Customer Reviews (3)

Series started well, ends indifferently
_When the Changewinds Blow_ is probably my favorite of the Chalker novels, and overall I tend to like the Changewinds saga better than any of his other series (the Well of Souls possibly excepted). And even this last book shows the clever and realistic feel for politics that made the series so interesting. Unfortunately it gets caught up in the all-too-familiar Chalker flaws-- obsession with body transformations (even to the detriment of the plot), sexual slavery, and the role of women in relation to their body image.

A trilogy let down
This is the third book in a trilogy started by Where The Cangewinds Blow.The first book was thrilling to the point that I chased down the next 2 books for 7 years.The second book was decent it kept the story going.The third was a bit of a let down.The books are conected and one must read all three if they have begun.the Author seems to have lost his original train of thought.In the first book he writes like its a thrilling Sci Fi book and the second book just picks up threads where he left it, but the third while continueing the thread seems to become somewhat like a Fable in that it carries with it a moral.In my opinion the moral should have been left out though it mat speak to some teenage girls.

Great climax to a good series
Third book of the stunning Changewinds series, a beautiful blend of the typical fantasy world of swords and monsters, and the somewhat modern world, with guns and plumbing and electric lighting. And it's blended so seamlessly that I often wonder what kind of a world it is, modern or fantasy.

The characters Sam and Charley go through even MORE transformations in this book, their physical states altered in odd ways. The climax was brilliant, showing how the two girls' wishes intertwine and weave together into a result that, on the surface, would seem almost ideal, but behind the scenes, in the opinions and minds of the two heroines, has it's own problems, like any change and tiral of life. Great ending, atypical of many fantasy novels I've read. ... Read more

Product Description
The evil Dark Baron has escaped and joined forces in the far North with the Master of the Dead to theaten all of Husaquahr with enslavement.Only Joe can stop them -- but Joe is no longer quite himself.In fact, he's not sure who he is! ... Read more

Product Description
At the grandest hotel in the universe, star-crossed lovers cross paths with the woman who rules the earth, a shape-shifting madame fulfills the needs of extraterrestrials, and a thin-skinned human fights cosmic assassins. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Funny, Grand, Wonderful
This book is great! It's filled with short stories by top-notch sci-fi writers. Some are funny, some are mysterious, all are great. Each one takes place in the Hotel Andromeda - a huge spaceport hotel. I can't express how awesome this book is! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wow
Let me start off by saying that I have read a LOT of Chalker.This series is going beyond my already high expectaions.The 1st book was great as an introduction to the worlds and the concepts that you will be struggling with throughout the series.The 2nd book jumped an order of magnitude forward in sheer brilliance.It is set quite a few years in the future from the ending of the last book, so you can really see how to social structures that were built in the past stack up (or fail to).

A little more is revealed about the nature of the Soul Riders and how Anchor came to be in Flux.This is really great stuff, and I hope the rest of the series keeps the pace going.it could potentially even beat out the Well World books as my favourite series of his. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Diamond Saga continues
This is volume 3 of the Lords of the Diamonds series. It begins very much like Cerberus. On the one hand, the repetions in the beginning are a bit annoying, on the other hand, they are in complete accordance with the series' logic. Anyway, you shouldn't read the book without having read thefirst two volumes - Lilith and Cerberus. If you read this one first, myguess is that you'll miss about 75 % of the enjoyment. This review, too, isfor those who have read the first two books.

Now, if you've come so farwith the series, you surely want to know how the story goes on, so go aheadand read Charon and Medusa, too. In my opinion, Charon's a little betterthan Cerberus, but no match for the magnificent Lilith. Mr. Chalker is asstupidly PC as ever, and again, the end is very abrupt and confusing, buton the other hand, Mr. Chalker cleverly avoids repeating himself andmanages to completely surprise you, again.

For Diamonds' fans only.

