Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing enough to want to read the rest
Review: I expected this to be a hard-core sci-fi story, though I am not sure why. Instead, I discovered that it was just a good story set in the distant future. I read this book because of a recommendation to read one of the later novels in this series of five. It had a solid plot and good character development. If Donaldson's intent was to entice his readers to finish the entire series, he succeeded.This book was clever enough to make one think about how the plot would unfold, despite the fact he started from the end. As mentioned earlier, there was no real visionary technology or world development, but a good story set in a distant future is the next best thing. There was enough sci-fi to earn a place in the sci-fi section, just not enough to be put on the shelf beside great sci-fi novels. By the way, the story was a good enough read to finish in one sitting, and to order the next four. Though I do hope they get progressively better, and uphold my view of this book as a great forward. Lastly, if you read in order to meet larger than life characters that are infallible and perfect, you probably will not like this book. On the other hand, if you are just plain realistic, not a cynic, you might enjoy characters that mirror the real world closer that the perfect one other stories develop.
Rating: 
Summary: Not for "fluff fantasy" lovers
Review: Donaldson continues his own unique brand of storytelling. Themes of suffering and redemption can be found throughout his works. While parts of "The Real Story" are stomach-churning in their detail and content, you are forced to keep reading just to convince yourself that all of the sacrifices are for something. Just what that ultimate redemption is will have to wait until the end of the series! But all of "The Gap into..." novels are riveting and emotionally-absorbing. The characters are simply mythic in that they are larger than life but filled with human flaws. Donaldson has never written a book that was trivial and this series continues that tradition. If you want heroes that always triumph and happy endings that gloss over reality, then go read something else.
Rating:
Summary: Space Opera Returns
Review: Often the term "space opera" is taken as a derogatory comment about a particular piece of science fiction. That is not the case with Gap into Conflict. It is a space opera in the best possible sense, filled with adventure, larger than life heroes and non-stop action. Unlike Donaldson's Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, "Gap" is a story in the tradition of the early writers of science fiction. Set in a future where wealth is the only power, the conflict between good and evil has gone beyond Earth into the asteroid fields beyond the gap. The bad guys are really, really bad and even the "good guys" have their Achilles heal. If you're looking for an entertaining read this is it.
Rating: 
Summary: I won't be reading the sequel
Review: I really wanted to like this book. I had just finished the "Mirror of Her Dreams" books, and loved them. But this one was almost painful to read. Donaldson's writing plunged into hack, striving for cleverness but failing. The plot was admittedly intriguing, but I had a strong sense of deja vu; where had I read this before? The characters seemed more plot devices, "concepts," than real flesh-and-blood creatures: interesting, but never engaging. Finally, Donaldson continued his very disturbing and persistent (and, to me, pointless) trend of sexually threatening and abusing his "heroines." This book quenched my desire to read more into the Gap series, not to mention more Donaldson, as there are many other sci-fi books (and authors) with good story lines, but better writing and fewer offenses. If you have an incurable fascination with this author, you may like "The Real Story;" otherwise, there's not much to recommend.
Rating:
Summary: The prelude to a magnificent series
Review: With this book, Donaldson begins one of the best science fiction cycles I have ever read. In my opinion, this book simply introduces the primary characters and sets the stage for the upcoming human-amnion conflict. Don't judge the series by just this one book- I view it as mearly the prelude, although a very good prelude. However, if you like nice cute series where everyone is virtuous and perfect, this is definately not for you.
Rating:
Summary: The first book in a soon to be classic series
Review: Donaldson does it again with the first book of "The Gap" series. His descriptions of Angus are both revolting and compelling. I have yet to read a more disgusting character than Angus Thermopyle. Totally void of any redeeming qualities, Donaldson has created the ultimate anti-hero. This book sets up most character development for the other novels that follow. Not as in depth as the first books from the "Thomas Covenant" series, but on par to be a 'must read' for any Donaldson fan. This series is not to be missed!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, but I still read it straight through
Review: It was not nearly as interesting as the Thomas Covenant chronicles, but at least the afterword about the source of his inspiration was worth it. Because of that, I might just read the rest of the series to see if the character development expands some more.
Rating:
Summary: Yes--Its Sci-Fi Yes--Its Literature
Review: For those of you who wish to complain that Donaldson's charcters have flaws, I say welcome to the world of literature. In genere fiction, we often find stories that are simply plots, and the good guys wear white, while the bad guys wear black. The truth is that people are complicated. Donaldson is pushing science fiction into a more respectable realm, and if you don't like it, I recommend that you reread the classics, or pick up a Star Trek novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: I absolutely loved the Thomas Covenant series. "The Real Story," however, is not recommended. Donaldson's protagonist is so predictably disgusting that I was bored rather than shocked. This is a bad book. I hope the rest of the series is not so tedious.
Rating: 
Summary: Too contrived
Review: I was surprised at all the rave reviews of this book. I'm a huge fan of Donaldson, not only from his Tomas Covenant books, but from his much lighter "Mordant's Need" books.
His first go at science fiction was a sight to behold, an ugly and disgusting world where everything makes you wretch and everyone is your enemy. All of the characters have huge flaws and proceed along paths that I can't imagine any sane person taking. I hated everyone in the book, and felt sorry for them at the same time. I couldn't read any more. If that's what Donaldson was attempting, I applaud him, but I won't read any more of these books.
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