Deathstalker Legacy

Rating:
Summary: The Terror Comes
Review: Deathstalker Legacy is either the sixth novel in the Deathstalker series or the first in a successor series. Two hundred years ago, Owen Deathstalker and his friends defeated the forces of the Old Empire and saved humanity -- and aliens -- from the Dark Void. Now Owen is a legend, lost beyond the rim of the galaxy and some of his friends are also heroes or heroines out of mythology. For this is the Golden Age and as such, the people want myths, not the shabby truth.

In this novel, the Old King is retiring and his son will be the New King. Douglas doesn't want to be the King, but he sees it as his duty. A Queen has been selected for him, Jasmine Flowers, the darling of the opera set and his old buddy, Lewis Deathstalker, will be his Champion. Parliament feels certain that they can work with the New King, although the New King is less certain about that. It is a time of renewal ... and revolution.

For the mythology is following apart. Certain that he would be the new Champion, Finn Durandal feels bitter and angry when Lewis is named instead. Finn decides to forgo his role as the leading Paragon in the King's Justice and become a traitor, bringing down the Empire. He has plenty of help, first from a con artist named Brett Random and then from the Wild Rose of the Arenas, Rose Constantine, an undefeated gladiator. Then Finn brings in the Neuman of the Pure Humanity League and also helps Angelo Bellini create a new Church Militant. The Shadow Court and the Hellfire Club are also watching the action with interest. And the Terror comes to the galaxy.

This novel is very much a satire on modern society, where image is everything and even the highest level of peacekeepers, the Paragons, give autographs and maintain web sites for their fans. The King is just a figurehead with little power and Members of Parliament divide the riches of the Empire among themselves. Arenas stage daily duels to the death and other deadly sports, but hardly anyone is killed beyond regeneration. This is the Golden Age ... according to the media.

This novel sets up the background for the sequels that will surely follow. Thus, it is not very much fun until the last chapter or so, when Lewis stops being such a nice guy.

The story also provides a love interest; in fact, too much love interest: Douglas loves Jasmine and Jasmine love Lewis and Lewis loves Jasmine. Just to complicate the triangle further, Douglas and Lewis love and respect each other better that brothers.

For British readers, this book will surely provide a few laughs from parochial puns; I got the one about Emma Steel, but I only suspect others. There are also moments of action that recall the Avengers, but with blood and guts.

This novel has touches of Star Wars, particularly Episode 2, in the description of Logres at night from a gravity sled and the Esper city of New Hope hanging in the air. There is also the element of forbidden love, which echoes Lancelot and Guinevere, and the general feeling of decadence.

Recommended for Deathstalker fans and anyone who enjoyed Green's other action and intrigue stories.

Rating:
Summary: Marvellous mayhem
Review: Deathstalker Legacy returns the reader to the world of the Deathstalker's 200 years after the fall of the Empress Lionstone and the mysterious disappearance of Owen Deathstalker. The Empire has been enjoying a Golden Age of peace and prosperity but this is about to end.
The hero of the tale is Lewis Deathstalker, descendant of the 'Blessed Owen' who with the usual Deathstalker luck (always bad!) finds himself caught up in the struggle between good and evil. Not only is there an implacable enemy of Lewis's trying to discredit and destroy him and the throne (currently occupied by Lewis Deathstalker's best friend) but there is news of the coming of the 'Terror', an evil that had been prophesised by his illustrious ancestor. Along the way he manages to enlist the assistance of a reptiloid called Saturday, a con man, a psychopath and the Empires most famous opera singer. This motley crew is all that stands between humanity and total destruction.
Simon R Green once again weaves a story that is eccentric, bloody, fast paced and extremely funny. This is sci-fi at it's best and is highly recommended to anyone looking for a rollicking good yarn.

Rating:
Summary: Better than the originals...
Review: Green's newest Deathstalker book takes a different path from the original story with more character building, a deeper and more meaningful plot, and (I was amazed too) a more drawn out storyline. Deathstalker Legacy is a perfect foundation book for a new part of the continuing series that promises to delight fans and new readers by including characters that are reminiscent of the original core group of Owen, Hazel, Random, and Ruby, but with new and 3 dimensional emotions. That's not to take away from the main ideas of killing before breakfast and saving the world by dusk that the series has always employed. Rather, the intense relationship between the main characters adds a depth to Green's storytelling that could make this one of his most mature Deathstaker books to date. It seems that Green has finally slowed down his pen enough to let us see what kind of world he has created, in between the explosions, blood letting, and outright barbaric fun that the Deathstalker series is known for. It was such a great read I finished it in two days, and plan to re-read it many times.

Rating:
Summary: The Magic is Lost
Review: I loved the original Deathstalker books. I loved Hawk and Fisher, along with many of the other books set in their universe. "Drinking Midnight Wine" was a miss with me, but I assumed it was just a fluke.