Excellent third book in a four part series.
This is the third book in the Lords of the Warden Diamond four-book series. An unnamed investigator is sent to investigate the possibility of an extra-galactic invasion that could possibly be amassing in the Warden Diamond penal colonies. Due to the strange nature of the Diamond planets which makes it impossible for a person to leave the system once he has landed, the secret agents mind is copied onto the brains of four criminals who are being sent to the four planets of the Diamond system, while the original agent remains in orbit above, monitoring transmission from devices implented in the copies' brains. Each book deals with the adventures of one of the copies on his/her mission to find the source of the invasion, and take over the government of the world to which he/she was assigned. This third book deals with the mission to Charon, the closest planet to the system's star. This has always been one of my favorite series, as it was well written and kept me guessing as to various mysteries right up to the end. As a member of the whole series, this book is a must buy. On its own, it is not as good. The other three books are Lilith: A snake in the grass, Cerberus, and Medusa. I do not recall the subtitles of the latter two books. ... Read more

Product Description
For centuries, interstellar prospectors had searched for the fabled worlds of the Three Kings, the lost El Dorado of the galaxy. But if any found it, they were never heard from again. The mad cyborg Prophet, Ishmael Hand, discovered the mysterious system, with artefacts indicating a superhuman technology, and he had refused to reveal its location before vanishing. Now a chance encounter between what's left of the once - mighty human military and an inexplicable allen force has brought an armed expedition to the third planet of the Three Kings, Kaspar. They will join forces with the survivors of the two earlier expeditions, who have been marooned both by alien powers and by human treachery, as they at last encounter the alien minds behind the mysterious triple planetary system - and they will face a decision that may determine the fate of the entire human race! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Answers are Revealed
We have seen what has happened to two earlier expeditions to the Three Kings.Now we encounter a mystery on the Human worlds.A mystery that begins with an old space captain transporting three pregnant girls.When the surviving space navy picks him up for tax evasion, they are first exposed to the mystery.Suddenly the navy's purpose is clear.There is something for them to do other than collect taxes.There are still fights to be fought.

The trail leads to an agricultural and zoological world.There they discover a conclave of power up to no good.Clues point to an involvement with the Three Kings.Finally the navy decides that they must mount a force to travel to the Kings.There they find more mysteries and survivors form earlier expeditions.Soon they realize where the answers must lie if they exist at all.

Very interesting.It leaves a feeling that there might be another book or series.But most of the original questions have been answered.Forces at work in the universe are explained as is the lure of the Kings.Although not Chalker's best work, it does manage to showcase his scale of wonder present is most of his work.A good read and a must for Chalker fans.

"Where's the rest of me"
I used to like Jack Chalker's work and on the strength of his earlier books picked up this trilogy at my local library.The first two books were OK and he did generate some interest and tension in them but this last book was a big disappointment. This book should have been where he went for it and released all the tension he tried to generate in books one and two.Instead, he ran out of steam, lost interest in this project, copped out, take your pick.The big finish just dissolved into largely incomprehensible and unsatisfying mush and was about as interesting as three week old celery in the crisper drawer.

Best book of trilogy but weak ending
I agree with the other reviewers who have wondered where the ending is in this book. I give it 4 stars because I found it the best read of the three (Balshazzar and Melchoir were both tough hauls setting up the characters in their first halves) it really does feel like there's chapters, even a whole other book, missing at the end. I expected a 'To Be Continued' though I wouldn't really another book in this series.

I'm a huge Chalker fan from early on in his writing but this one could have been a large single rather than a trilogy, even though the Three Kings obviously lend themselves to the trilogy format.

Much as I admire Jack Chalker this trilogy is a weaker effort and probably only for fans.

Where's the ending ?
I am a big Jack Chalker fan, but this series hung me out to dry.The first two books are innocuous enough "brain candy", but Kaspar's box seems like Jack grew tired of writing this series.A very long lead up to an entirely too quick "ending"... though it's tough to call it an ending.Skip the series.One good thing... he got through an entire series without one of the characters ending up in a form/shape not their own.Might be a first for him.

Wish it were about 100 pages longer
This is the third in a trilogy which should be read in order. As always, Chalker develops the characters well.He also enlists a couple from the previous two books.I just got the feeling that about 3/4 of the way through, he decided to abridge the remainder of the novel that could have been.Arrival at the three kings is rushed, and all of the answers are spoon fed in the last chapter.It would have been better for me if it was drawn out, but then, now I have to wait for him to write his next book, as I have read all of Chalker's books.He is still my favorite Sci-Fi author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

prophetic outlook yet lacks length
I had been reading the Master of the Rings series by Jack L. Chalker and thought that I should try another one of Chalker's sorta-sci-fi books. I chose War of Shadows for its timely reminder that a biological disaster is always on the minds of madmen. Chalker's take on the matter is quite prophetic. The gist of the mayhem possibilities is there but the length of the novel doesn't lend credence to the epic plight America is in. It's a brief yet spacious plot- solidly good and just that.

