Henry Martyn

Rating:
Summary: Once you make it past the first 70 pages, get ready
Review: A slow, slow start as befitting the swashbuckling influences that Smith cites in his dedication. But once it gets going the action builds to a fun and satisfying ending. Archaic language that takes a while to muddle through will be charming to some, offputting to others. Also be prepared for some scenes that are shocking in the description of their violence.

Rating:
Summary: Wannabe Sabatini
Review: I was quite looking forward to this "star-spanning, swashbuckling, epic adventure" which hinted at being a lovely combination of space opera and Rafael Sabatini. Unfortunately it's not much more than a tepid tale of betrayal and revenge with hardly any swashbuckling and little action. Too many tongue-twisting names, titles, and unnecessary tweaking of everyday words to make them more alien to the reader. Blah. Read "Captain Blood" instead.

Rating:
Summary: Wannabe Sabatini
Review: I was quite looking forward to this "star-spanning, swashbuckling, epic adventure" which hinted at being a lovely combination of space opera and Rafael Sabatini. Unfortunately it's not much more than a tepid tale of betrayal and revenge with hardly any swashbuckling and little action. Too many tongue-twisting names, titles, and unnecessary tweaking of everyday words to make them more alien to the reader. Blah. Read "Captain Blood" instead.

Rating:
Summary: Witty and pertinent
Review: If you are looking for Wrestling-like literature, turn elsewhere. This is a wide-sweeping adventure which is vastly entertaining on several levels. Mr. Smith has managed to create a universe which seems far-removed from our own, but which turns out to be amazingly similar at it's core. An inspiring story about a young lad who loses his home and family, but creates a life which inspires others. Like many of Mr. Smith's novels, this one has masterful character development and creates dramatic visual images. Would make an excellent film.

Rating:
Summary: Witty and pertinent
Review: If you are looking for Wrestling-like literature, turn elsewhere. This is a wide-sweeping adventure which is vastly entertaining on several levels. Mr. Smith has managed to create a universe which seems far-removed from our own, but which turns out to be amazingly similar at it's core. An inspiring story about a young lad who loses his home and family, but creates a life which inspires others. Like many of Mr. Smith's novels, this one has masterful character development and creates dramatic visual images. Would make an excellent film.