Hammerfall

ISBN: 0-06-105260-4 Order from: Amazon.com

A tense, tightly focused plot and an interesting protagonist provide a lot of satisfaction in this social science fiction despite some plot issues and lack of depth in supporting characters.

Reviewed by David on July 06, 2001

Genre: Science Fiction (Nanotechnology, Regressed Colony)

Synopsis: A harsh, arid land of villages and desert tribes has been ruled by the mysterious, unaging Ila. Marak, the son of the most successful rebel against the Ila and her soldiers, was once a respected war-leader in his own name. Now, however, with his once-hidden madness revealed, he became a prisoner of the Ila. Instead of expected death, the vision-cursed rebel gets a chance for a suicidal expedition to the edge of the great and deadly desert.

Full Review: Cherryh creates another civilization—shaped by environment and the intent of advanced, subtle, almost godlike technology. The society, somewhat stable, is then subjected to stress—almost to destruction—by forces not malevolent but as inescapable as falling meteors.

The reactions of the society are fascinating—as are the reactions of individuals, most realistic and plausible, portrayed in this exciting, at times extremely tense, plot.

There are several issues in this novel. As in some other novels by the author, there are practically no interludes in the mounting tension. The dearth of reflection or humor makes the reading experience fatiguing, and provides little contrast for the truly climactic turns.

The Ila's opponents seem to act in an obscure, frustratingly inefficient fashion, seemingly at odds with their capabilities. Also, while Marak, and the Ila are well-portrayed, most of the other characters are very lightly sketched—and this applies to much of the civilization as well.

This is a well-written, tight and exciting book, but not one of Cherryh's best.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-06-105260-4 Order from: Amazon.com