One of Jack's best
A chilling view of what may well be.Having spent many years in the millitary I found this work to ring way to true for my taste.One only needs to look at the current deregulation efforts, and the effect in California, to see just how bad it can get.We could go this way without much trouble.The best part about the book is how and why the heros make it all happen.Once again he is showing the naked truth of the issues.While he makes a hard point, it is done in a manner which makes you think.The best aspect is the little guy doing the right thing not just taking over ... Read more

Product Description
Fearing that his escape from the deadly prison planet Melchior had been engineered by his arch-enemy, Lazlo Chen, Hawks and his fellow prisoners seek refuge in the midst of pirate territory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

galactic swashbuckling escape
Let's start off by saying the Book 1 of Rings of the Master was a fine novel, indeed. It was packed with speculative fiction, science fiction, heavy character introductions and development, plot thickening and escape. Now, we come to Book 2 of the series and find, firstly, that this book is about half as long as the first book. However, charcter development (a key in this series) is still be explored to a high degree. Just as well since the cast find theselvs getting deeper and deeper in the uncharted escape from earth. Adventure is shifted into high gear. Besides te disappointed length of the book, it's a great follow-up!

Plot twists galore!
If you like swashbucklers, science fiction, stories rich in culture clash, and novels that make you examine morality anew you will love Pirates of the Thunder.Follow Hawks and his crew of unlikely revolutionaries as they figure out interstellar travel in a 14 km long starship all the while being chased by Master Systems minions who will stop at nothing to silence them once and for all before they find and use the Five Rings of the Masters.

Chalker is ingenious at taking the plot places that you would never suspect all the while keeping his characters interesting and more than one dimensional.I am pretty good at guessing where plots of movies and books are going, but there were at least two times while reading this where I gasped at a plot twist.This is not literature but is one of the funnest books I have read in a long tmie.Highly recommended!

Definitely good reading
It took me a while to get into the first book but once I read it I wanted to read all the remaining book in the series. It took me a while to track all four of them down. NOw I can't put it down. Definitely kept me interested the whole time. I took it on my trip to London and during the 9 hrs flight time I only got up once to use the restroom. I was totally hooked. The characters are starting to develop more and become more likeable.

Sweet Book.
Rather undratitional twist on old theme's set this book apart. Some of the concepts are mind boggling and I was left wondering just where the author's mind went in it's free time. All the technology is well explained andunlike some other si-fi books.

Pirates of the Thunder is awesome
This book has a new way of opening up a science fiction world.There are spaceships, robots, Artificial Intelligence, and really cool alien beings. I love to read this book when I am bored or if I have to do a book report.It is awesome how the book opens up new storys for each character.ITS THE BEST! ... Read more

Product Description
A FEW ALTERATIONS
Throckmorton P. Ruddygore, master wizard, had troubles--again!
Ruddygore had defeated the Dark Baron and exiled him from the magical realm of Husaquahr to Earth. But he hadn't counted on the Baron's using an earthly computer to create even more effective spells.
Of course, the Baron couldn't use those spells. But the forces of Hell soon sent him a second-rank wizard who could--and together they worked a scam so that Ruddygore couldn't cross the Sea of Dreams to deal with the Baron directly. Now the Baron was developing a scheme that would surely result in Armageddon before its time.
Once again Marge the fairy and Joe the barbarian were called upon to do the dirty work. They had to return to their home world and stop the Baron--if they could . . .
And that would be only the beginning of their assignment!
"A damn fine storyteller . . . Chalker is a master."
--Orson Scott Card
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Really Great Fantasy Books
I have both books that have two novels in one. I had my books for almost 10 years, and every two years I go back and read them.They really are great stories. Marge is a cute little fairy, and Joe is this big hulking barbarian.I saw one review that said, "Just go with it". And if you do,you will get sucked into Ruddygore's world in no time.Good Reading

Great, fast reading, odd concepts
This is a GREAT series from "The River of the Dancing Gods" to "Demons of the Dancing Gods" to "Vengance of the Dancing Gods".If you read those three and like them a lot, just go back to "River of the Dancing Gods", do not pass GO, do not buy "Songs of the Dancing Gods" (the fantasy fades into more drama than you want with a series like this), just go back to "River of the Dancing Gods" and read the trilogy again.I love thse books and recommend them to everyone I know.JACK, IF YOU'RE READING THIS, I HART THOSE BOOKS SOOOO MUCH.
‡-------- this much -------‡.

