Rating: Summary: A classic of space westerns Review: "Space Western" is not a category one ordinarily thinks of when listing out the subgenres of either science fiction or Westerns, and indeed there are not many books which populate this niche. But Resnick's "Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future" is already justification for the existence of this label. In a well-paced story of bounty hunters, journalists and criminals in search of an infamous bandit chief. On the way Resnick provides a richly colored world, both by virtue of his (considerable) descriptive talent and the device of the poems of Black Orpheus, a wandering bard who (though he never appears as a character himself) has written short verses about all the people he has encountered on the open frontiers of the Outer Rim. Western lovers will find this book exciting and full of many of the most colorful personality archetypes of traditional stories; its unusual setting should pose no obstacle to all but the most purist of fans. Science fiction readers will find this to be a lighter, fast-paced story in the style of the best of the (non-cyberpunk) mid-80's writers. For those already familiar with Resnick's work, this will not be anything new or earth-shattering; he has used similar backdrops in many other books, and readers of "The Dark Lady" or any of the "Eros" books will find much of the texture familiar. But this book still stands out as one of his best achievements, with uniformly solid characterization and story. Heartily recommended.
Rating: Summary: A classic of space westerns Review: "Space Western" is not a category one ordinarily thinks of when listing out the subgenres of either science fiction or Westerns, and indeed there are not many books which populate this niche. But Resnick's "Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future" is already justification for the existence of this label. In a well-paced story of bounty hunters, journalists and criminals in search of an infamous bandit chief. On the way Resnick provides a richly colored world, both by virtue of his (considerable) descriptive talent and the device of the poems of Black Orpheus, a wandering bard who (though he never appears as a character himself) has written short verses about all the people he has encountered on the open frontiers of the Outer Rim. Western lovers will find this book exciting and full of many of the most colorful personality archetypes of traditional stories; its unusual setting should pose no obstacle to all but the most purist of fans. Science fiction readers will find this to be a lighter, fast-paced story in the style of the best of the (non-cyberpunk) mid-80's writers. For those already familiar with Resnick's work, this will not be anything new or earth-shattering; he has used similar backdrops in many other books, and readers of "The Dark Lady" or any of the "Eros" books will find much of the texture familiar. But this book still stands out as one of his best achievements, with uniformly solid characterization and story. Heartily recommended.
Rating: Summary: Resnick hits a winner with this sweeping space-saga... Review: At first blush this book is simply a western set in space, using planets instead of one-horse towns. It is apparent after the first chapter or two, however, that the characterization is excellent, and the plot is actually pretty good. I've worn the cover off my copy of this book...
Rating: Summary: Best Fiction Book I've Ever Read Review: From a childhood lost to Fantasy and Science-Fiction, this book comes out on top. C.S. Lewis, Tolkin, Jordan, Niven, Eddings, Anthony, all good, but this single book is the quickest coolest thing you could possibly pick up. Fast and fun, there should be a way to give it more than 5 stars, maybe 20?!!!!
Rating: Summary: Chase Across the Galaxy! Review: I liked this book. It's not a book I'll likely read again, but I immensely enjoyed reading it and am glad I did.
Sebastian Nightingale Cain (the 'Songbird'), bounty hunter, chases across the galaxy to find the king of criminals himself, Santiago, with a price on his head larger than anyone else. But Cain doesn't only want the money; he wants to create a name for himself. By killing Santiago, he would be remembered.
He meets up with some strange characters along his way:
Virtue McKenzie, the 'Virgin Queen', a reporter who desperately wants an interview... with Santiago;
The Jolly Swagman, art collector, who is looking for several pieces of art currently possessed... by Santiago;
The Angel, the most famous bounty hunter, cold, deadly, and never failing, who wants money... from killing Santiago;
Moonripple, a nice girl who likes to work as a waitress, and thinks the greatest hero in the universe... is Santiago.
Clue after clue, name after name, lead after lead, Cain will follow the bread-crumbs that could lead him to Santiago. But as he nears his goal, he doesn't know if he will ever kill Santiago... but he's not sure of the reason why....
A satisfying read, that will have you brimming with excitement and even laughing at times, this is a 'must read' for anyone who likes science fiction. I prefer fantasy, myself, so even those who love fantasy may like this book.
Rating: Summary: Predictable....BUT!.... Review: I love a lot of Resnick's work on his 'Frontier' world. I found Santiago predictable as it is a slight variation on an old theme. I did find, however, myself totaly absorbed into it. I have read the book 4 or 5 times. The pacing is amazing. You never reach the point of wishing he would 'get on' with the story. And it is very sparse within its framework. I, myself, love minimalism in the tale. If it did not have to be in the story to get you where you were going....it probably is not there. If you love Sci-Fi the nget this book.
Rating: Summary: Predictable....BUT!.... Review: I love a lot of Resnick's work on his 'Frontier' world. I found Santiago predictable as it is a slight variation on an old theme. I did find, however, myself totaly absorbed into it. I have read the book 4 or 5 times. The pacing is amazing. You never reach the point of wishing he would 'get on' with the story. And it is very sparse within its framework. I, myself, love minimalism in the tale. If it did not have to be in the story to get you where you were going....it probably is not there. If you love Sci-Fi the nget this book.
Rating: Summary: My All Time Favorite Book Review: I recommend this book to everyone even those who do not like science fiction because it expresses the Truth. Doing the right thing because it's the right thing, even in the face of certain failure. The Characters are wonderful and the story classic.
Rating: Summary: Classic Science Finction / Thriller / Action Review: I'm a huge sci-fi fan, and this book rates up there with Arthur C. Clarke and Issac Asimov (my personal favourite author). The writing is clear, understandable, witty, descriptive and fluid. The characters are well formed, realistic (having both good & bad traits) and the plot is enthralling and fast paced. All round a superb effort - if you haven't yet read this book - get it! If you don't that you're a fool (no offense intended!)
Rating: Summary: the book that made me want to read more of Resnick's novels! Review: In the very very far futur, mankind has colonized most of the galaxy,
except for the inner and outer frontiers. One each sides, towards the center of the galaxy and outwards, are frontiers.. and frontiersmen.
Colourful people with colourful people who live outside of societe. And also, the bounty hunters who are the only law that these people have.
Sebastian Caine is one of those, a bounty hunter and a very good one... But then, as they say, there are the good one, and the dead ones.
He has been named "The songbird", but don't do that to his face. Now, he is on a quest to find the most dangerous man in the galaxy, the
greatest criminal of the story of the frontiers, the man whose only known name is Santiago.
Well written, and epic at times, Santiago: A Myth Of The Far Future is well named and is very well worth reading.. and rereading.
A definite must IMHO.
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