Traitor's Sun: A Novel of Darkover

Rating:
Summary: Not up to par with other MZB works...
Review: The book isn't bad - it just didn't seem to have the intensity that most Darkover books have. MZB normally writes very gripping books, but this one didn't hold my attention as much, and I really wasn't in any hurry to see how it ended - I didn't care as much about the characters and the plot as I have in previous books. The ending was good, and political situation with the Terrans was good, but overall it was a bit of a disapppoinment.

Rating:
Summary: Awaiting more
Review: The book was great! It's too bad that Bradley died last year. I hope that she gave other ideas to another writer to continue the series.

Rating:
Summary: The most fascinating series in her Darkover Saga
Review: This book and the 2 before it are three of the best science fiction/fantasy books I've ever read. They're so good that I finished reading all 528 pages in one day. Of course, I stayed up until seven O'Clock in the morning finishing it. But this is the power this book had for me.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting end to the Terran Federation on Darkover
Review: This book finally sees the terranian leaving Darkover. New leaders Marguerida and Mikhail deal with the various crises arising from inheriting the leadership of the Comyn counsil upon the death of Regis. New forms of laran, and possibly old forms, begin to emerge, opening the way for new plot devices and storylines in future books. I really enjoyed the increased number of female characters who have power, thought I must admit that Marguerida Alton has been made a weaker character in this book due to her lack of envolvement in government. Except for this weakening of her character the book was very enjoyable, because now the stage is set for a new post-terran Darkover. What will hapen now? Will the Domains become more ballanced toward women with the introduction of Katherine (from a matriarchal culture) and reformation of Gisela as powerful characters? Will the federation be back, and if so when? I can't wait to see what happens next after this excellent transition novel.

Rating:
Summary: The best of the trilogy!
Review: This book was much better than I suspected it was going to be, MZB manages to keep it interesting yet again! While the character of Marguerida Alton is a bit generic for Darkover, she still manages to be quite likable. Definitely recommend this any MZB or Darkover fan!

Rating:
Summary: ANOTHER GREAT BOOK BY A MASTER STORYTELLER
Review: This exciting new novel is set 15 years after THE SHADOW MATRIX and is a direct sequel to it. While the Premier of the Terran Federation suspends the legislature of the Federation and tries to establish a tyrannical rule, Lyle Belfontaine, the Terran station chief on Darkover, plots to grab control over Darkover by force. But his plans do not remain a secret and the Comyn have their own plans to meet Belfontaines conspiracy. Regis Hastur, who suffered a stroke at the beginning of the book, is unable to lead the Comyn, so Mikhail and Marguerida take over, despite the heavy opposition of the Comyn Council. The Darkovans have to struggle hard to rescue their world, because they not only have to fight against the Terrans, but they also have a traitor in their own midst. This book is full of wonderful, engaging and powerful characters. It has a complex and interesting story (that ends with the most important historical event since the rediscovery of Darkover). It is extremely fast-paced; all the action takes place within a tenday. And finally it is a real page-turner. No fan of Darkover or Marion Zimmer Bradley would want to miss this new chapter in the history of Darkover. It's great!!!

Rating:
Summary: Not too bad
Review: This is a good read. So maybe MZB was not really involved, but who is waiting for a repeat of "The_Heirs_of_Hammerfell"? At least now we are spared a spurious bit of time travel and the obligatory "new" laran power that MZB seemed to insist on for each book. The story-line is about what is to be expected for a Darkover novel. Bonuses are the slick way Herm Aldaran handles his religious nonsense spouting wife (sounds like an Oprah-convert) by going along with her. A very weak point is the laran battle (very contrived) and the actual funeral (all through the book people talk to each other over vast differences on the slightest pretext and at the grave's edge they suddenly appear to have forgotten about this power). All in all an above average Darkover novel, I'd say.

Rating:
Summary: Darkover fans rejoice!
Review: This is the 15th novel in the Darkover saga, and it is probably the best. It combines politics, psychic powers, and great characterization with a little technology thrown in for good measure. Marguerida Alton-Hastur and Mikhail Hastur have come to grips with their unusual powers, and have raised a family. The Terran Federation is disintegrating. Obeying a prescient vision, Darkovan Senator Herm Aldaran flees to his home planet with his family. The Terran Station Chief on Darkover wants to use Herm's flight as a pretext for toppling the Comyn (the seven ruling families of Darkover). Can Marguerida and Mikhail save Darkover from becoming a casualty of the Federation?

Rating:
Summary: Interesting plot, not very well-written
Review: This third book about Margaret Alton could have used running through the word processor again. It has interesting characters and action, but at some point before the halfway mark, the writing falters badly. Long, somewhat stilted conversations read like first or second drafts.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This was one of my fave Darkover books. I will be very sorry to see Marguerida leave.