The Smoothest Fantasy Series I've ever read!
Litterally...smooth.There's nothing complicated about this series.This is one of those types that you just sit down and say "I really could care less."and start reading.It isn't deep.These were the twomajor emotions it set off in me:that feeling when you were an adventurouskid, wanting to run down a hill with a big sword to clobber some big meanmonster so you could save the most beautiful girl (who you knew would wantyou in return), and WHAT IN THE WORLD COULD POSSIBLY COME NEXT.Don't tryto outthink it, even though you might be able to.Don't go into it withexpectations, they probably won't be met.Just read it with a smile andyou won't be let down! ... Read more

Product Description
This collection includes the novel "Dancers in the Afterglow" as well as two short stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Indispensable to the Science Fiction Bibliophile
Much significant science fiction and fantasy writing was published for the first (and often the only) time by specialty presses that printed only a few hundred copies and distributed them almost nowhere.This massivereference work, compiled by writer Jack Chalker and bookseller Mark Owings,tries to rescue such publications from bibliographic oblivion.

Thelistings include 2,500 or so books under more than 200 different imprints. The editors' objective was to cover every non-mass market publisher, activeor defunct, since 1923 that devoted itself exclusively to SF and fantasy,produced at least one hardcover book and offered works by authors otherthan the owner.Added to these are numerous books within the field fromcompanies with a substantial non-SF orientation.Coverage includes allEnglish-speaking countries, plus a few English language books producedelsewhere and a handful of French and German titles.

Entries contain thestandard bibliographic data, detailed tables of contents and pithyeditorial notes.Of considerable interest are narrative histories of eachpublisher, ranging in length from a few paragraphs to several pages.Thebest of these read almost like case studies in how to succeed or fail inthe small press business.

The authors are men of strong opinions, whichthey are not reticent about stating.Perhaps as a consequence, the bookreceived a number of scathing reviews, ostensibly condemning errors in thetext.There certainly are factual mistakes, which the editors havediligently worked to correct in the supplements to the original volume, butthey are startlingly few in relation to the bulk of the work.As for theopinions, they are tactless in spots but lively and well-informed.

No SFbibliophile with spare cash in his pocket will want to be without thisvolume.In hopes of facilitating its acquisition, let me end with its ownpublishing information:

"The Science-Fantasy Publishers"appeared under the imprint of Mirage Press Ltd. of Westminster, Maryland(Chalker's personal operation; not to be confused with a similarly namedoutfit in California), copyright 1991, ISBN 0-88358-204-X.It is labeled"Third Edition".The first two "editions", however,were published 25 years earlier (under the title "The Index to theScience-Fantasy Publishers"); copies of those versions, if one couldfind them, would have only curiosity value.

The editors have issued atleast five supplements at roughly annual intervals.(The last that I knowabout is dated 1997.)In 1998, they produced an "Edition 3.5" onCD-Rom, incorporating all corrections and supplementary material to thattime.

Indispensable to the Science Fiction Bibliophile
Much significant science fiction and fantasy writing was published for the first (and often the only) time by specialty presses that printed only a few hundred copies and distributed them almost nowhere.This massivereference work, compiled by writer Jack Chalker and bookseller Mark Owings,tries to rescue such publications from bibliographic oblivion.

Thelistings include 2,500 or so books under more than 200 different imprints. The editors' objective was to cover every non-mass market publisher, activeor defunct, since 1923 that devoted itself exclusively to SF and fantasy,produced at least one hardcover book and offered works by authors otherthan the owner.Added to these are numerous books within the field fromcompanies with a substantial non-SF orientation.Coverage includes allEnglish-speaking countries, plus a few English language books producedelsewhere and a handful of French and German titles.

Entries contain thestandard bibliographic data, detailed tables of contents and pithyeditorial notes.Of considerable interest are narrative histories of eachpublisher, ranging in length from a few paragraphs to several pages.Thebest of these read almost like case studies in how to succeed or fail inthe small press business.