Unfortunately I was wrong. The writing style is lost. Green often tells us how great this new Empire is, and how sad it will be when it is destroyed, yet he doesn't construct or demonstrate anything to convince the reader that the new Empire is all the great. Heck, in the first chapter rather than displaying some of the things the new Empire has to be proud of, the book lingers on all of the terrorist groups forming and even includes a brutal massacre at the end of the first chapter.

While I concede that it is hard to write of peaceful times in a sci-fi/action adventure, if times are peaceful and great, something must be done to create a feel for that peacefulness and greatness.

The other thing that irked me was how underdeveloped his characters have become. In the first chapter the two protagonists, Lewis and Douglas, explain to each other their "noble intentions" to such a degree that you wonder if there is anything else to them. Honestly, who wants to read about two people bragging to each other about how noble they are? Used to be, the characters' motivations and personality traits were shown through their actions, yet I guess Green had to do it this way because the actions of the characters certainly didn't back up the picture the characters were painting of themselves.

For instance, when Jesamine, a singer who would was to be wedded to Douglas, is introduced, it is soon clear that she will have an affair with Lewis. Now you would think that the noble and righteous Lewis would stand firm in his resolve not to have an affair with her because A. Douglas has been his best friend for many years, and he has only known Jesamine for a week and B. Douglas is his King, and noble and righteous people don't betray their King in such a matter.

Yet of course, Lewis and Jesamine have an affair anyway after having fallen madly in love with each other in the space of a week.

While if the romance had developed over a year or two, or perhaps even a few months, I might find the events more likely, but certainly not weeks. As a result, my entire suspension of disbelief was shattered.

While Brett was an interesting character, I found Rose to be an obvious, shallow replacement for Ruby Journey. The same can also be said for Lewis being one for Owen Deathstalker. Brett and Jesamine have the potential to become developed characters in and of their own right, yet for some reason, I doubt it will happen.

Its amazing how I once praised Green for his consistency with his character development, as well as for how natural the reactions that people placed in the extreme situations that he wrote about displayed. Yet somehow between here and there, he seems to have lost that ability. The former wit and humor he once incorporated into his writing is now gone as well, leaving behind tedious and repetitive dialogue in its place.

Sadly, like "Drinking Midnight Wine", I did not finish this book either, and I doubt I will pick up another of his new works again. Its seems like Green is now trying to write things quickly for profit rather than for pleasure and quality. Its a shame, for someone of his promise.

Rating:
Summary: Camelot Crumbling....
Review: I recently completed this book and have to say that it was very interesting. It takes the story of the Deathstalker Clan two hundred years into the future, and a Golden Age.

The Golden Age is how it starts and I seriously doubt that any reader of Simon R. Green would expect it to remain such. That is good because it does not.

At its core, Deathstalker Legacy is an intricate retailing of Arthurian legends, with a few twists. There is Douglas Campbell, the new King, his queen-to-be Jessamine Flowers and his best friend Lewis Deathstalker. From there you may surmise the unfolding events.

There are a number of other elements involved in this tapestry; friendship, honor, morality, politics, and revenge. Mr. Green admirably weaves these elements together to form a story so compelling that I found it difficult to put down.

The characters begin to develop as they meet adversity, and all characters develop. There are surprising twists and a considerable amount of backstabbing. Things are not always as they seem, and sometimes, even the reader is caused to reconsider to a different point of view. Behind all of this is the dark humor, sarcasm, and wit one would expect from Simon Green.

I would recommend this work to almost anyone. It is not so much Sci-Fi as Science Fiction. It seems to be an excellent space opera, which is unusual to run across in todays libraries.

One other thing. There is no requirement to have read the original Deathstalker series (Deathstalker, Deathstalker Rebellion, Deathstalker War, Deathstalker Honor, and Deathstalker Destiny). However, it may cause you to want to read them. You will, though, want to read them before you continue with Deathstalker Return.

Rating:
Summary: Light, Swashbuckling Fun
Review: If you're looking for highbrow, intellectual Science Fiction, read Frank Herberts' Dune series. But if you just want to relax and be thoroughly entertained read 'Deathstalker Legacy'. This is Space Opera at its' finest and just plain fun. It's filled with larger than life characters and as in all of the 'Deathstalker' books a threat that is completely impossible to overcome.
As long as you don't expect some deep meaning or a treatise on religion and politics, you will enjoy 'Deathstalker Legacy'.
Can't wait for the next installment Mr. Green!

Rating:
Summary: Where are you when we need you, Owen Deathstalker?
Review: It's been two hundred years since Owen Deathstalker overthrew an evil empire, saved humanity from the unspeakable horror of the Recreated, and disappeared. The new Empire, headed by a constitutional monarch but overseen by a representative Parliament, has basked in the glow of a golden age. The old aristocracy of the Families no longer exists (although some still plot and plan for a return to power), noble Paragons enforce the King's Justice on all planets, and no one gives a thought to Owen Deathstalker's final warning of the coming Terror that will make the Recreated look like paper tigers. On Logres (formerly Golgotha), a new king is crowned, plans are made for his royal wedding to the Empire's most famous diva, and a Deathstalker assumes the role of the King's Champion. Sure, there are still a lot of threats and problems all around (especially the vicious ELFs who orchestrate bloody examples of their continued presence), but life is pretty good all over the Empire.

