Rating: Summary: A taste of reality mixed in with science fiction. Review: A commentary on the current view of politics by the common man mixed into a science fiction storyline. We get the gallant hero Nick Seafort, who defeated the monstrous aliens almost single handed, leading the common people to vote the corrupt goverment out of office.
A great tale of heroism and ideals mixed into a futuristic setting, this story definitely brought me back to the science fiction fold
Rating: Summary: This is the one I remember. Review: After reading the series through Patriarch's Hope, I reflected back on them all, and this book is the one that stuck with me. It's been awhile since I read it, but, since it's the one that I remember most, I felt I should write a review.It is a completely original storyline. The introduction of new characters from Pook and Changman of the trannies, to Seafort's brilliant son, Phillip, really added new dimension to the series. I needed a break from Seafort and his guilt trip, this did it. Seaforts' son, Phillip, chases after his freind into the streets of NY. The only people living on the streets now are "trannies". These people are the forgotten throwaway's of a society that has since moved onward and upward into the skyscrapers and away from the city. Only heavily armed patrols ever venture into the streets, and then, only if absolutely necessary. Basically, the streets are left alone and ignored, and barred from the rest of the "civilized" world. Once there, your on your own...and don't expect any help, cuz it aint coming. It's into this world that Phillip now finds himself...and it's a fascinating world. There are gangs, and subcultures that have arisen out of survival instincts. How they exist together, and the society they have developed, knowing that no one gives a damn about them, is remarkable. There is ingenuity, violence, power grabs, treaties, bravery, and a surprisingly large amount of humor...probably not enough love, but, it is there also. It's a darwinian survival of the fittest society...and it's damned interesting. Phillips obvious genius, coupled with some handy martial arts instruction he had as a child, helps him survive in this environment. He meets up with Changman, a "neutral" trader, who trades with all the gangs equally...so as not to piss of any in particular. Changman is the real interesting character in this story. He has many secrets, and is one of the more multi-dimensional personalities in the HOPE series. Pook, is a child tranny, who Changman tries to look out for the best he can. There is no overt emotion or physical show of love and affection between the two. But, as much as the streets will allow, Changman tries to do his best for the kid. Pook is a great character also. A typical street "tough" wannabe. Just a child really, but, he wants to be feared and respected. His feelings and emotions can sometimes be hilarious as he's figuring out how to be tough, especially when this "uppie" kid just kicked his butt. He's as street smart a kid as your gonna find in any story tho...and you gotta love him. As for the "TRANNY LANGUAGE" everyone seems to be lambasting. I think that was as important to the story as any of the characters. The more I read it, the more I followed it. Along with Phillip and other "uppies." We all learned it together. It is an extremely expressive slang. That matches the conditions of the trannies perfectly. They wouldn't be Trannies if they didn't have this language. The book wouldn't have been what it was without it. I had no problem following it, and the more I read, the more descriptive I found the language to be. It's just slang, after all, not French :-). Because of how well this language was used and flushed out, it seemed totally natural and part of this world. I think the TRANNY LANGUAGE is one of FEINTUCH's best acheivements as an author. Anyway, its a fascinating book, and the best in the series, imho. Those that didn't like it, seemed to have a common problem with it...the Tranny language. I didn't have that problem and thought it was one of the best aspects of the book. I think this could be a stand alone book. It's been over a year since I read it...but, its so different, and the characters are almost all new, you probably don't need to read the previous Hope books to enjoy it. It's amazing I remember as much of it as I do. I have difficulty remembering the TITLES of the other books in the series, let alone any story line. Yes, I recommend this one. SF
Rating: Summary: NOT incomprehensible Review: Despite what several reviews here say, this book is not difficult to read. The trannie language is not very complex, and easily understood once you get the hang of the slang. And I'm not even a native english speaker. In fact, once you get used to it, you get to like the way Pook and 'Changman' talk. The 'P.T. saves Jared' storyline doesn't seem very likely to me (thus 4 stars), but I think Feintuch manages to nicely portray the trannie culture he's invented. Even if there was nothing else to the book, that would justify reading it. But there's more. This is an "exception" in the series, because the story is not set among the navy, so Nick has no chance to demerit poor cadets, cane others, and shouting his famous 'belay that'. Instead, he's walking the streets of NY looking for his son while his son is busy growing up very fast among the trannies. Very refreshing. However, readers who like the series because it's about the navy, and space ships, and the chain of command, and quoting and interpreting regs, following orders, etc, will not enjoy this book, because that just doesn't surface here. The telling of the story from several different viewpoints kinda gets on your nerves sometimes, because the viewpoint always switches when something interesting is about to happen, and you have to wait to get back to the storyline, but it does work, and the book gets to be a page turner as the pacing increases. The ending is neat (and closer to the rest of the series), I liked it. I also liked the way P.T. was portrayed at the end, confronted with the possibility of his death; terrified, but not cowardly. It's not what you usually get. the usual solution is to have a hero who's not afraid. Here we have one that wets his pants. Worth reading! Get to know the trannie tribes!