The authors are men of strong opinions, whichthey are not reticent about stating.Perhaps as a consequence, the bookreceived a number of scathing reviews, ostensibly condemning errors in thetext.There certainly are factual mistakes, which the editors havediligently worked to correct in the supplements to the original volume, butthey are startlingly few in relation to the bulk of the work.As for theopinions, they are tactless in spots but lively and well-informed.

No SFbibliophile with spare cash in his pocket will want to be without thisvolume.In hopes of facilitating its acquisition, let me end with its ownpublishing information:

"The Science-Fantasy Publishers"appeared under the imprint of Mirage Press Ltd. of Westminster, Maryland(Chalker's personal operation; not to be confused with a similarly namedoutfit in California), copyright 1991, ISBN 0-88358-204-X.It is labeled"Third Edition".The first two "editions", however,were published 25 years earlier (under the title "The Index to theScience-Fantasy Publishers"); copies of those versions, if one couldfind them, would have only curiosity value.

The editors have issued atleast five supplements at roughly annual intervals.(The last that I knowabout is dated 1997.)In 1998, they produced an "Edition 3.5" onCD-Rom, incorporating all corrections and supplementary material to thattime. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

character depth, deepening plot
From square one this book will introduce you to salt-of-the-earth characters, eventually involving them in extraordinary circumstances. From this, their individual and collective personality develop into something appreciable and very interesting. The sheer montage of the main characters sets a truely overwhelming stage, which I can't wait to delve into and explore the possibilites for the remaining three books.

It's my first Chalker book and I do plan on reading the remaining three books. The character development is exceptional but there's enough action to keep you entertained as well as interested.

Hands Down best Sci Fi EVER
I have read a lot of Sci Fi--More than most people ever do. I was absolutely stunned at the panoramic beauty and scope of this series of books. Without a doubt one of, if not THE, best series ever in the history of the genre. The symbolism and struggles are hauntingly realistic and accurate--meshing with our deepest hopes and desires. This is a deep book from a deep series. My favorite author of all time. Between this series and the Wellworld series, all other authors have new benchmarks to aim for.

Imaginative, a little too much in typical Chalker style
At a certain point, I'd read a lot of Jack L. Chalker, but hadn't gotten around to reading The Rings of the Master series.

On the one hand, the book isn't disappointing-- the plot is inventive enough and the concept and characters engaging. Mankind lives in what is essentially a terrarium of their own invention. Centuries ago, people set computers up to rule the world and prevent mankind from killing itself. However, the computers now rule too well-- leaving people no free will or ability to innovate. Five rings were left by the creators of the original system and those rings have the ability to shut the computers off. The heros of the story must find the rings in the face of the computers' opposition.

I think people who haven't read a lot of Chalker won't be bugged by the repetition from earlier books, but even given a lot of elapsed time, I was still struck by how many old familiar Chalker elements there are-- gender switching, mind control, rape, blindness, physical experimentation. It felt a little too predictable in this way-- some kind of fetish (writer or reading public?) being expressed in the body of work.

Unique and Disturbing
Mr. Chalker presents an Earth more horrifying than 1984 or Brave New World.In this future you can be made to behave however the Master System (an all-powerful computer) chooses, in the name of preserving humanity. The individual's worth has been destroyed for the sake of society.I foundthe characters' instinctive need to regain control of this world a motiveworth cheering for, though the author didn't extrapolate much on thephilosophical implications of his theme.

Characters are dealt with evenmore harshly than in Stephen R. Donaldson's Gap series if you can believeit; psychologically brutalized to the point where some can no longer beconsidered the same people at the end of the story that they were at thebeginning.Occasionally the book comes close to making the charactersuninterestingly powerless, but by the end their free will has persevered. I'm glad I did as well.

Chalker lacks Donaldson's deftness and writinginto and out of corners, but the storyline holds together. This isn't thebest book I've ever read for characters or plot twists, but the setting andsituation have some interesting implications.That alone earns it fivestars, and I hope the author tries to explore them further in the sequels.I'll definitely pick them up (if I find them anywhere, that is) to findout.

Lords of the Middle Dark - a bright spark
Good story telling with emphasis on character development rather than indepth tech talk - the usual Chalker style I dare say.