Then, almost overnight, the Golden Age dies, murdered at the hands of a celebrated hero who vows to destroy the Empire after being slighted (or so he believes) by the new king. Frightening events of mass murder are arranged, and the people turn on those whom they used to honor and respect the most. Then the Terror arrives, leaving a line of scorched planets behind it as it slowly makes its way toward Logres. The frantic citizenry, as well as the king and Parliament, look to Owen Deathstalker, the legendary hero whom they faithfully expect to return to save the Empire he did so much to create. They don't know what we the readers know - that Owen is dead (although this does not necessarily mean we won't see him again). Robert and Constance, king and queen after the rebellion, made the decision to destroy all of the historical record of Deathstalker and his legendary comrades, believing the people needed the optimism inspired by legend rather than the truth of their heroes' human frailties. The Deathstalker, Helen D'Ark, Jack Random, Ruby Journey, Tobias Moon - these are just legends on stained glass windows now; other heroes of Owen's era are altogether unknown.

Maybe you're asking who this new Deathstalker is. After all, Owen Deathstalker was the last Deathstalker, and even the legend of his love for Helen D'Ark indicates that there love did not come close to producing a child. Lewis Deathstalker comes from a related branch from the Deathstalker family tree, his family having assumed the famous surname by royal request. Lewis proves himself a Deathstalker in many ways, however - with his devotion to honor and duty, his preeminent fighting prowess, and that old Deathstalker luck - all bad. Unlike Owen, however, Lewis does find and know true love - and that's a problem because the love affair he engages in is quite forbidden, the very kind of thing that can turn the King's Champion into another Deathstalker outlaw.

I had a little trouble getting into this novel. After all, Owen's legendary life covered five long novels, and the characters of Deathstalker Legacy are a far cry from the heroes and villains of Owen's life and times. As for Lewis, I haven't truly embraced him yet; he's a good and honorable man for the most part, but he lets love get in the way of honor and duty, and that is something that could never be said of Owen Deathstalker. There's plenty of blood here, as a lot of people seem to die horrible deaths even during the Golden Age, and some unusual and eventually interesting characters, but even Rose Constantine, the Wild Rose of the Arenas, pales in bloodthirsty comparison to the likes of Ruby Journey and Hazel D'Ark.

I don't want to call this novel filler, but it really does seem to exist primarily to set up later events. The Terror has arrived, but we only see its first act of destruction; the idea of Owen Deathstalker returning is broached, but the Quest to find him only begins toward the end of the story; Hazel D'Ark's fate is a complete mystery; and the new circle of Deathstalker-led heroes only begins to coalesce in the closing pages. This story has its moments and seems to find its legs in the last one hundred pages, but Deathstalker Legacy clearly pales in comparison to the earlier Owen Deathstalker novels. It still has a lot to offer fans of space opera epics, though - and, most importantly, it's a necessary prelude to Deathstalker Return.

Rating:
Summary: I like Saturday!!!
Review: Ok, I liked the book. Heck, I read almost any Simon R Green book. I love his characters. they are wild, imaginative, over the top and a guilty pleasure to read but since this ia review, I will nitpick.

The technology hasn't advanced much in the last 200 yrs has it?? Same ol disruptors with recharge limits and gravity sleds. Nit picking I know but save for the fact that it was set 200 yrs later, it felt justlike the same time Owen Deathstalker lived.

Creatures like the Grendel in the first deathstalker books that were so fearsome even Owen couldn't take one one on one with calling his Maze powers now are dispatched by humans.. what??

That aside, I Love Saturday!! He is my best character by far.

I think the next book would be a lot more fun than this one.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended for prior fans of the Deathstalker universe
Review: Owen Deathstalker sacrificed his life to save humanity and to create an Empire which has lasted for two hundred years: now a reluctant warrior is ascending the throne, and his new regime faces an age-old mystery and an attempt to uncover a forbidden magic which could change the universe. Swift action and fascinating reading -- and especially recommended for prior fans of the Deathstalker universe.

Rating:
Summary: Deathstalker luck, all good!
Review: The last few Deathstalkers were kind of like that extra slice of pie on thanksgiving. You want it, but you know you're going to regret it later. I liked the last few Deathstalker books but by the end, whew - I was glad it was over. There's only so much double cross and surprises and actions scenes even a space opera can stand.

So I approached this with some caution but guess what?! This book is great. It picks up approx 200 years later than the last books and we're dealing with some of the same people and groups. Good times are about to give way to bad times and of course we have a new Deathstalker heir on our hands. Events are similiar, but slightly changed so thats good. The first 2/3 of the book is background info for I guess the next 6-7 books but then books kicks off with fantastic action and a finish that left me begging for the next book! This is a great book to read while listen to, say, the Flash Gordon - Queen soundtrack or something real space opera like.

Simon, whatever your secret is that lets you switch between fantasy and sci fi so well, keep it up!