Rating: Summary: An insurrection breaks out. Who is responsible? Review: Feintuch has crafted a very fine morality play. His main
character from all his other books, Nick Seafort, is at the
center of this book, but is not an active participant until
the very last. An insurrection in New York has broken out over water rights. The street people have been targeted for extermination.
They are being treated not as humans but as debrise that
must be cleared before more buildings on Manhattan can be
built. The military has been ordered to slaughter these people.
The question Feintuch asks is, "If you are responsible for
an Evil deed, should you take responsibility and try to fix
the problem you have caused?" You can allow Evil to exist by many
means: 1) By actively promoting Evil for your own gain,
2) By actively participating in an Evil plan, 3) By acquiesing
to an Evil deed while knowing it is Evil, 4) By trying to do Good and instead doing Evil, 5) By unknowingly doing an Evil deed 6) By choosing to stand idly by and letting Evil to occur.
Each of the characters in this book realize that they have
done Evil, and that only Nick Seafort can fix the problem. All the
characters try to get him to act. Nick Seafort has walked through
Hell for the good of other people and has been treated badly for it. He perceives that every action he takes makes things MUCH worse. Will he take up the mantle of Hero once more, or will he allow an Evil deed to go forward? You are never sure what his decision will be.
Rating: Summary: one book too many Review: Having enjoyed reading the first novels in this series, I was VERY disappointed that I was unable to get through this one. The pace, the story, the moral? YUCK!
Rating: Summary: Hope Series-Feintuch Review: I happened to LOVE Voices. I had no trouble following the 'trannie' speak, but then I also just recently read Their Eyes Were Watching God, sooo.... I happen to love the Seafort Saga. I have already bought Patriarch and am eagerly awaiting more. Keep it up, David!
Rating: Summary: It was worth the buy to me. Review: I happened to LOVE Voices. I had no trouble following the 'trannie' speak, but then I also just recently read Their Eyes Were Watching God, sooo.... I happen to love the Seafort Saga. I have already bought Patriarch and am eagerly awaiting more. Keep it up, David!
Rating: Summary: OUTSTANDING SAGA!!! A must for sci-fi fans... Review: I have just finished the first 4 books of the Seafort saga in less than a week... It is one of the best series I have ever read. Nick Seafort is plagued with his feelings of inadequacies and his "inabilities" to do anything right. Yet, as the reader will find, Seafort does everything right and is a true Naval Captain and leader... often placing his career on line for those he respects and loves. He is brusque, unjust, fair, a martinet, lenient, all at the same time. I just ordered Voices of Hope, and can't wait to read that one. Hopefully, this is NOT be the last of the Seafort saga... It would be nice to read of his adventures in the academy....
Rating: Summary: David Feintuch is /the/ finest author I have ever read. Review: I just put down Voices of Hope a mere few minutes ago, after reading the last half of the book straight through without stopping. David Feintuch continues to amaze with his realistic characterization.. These characters are honest to Lord God real people, with good points and bad. Some you will love, others you will hate, but by the end of the book you'll identify with them, and care about what happens. As for the plot itself, it is powerful and touching, masterfully written. I haven't read a story with such genius and thought put into it since Heinlein's 'Citizen of the Galaxy'. The entire Seafort Saga is a definite must-read for anyone, young or old, sci-fi fan or not
Rating: Summary: Save your money Review: I purchased this book mainly because I already had the previous four. However, Voices was a let-down after the others. It was hard to get into - mainly because of the trannie language. It made reading a struggle and not the pleasure it usually is.
|