The human race is caged by its own creation of which was created to protect the humansfrom destroying itself.Vaguely along the lines of Arthur C Clarke's2001:A Space Odysee where the computer running the space ship is alsoprogrammed to carry out the mission - no matter the cost.HAL in this sagais Master System - a mega computer developed by five key scientists toprevent humans from self-destruction.The book has an underlying messageof how humans are increasingly becoming dependent on technology.MasterSystem has taken over the world - its "prime objective" - savethe human race.It has control over everything and anything, more like aGod of whom all humans must obey.

An unlikely hero (isn't it alwaysthat way?) who grows to be likeable one, takes on the task of stoppingMaster System.This is achieved by using a process in which the fiveoriginal scientists programmed in - just in case.Five rings must beobtained which contains the key to stop Master System - but one bears thequestion "why didn't Master System destroy the rings?"Answer:because it has to allow humans to achieve it.It can try and stop them butit cannot destroy any chance of them obtaining the rings.

Jack L Chalkerconcentrates on the plot and character development rather than elaborateestablishment of science and technology.This makes for easier acceptanceof the technologies "invented" in the story."The Lords ofthe MiddleDark" is the first book of a series of four.And, iscompelling reading as the reader yearns for the next book in the series. ... Read more

Product Description
Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, July-August 1978, Vol. 2, No. 4 (Whole No. 8); Editor: George H. Scithers. 196 pages, cover art by Frank Kelly Freas. Contents: It's a Funny Thing, essay by Isaac Asimov; The New Magazine, essay by Isaac Asimov; On Books, essay by Charles N. Brown; Cautionary Tales, by Larry Niven; The Great Ring of Neptune, by Martin Gardner; Horseless Carriage, by Michael A. Banks; Frank Kelly Freas, essay by Ginger Kaderabek; Message to Myself, by Diana L. Paxson; Public Relations, by Ginger Kaderabek; Dance Band on the Titanic, by Jack L. Chalker; And One For My Friend Here, Please, poem by John M. Ford; On the Way, by Conway Conley; But Do They Ride Dolphins? by Frederick S. Lord, Jr.; The SF Conventional Calendar, essay by Erwin S. Strauss; When We Come Down, by Stephen Leigh; In Re Literati, poem by John M. Ford; Fragger's Bottom Line... Line... Line... by Sherwood Springer; One Rejection Too Many, by Patricia Nurse; The Suicide of Man, by John Brunner; Letters; Leigh Brackett Hamilton: 7 December 1915 - 18 March 1978, essay by Randall Garrett. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great classic sci-fi.
Terrific early issue with Larry Niven's "Cautionary Tales" as well as stories by other great authors including John Brunner, Jack L. Chalker, Martin Gardner and other, a tribute to Leigh Brackett (screenwriter of The Empire Strikes Back and many classic movies in addition to sci-fi stories) by Randall Garrett.Plus cover art by the great Frank Kelly Freas! ... Read more

Product Description

ON THE RUN FROM THE INTERSTELLAR MOB!

For centuries, interstellar prospectors had searched for the fabled worlds of the Three Kings, the lost El Dorado of the galaxy. But none had succeeded. Only the mad cyborg Prophet, Ishmael Hand, had ever seen the mysterious system, and he had refused to reveal its location before vanishing forever into history. Then, with the help of his flock, a starfaring evangelist -- Doctor Karl Woodward, preacher and leader of the starship The Mountain -- found it, only to disappear in turn.

Now a new group of explorers must follow the trail that Woodward blazed. A spacegoing salvage team, desperately in debt after a violent alien menace ruins a lucrative assignment and decimates the group, is hired to follow the clues Woodward left behind. But the team's shady creditors won't want to wait...and they won't much care how they get their investments back.

Fearing pursuit by their former backers, the group heads off for the ultimate salvage operation. By hook or by crook, they will find the Three Kings -- if the galactic underworld's repo men don't get them first! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Return to the Three Kings
In the first book of the series we followed a religious group as they journeyed to the legendary world of the Three Kings.Possible location of untold riches and paradise it has been near impossible to find.

Now we meet a salvage team.On a routine salvage job they encounter something deadly and must utilize their toughness and convictions to survive.This ordeal, while leaving them penniless, makes them the target of a wealthy benefactor who claims to know the way to the Three Kings.With nothing left to lose they accept the new job.

