Rating: 
Summary: Susan Matthews is the most underrated sci-fi writer around.
Review: One of Harold Bloom's criterion for great literature (he's talking about Dante, Shakespeare and Virgil) is "strangeness." He goes on to explain that the greatest literature in Western Civilization shares two seemingly conflicting characteristics--that the work is unique--he calls it "strange." It's like nothing else that's ever been written before. Yet on the other hand, the work is also familiar. Somehow the work resonantes with the reader--at once both familiar and yet strange. I think Susan Matthews falls into this cateogry very neatly. In terms of science fiction. I don't agree that this series has run its course. Her character, Andrej Kosciuscko-however-you-spell-his- name, is fascinating. He emboies the worst and best qualities of humanity. Sheri Tepper performs the same kind of feat in Grass. Though she has written many other novels, some good, some simple rehashes of her other novels, Grass has that familiar other world feel, but it is also one of the strangest worlds I've ever read. It's better than Ringworld, Gaiea, or any other world that sci-fi writers have come up with. If you haven't read this very talented writer's effort, do read them. Colony Fleet and Avalanche Soldiers are both [bad], especially Avalanche. Colony Fleet is readable but unremarkable, but Avalanche Soldier is really bad.Susan Matthew's trilogy that feature the torturer, Andrej Koscuiscko(?????) is without a doubt the best series I've read since John Varley's Titan, Wizard and Demon. She's right up there with Joan Slonszewski, Sherri Tepper, Pamela Sargent and David Gerrold.
Rating: 
Summary: Unexpected - a mystery wrapped in a cloud of unanswered ??'s
Review: The toll of being a decent man & a torturer is played out in this third volume of a nicely developing series. Each time that I think I know how a character is going to react, something fools me. Things are not laid out for you. A simple murder leads to the unraveling of some of the questions of the past. Now you see the importance of the Nurail weaves without everything being placed in front of you. Now Koscuisko's family is getting clearer. (I want to meet his father.) Those around Koscuisko are often more monsterous than he - but only by indirection. The whole series is getting darker and more questions raised. Try this one. It's an odd flavor but you might like it!
Rating:
Summary: I haven't read a book this good in years!
Review: This is the first book by Matthews I have read and it blew my mind. At times you both hate and feel sorry for Andrej. I shows the dual nautre of humanity> As the Inquisitor, Andrej is the dark side of human nature. And as the Doctor he is the one who gives us hope. I can't wait for her new novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent read.
Review: This is the third in a series featuring the same universe and main character. What started as a rather novel premise, the inquisitor medical officer using physical and chemical means of torture in the name of "justice" has just about petered out. Matthews is a wonderful writer, but I think she's run out of steam on this line. The writing is there, but the plot just doesn't have that Andrej zing. I hope that her newest (Avalanche Soldier) starts fresh anew.
Rating: 
Summary: Time to move on
Review: This is the third in a series featuring the same universe and main character. What started as a rather novel premise, the inquisitor medical officer using physical and chemical means of torture in the name of "justice" has just about petered out. Matthews is a wonderful writer, but I think she's run out of steam on this line. The writing is there, but the plot just doesn't have that Andrej zing. I hope that her newest (Avalanche Soldier) starts fresh anew.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read.
Review: This novel had much less of the sadistic torture involved and so I liked it better than its predecessors and I felt better about myself reading this one. The story however depends on the previous more violent novels for support. This novel does not stand alone without its predecessors. It was a good novel and a good read in any case and I had difficulty putting it down. I very much look forward to Ms. Matthew's next novel I the series and how it is out soon.
Rating:
Summary: I am embarrassed to admit how much I like this series...
Review: When I read "Prisoner of Conscience" I was absolutely blown away. Why did I Find this character and this universe so compelling? These people are brutal, and the descriptions of their brutality are graphic! I should be repulsed by this stuff! But I could not tear myself away and look forward eagerly to each new installment. "Hour of Judgement"is a marvelous addition to this series. I don't want to live in this universe, and I'm still not sure if I even like Andrej Kosciusko. But I sure enjoy my visits. When is the next one due out anyway?!
Rating:
Summary: I am embarrassed to admit how much I like this series...
Review: When I read "Prisoner of Conscience" I was absolutely blown away. Why did I Find this character and this universe so compelling? These people are brutal, and the descriptions of their brutality are graphic! I should be repulsed by this stuff! But I could not tear myself away and look forward eagerly to each new installment. "Hour of Judgement"is a marvelous addition to this series. I don't want to live in this universe, and I'm still not sure if I even like Andrej Kosciusko. But I sure enjoy my visits. When is the next one due out anyway?!
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