Rating: Summary: Some science, much sentiment Review: Gentry Lee's effort sans Clarke shows him to be an engineer, but not a craftsman, of the novel. While his assessment of 22nd century conditions on Earth and Mars is plausible, his characters lack depth and tend toward the 2-dimensional. Johann is undisguised in his representation of the secular analytic, and Beatrice is transparent in her role as mystic. While all good science fiction consists of mysticism and empiricism, the best sci-fi characterizations remain all-too-human mixes of both. Moreover, the plot meanders, leaving many loose threads--one might suppose this to be the invitation to a sequel. Unfortunately, the Bright Messengers sequel threatens to bog down in ungainly descriptions of alien "snowmen" and aquatic children whose presence is never explained. Aficionados of Donaldson, LeGuin, Simmons, or Herbert can leave this novel alone.
Rating: Summary: ok, so it ain't as good as rama, it is still worth reading. Review: ok, rama was a damn good book set, I have read it so many times the books fell apart (don't ask.) I think Gentry Lee could have got some other directions but hey I am no write (no yet anyway.) But I ask you start with earth and end with a raped and beeten death? beatris is a good charactor on the level of St. Micheal or even falstaff or puck from rama, but come on. what would nicole have done if richard and micheal where killed? she would have had some proplems wouldn't she? And what ever happened to max pucket? or simon? if you read this gentry lee please I beg of you drop me an e-mail, I am not mad as I have not let read any but this one (and the ramas) of your books.
Rating: Summary: A Masterpiece! Review: This is not at all bad for Gentry Lee's first solo work. If beauty can be defined by a novel, this is it; a very beautiful, very moving piece of art. Johann sticks to logic and reasoning and has only doubts about God. Beatrice is devoted to God and compassion and service to others. They are two very smart but very different characters who, despite their differences, develop strong respect for each other. Readers will learn with these two characters that science and religion can co-exist. This book is part one of two... when I finished I sat silently for several minutes just thinking about what I had just experienced. Finally I snapped out of the trance and vowed to get the sequel as soon as it comes out (March 1999!)
Rating: Summary: Don't bother with this trash. Sorry Gentry, but it's true. Review: This book is awful. Mr. Lee does not bother to explain much about the mysterious "Bright Messengers" or anything else for that matter. The plot seems to have no direction or flow. The relationship between the main characters is frustrating and quite strange to say the least. I picked the first one up at a supermarket for five dollars. I suspected it was being sold that way because it was selling poorly. Reading it only confirmed my suspicions. Is there any wonder why the second novel lies waiting to be published?
Rating: Summary: A Stunning combination of emotion and hard sci-fi! Review: This book, from the very beginning presented a stunning plot and complex characters. The action is remarkable and keeps the reader wanting to read more and more. The absolutely beatiful descriptions that Mr. Lee presents are amazing. Overall, a great book for even those who do not enjoy sci-fi. Fantastic!!!
Rating: Summary: A distinct book with intense emotions. Review: The theory of religion coexsisting with science is an incredible topic that I've only ever seen 2 other times....in Rama Revealed, and Carl Sagan's Contact. The intense emotional feeling has left tears in my eyes. I love the Rama books, because it forces one to step back and take a look at the true human nature..I only wish the the people who need to read it would. I'm also eagerly awaiting the next book...which now won't be available until March 1999...hopefully I'll remember about it then :)
Rating: Summary: Double Full Moon Night.......it doesn't exist Review: Having loved the Rama series, I couldn't wait to get this book. It was great. Not as brilliant as the Rama series, but it really kept me interested until the very end......which seems to be the end since there is still NO SEQUEL. First fall 1996...then Spring 1998...IT'S November now and still no Double Full Moon Night. I am not sure I will EVER buy another book by Gentry Lee after this fiasco.P.S. Is there anyone out there with an email address to Gentry Lee? I would like to say hi. =-)
Rating: Summary: Has a great start and then goes down hill from there. Review: The story was interesting enough for me to read it about a day, but I started losing interest when they ended up on the island. The end is strange to say the least. I have been looking all over for the sequel "Double Full Moon Night" that was supposed to be out in 1996, then in the spring of 1998. I will have forgotten what the first book was about by the time the sequel comes out.
Rating: Summary: Great! But where is Double full moon night? Review: It has fascinating characters, and a great plot. I must admit that I really liked it. In short, it was all I hoped it would be (and more!), this being a book in the Rama universe, but where the h... is the sequel? I want it now!!!
Rating: Summary: OK, but only half of a book Review: What did I think of the book??? I say WHY BOTHER?!?! Like many others who have commented here over the last 18 months, I feel I was "hoodwinked" by Mr. Lee. It appears he wrote half of a book and managed to peddle it to the unsuspecting public. I've learned to never buy one of Lee's books without checking the last page to see whether or not it is "to be continued". In this case Mr. Lee is already 2 years late on his promise. Yawn...I'm tired of waiting.
|