While we don't learn what the three kings really are we do see them more closely than we did in the first book.Some of the mystery is solved but not all.What is the significance of the Great Silence?Do the Three Kings have a purpose?How can their riches be claimed?

Although the Three Kings aren't really mentioned until the midpoint of the book they quickly become the focus.Unlike in the first volume, much time is actually spent in the Kings' system.Some questions are answered and others are asked.All of it combines to keep the reader going to the end and into the next book.An if you made it this far you will just have to read the next one.

Nonstop action--much better
The crew of the salvage ship Stanley is in trouble. They lose their salvage in an alien attack and ripe for a tycoon's offer. He knows the coordinates to the fabulous Three Kings, a system with three human-inhabitable planets, and a treasure-trove of alien and quasi-natural marvels. The Stanley crew is game and the human race could use the help--it is slowly dying after the loss of contact with Earth and the other advanced worlds.

What follows is an action-packed adventure as the small crew of salvage experts trigger what just might be the biggest trap in the universe.

MELCHIOR'S FIRE is a sequel to the much inferior BALSHAZZAR'S SERPENT (reading the earlier novel is not essential to enjoying MELCHIOR'S FIRE). Author Jack L. Chalker's universe is fascinating and this, together with the non-stop action makes up for a variety of authorly sins (the characters could be better developed, the dialogue is sometimes a little clunky, and the author intrusion is, uh, intrusive).

I approached MELCHIOR'S FIRE with some trepidation after my experience with BALSHAZZAR'S SERPENT, but found myself quickly hooked, reading the entire (short) novel in a single sitting.

Very Good Read
Jack Chalker is not one of the authors who I usually follow and read.I read Melchior's Fire before I realized that it was a sequel to Balshazzar's Serpent.This is probably a good thing, as I never finished Bashazzar's Serpent.I thought it was a bit dry.All this being said, Melchiors Fire is a good read.

The story very much seems like two stories tied together by common characters.The first half of the book deals with the first human contact with an intelligent alien species.This seems a significant event and rightly so.It soon becomes apparent that this first story is included merely to set the tone and events necessary to tell the second story.In the second half the surviving members of the first story are financed by a wealthy businessman to find the mystical Space System of the Three Kings.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot but it is enough to say that their adventures are both amazing and exotic.The story was well written and engaging.I would have to agree with at least one of the previous reviewers that the characters are not incredibly developed but then again that is not the strength of this tale.A very action oriented yarn with some original ideas thrown into the mix.

I found two things in the way the story was written that were weaknesses in my opinion.The first issue was the fact that two distinct tales were combined into one.This was only negative in the sense that both stories seemed under developed.Not horribly so but noticeably so.The second negative was the ending.I know this is a preference issue but I thought the ending was unsatisfactory, at least compared to the rest of the tale.

Overall a very good read with very minor flaws.

A fun rad with plnty of ation
The salvagers of the Henry Morton Stanley space ship land on the planet due to the town that looks like a rich find.Randy Queson, known for her ability to decide what has salvage value amidst tons of junk, finds the structure out of synchronization with what should be expected by this planet in which the colonists apparently abruptly left.Randy and crew soon learn why no humans are on site as vicious aliens, who enjoyed snacking on the settlers as part of their lunch, attack the Stanley crew.Randy and most of her mates escape, but the damage is astronomical and their creditors want payment right now.

Desperate, the crew excepts a suicide mission offered by wealthy Norman Sanders.He will cover their debts and more if they follow the alleged route to the legendary Three Kings and return with the magi stones.Assuming that Sanders has provided them with the correct coordinates that he allegedly obtained from the lost Woodward venture, Randy wonders what they will find amidst the three planets that they seek, not yet knowing that aliens control their destination.

The sequel to BALSHAZZAR'S SERPENT, MELCHIOR'S FIRE is an exciting science fiction tale centering on a piratical crew struggling to survive among aliens and creditors.The story line is fun and filled with action, but is not very deep or loaded with strong characters.Instead, Jack L. Chalker's tale is for those readers who relish a non-stop adventure thriller that rides faster than the speed of light.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

extremely out there
it's been years but i still remember the book well and it is(like all chalkers books)really sci-fi out there. what an imagination! besure to check out "web of the chozen" too! ... Read more