gone off to war and adventure, seeking fame and fortune. It's about the human species as a whole, the age-old questions of why we continue to war against each other, how the human fallibilities of greed, ambition, cruelty, and callousness can often have terrible and unintended consequences. This book is also about the Closed System conundrum, and how a flawed humanity possessed of high technology is often its own worst enemy inside the Closed System paradigm; in spite of the meddling of the enigmatic and alien Mag Comm computer, and its Seddi minions.

Staffa kar Therma's evolution from unthinking killer to fully-sentient philanthropist is also engaging, as the man is taken through a horrible crucible of abuse and slavery, having plummeted from the apex of human power, to be returned to his former station changed beyond even his own recognition. Come face to face with the realities of death and suffering, Staffa must bear the guilt of knowing that he and his Companions are villains in the eyes of humanity, and that only an effort which might destroy him, and his mercenary corp, can possibly make up for all the blood that has been shed at their hands.

The clash of the fascistic, bloated, decaying empires of Rega and Sassa, each vying for control of Free Space, forms an entertaining backdrop for the personal character drama, and always there is the tantalizing pressence of the Others, first mentioned in the prologue, and lurking just beyond the reader's reach. Who are they? What are they? What fate will they ultimately decree for humanity within the Forbidden Borders?

You'll have to read the series to find out!

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Weak writing, but a fun space-opera story

Gear's writing leaves something to be desired-- as in, more skill with words. This is not a book or series to read if you're seeking to become a better writer. But for sheer, old-fashioned, space-opera fun, this series gets the job done. The previous reviewer is right; you definitely have to be in the mood for this sexy/violent brainless romp. As far as that goes, though, it's pretty darned good, and fun. It's sort of "Dune" without the deep thinking.

reviews: page 1, 2

First in the trilogy by the bestselling co-author of People of the Silence

This rich and exciting trilogy follows the search of one man--raised to be the ultimate general, the penultimate killing machine--for his own humanity and for the son he's never known. A son who is now his sworn enemy...

Praise for W. Michael Gear's novels:

"Highly recommended."--Library Journal

"Exhilarating high adventure."--Locus

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