Rating: 
Summary: Not bad
Review: It's imaginative and fast-paced, but has some logic problems and never quite grabbed me. It starts off pretty well, but stalls out in the middle.In the final analysis, it's straightforward S.F. that's interesting enough to be worth a look.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be a award winner.
Review: I've read a lot of Hugo and Nebula award winners lately but this non-award winner is one of the best SF books I have read. A wonderful character and an interesting setting makes this a great book. The future is made interesting and this book sets a background for possible sequels. I found some inconsistencies with the plot in terms of technology, but this hardly takes away from the story. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Prepare for a treat
Review: James Alan Garner is remarkable. He's created a story in such a tired out genre, and warped into something that is enjoyable and readable. Those who may think the primise of the book is too simplistic will quickly find out how well this story has been written. It displays the main characters' dilemma in dealing with who she is as a person . . . a 'expendable' person, who is trapped on a planet that was supposed to kill her. What happens after brings the reader into this world she's in -- and what troubles being someone that noone wants to mind losing brings to those people. Why can't all sci-fi novels be like this? God, I can't wait for his next book (after 'Commitment Hour'). I'm not worthy!
Rating: 
Summary: Hurray for a protagonist such as Festina Ramos!
Review: I found this book by luck; it was misplaced on a bookstore shelf. First, I liked the use of a person of color as the protagonist: someone who just happens not to be white. Second, I found the planet Melaquin, and its native inhabitants, uniquely intriguing. The only part I found difficult to buy is her "deformity." I, too, am a woman with a port-wine stain on my face, and I've never thought of it as a deformity. I've never tried to hide it. Perhaps hers (I can't recall) was over more of her face than mine. Nevertheless, I was sorry to get to the end of the book. It gave me the same kind of strong-woman-on-a-harrowing- adventure-pleasure as the movie "Aliens 2" did. I want more of same.
Rating:
Summary: A good tale, interestingly told.
Review: Mr. Gardner's storytelling style is well-designed to produce a quick, exciting read. This is one of those rare books that had me up at 3 a.m. finishing it. The mini-chapter within chapter format is at times annoying and at other times intruiging. Overall, this contributes positively to the character development and pace of the story. I'll watch for more of Gardner's work.
Rating:
Summary: This book was the best book I have ever read!
Review: I would reccomend this book to anyone who dosent mind alota cussing in books. The carecters are very creative. And they all are very colorful----with one exception...(youll know what i mean when you read the book)The book is funny, and sad all at the same time. You can understand their point of view. You have a hard time putting it down. I am 13 and read this book as a sugestion from a friend. If its the last book you ever read , go for it. its a wonderful book, and a wonderful author. From , Natasha
Rating:
Summary: A suprizing and wonderful new voice
Review: Gardner manages several things incredibly well here: a plausible future that does not require too much suspension of disbelief, the point of view of someone who is an outsider to society (something most humans have felt at some time), and and INCREDIBLE command of the female voice. Rarely have I seen characters so lovingly developed.
Rating:
Summary: Great story, great theme
Review: This first person narrative of an Explorer, a member of an outcast corps considered expendable because of their physical disabilities, was outstanding. Not only was it a great story which kept me reading until the end, but an insightful commentary on how a society labels and creates "throw-aways". It is a courageous book that never fails to address important issues as they arise in the minds of the characters. As a disabled reader who daily confronts challenges created by others more than by my disability, I commend the author for his sensitive portrayal of the main character and the wonderful ending.
Rating:
Summary: Festina Ramos!!!!
Review: I was suprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was well-written, with a very interesting plot. But what won me over was Gardner's ability to create a realistic, heroic, kick-@%% female character. This is an extremely rare ability for writers in any genre, and is enough to recommend this novel even without its other outstanding qualities. The constant sarcasm is a wonderful touch, and the outcast Explorers will appeal to any other cynics out there. But Gardner's real twist is that he manages to sneak something close to optimism in there without anybody noticing. Very sneaky. Very good novel.
Rating: 
Summary: disappointing and naive
Review: Basically I agree with John Clute's assessment of this novel. Mr. Gardner is a fine writer, but has a knack for using really dumb sociobiological explanations. Let us hope he has mulled through consequences when writing COMMITMENT HOUR. He deserves another chance.
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