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Summary: The Merro Tree
Review: I really enjoyed Katie Waitman's book, The Merro Tree. The book was written with great detail and description, unparalled by any other recent author. The book revolves around the story of Mikk of Vyzania, who was born into a family with an abusive mother. The boy manages to survives, and is sent to a music academy by his father, where he does well in languages but not in music. He is noticed by a performance master who happens to visit the academy on a "premonition" and joins him to travel the stars. The organization of the book involves the story skipping from Mikk's trial to the story behind the trial. The trial of Mikk is for him breaking a ban involving the Somalites, a race that was made extinct by a freak star explosion. Mikk had performed Songdance, which was banned to him by the Council, a tryannical band of dictators who control all the actors in the galaxy. The book is a delightful change from the repetitive shoot-em-up sci-fi books that have been appearing recently. This book will become a classic.
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Summary: Couldn't Put It Down - Wonderful Book!
Review: I was blown away by the style, detail, characters, and eloquent story. Katie Waitman has written a delightful story that is addresses unlining issues such as acceptance, tolerance, forgiveness and value. I anxiously await the sequel.
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Summary: WOW!!! I was truly touched by this book!!!!!!!
Review: My gosh! I read this book and was aboslutely amazed at the storyline and plot. Miss Waitman is an aboslutely phenomenal writer. I feel she is one of the new breed, one who can write about same-sex realtionships and feel maningfully about what she says. I feel that this book has more substance to it than many books I have read over my whole life. This book speaks truly about accepting all peoples, whether different or the same. As a teen, this book made me feel like people are not as stupid as they seem.
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Summary: One of the best SF books I've read this decade
Review: On one level this is a highly entertaining sci-fi novel, full of exceptionally well-drawn characters from many colorful alien races and worlds. On another level it delves deeply into the powers and consequences of art, performance, spiritual practice, love and censorship. Both levels mesh together in a powerful and highly satisfying way. I can't wait to read more from this author!
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Summary: Utterly fabulous. I'm dying for the next one.
Review: One of the best books I've ever read. Ditto to all the effusive praise in the 14 reviews before mine. This will undoubtedly be a classic for future generations.
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Summary: Solid Science Fiction
Review: Quite a good science fiction novel hidden beneath a horrible title and ghastly cover art. Looking forward to her next.
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Summary: Aliens can have tentacles and personalities, too
Review: Some sci-fi has great characterizations but lacks the "gee whiz" factor that makes the genre so much fun. These stories often read like classic tales transported to outer space. Another type of sci-fi spends a lot of effort creating alternative worlds with complex biology/ecology/socially--and forgets to include interesting characters with whom the reader can identify. Ms. Waitman manages to create some of the most well rounded, memorable characters that I have come across since the last time I read Dickens. At the same time, she satisfies the urge to "explore strange new worlds."
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Summary: A Powerful First--and First Rate-- Novel
Review: The Merro Tree is on my Top Ten List of Best Books Ever. It has the makings of everything you want in a good story: begin with a protagonist we can identify and grow with, mix in a truly beautiful love story that crosses species and gender, add a message about the dangers of censorship for spice, and above all, infuse it with a sense of wonder, and you'll have this book. A sparkling new voice in the otherwise dull miasma of the genre, Katie Waitman is definitely one author to watch and wait for.
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Summary: There's a sequel coming out!
Review: The tentative title is The Roots of Forgiveness. I have no idea what the release date is. Very few take the sf/fantasy genres as a legitimate platform for any serious issue--especially not censorship, love transcending the physical. Mikk is wonderful, and The Merro Tree was so satisfying I hope there's something left for the next installment!
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Summary: One of the best books I've read..when is the next one?
Review: This book has one of the most unique storylines I've read in a while. I didn't want it to end and am waiting impatiently for her next book!
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