A Point of Honor -- a review
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- Dan_Ellsworth
- Karen_James
- Dan_Ellsworth
- Karen_James
- Dan_Ellsworth
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» Dan_Ellsworth - Greetings, &c.
Good to see you reviewing again after the holidays. I thought this review was well done and clear. I have brought no cans of worms to leave on the counter. I've changed topics. In haste; can "talk" more later.-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth
» Karen_James - hi Dan
Thanks Dan. And feel free to mess up my counters any time!!-- posted by Karen_James
» Dan_Ellsworth - No worms, just blender stuff
Q: How would you write something that had the "flavors" of both "hard" science fiction, and all-out fantasy, without weakening either element?A: Make a fantasy virtual world, with an adventure whose real-world ramifications are deadly.
So, has this author made a truly "bi-modal" story, one which "feels right" in both its fantasy and "hard SF" aspects? It's an ambitious writing project, in that sense.
I hope you and your readers can spend some play time in my new topic. I'm hoping to improve the blood chemistry of my readers. ;-)
-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth
» Karen_James - bi-modal?
You are right, an ambitious undertaking. Dorothy J. Heydt did well with the technical aspects of a virtual reality. Her VR was believable and exquisitely crafted... bugs and all.She also did well with the tie in to the fantasy/role playing gamer's mentality and underlying "honor" of the sport.
Where her story fell short was the character development. And yes, I am strict when the characters are involved, I know my bias. Heydt has written numerous short stories and one novel as Katherine Blake, and her skill with the short story leaves its mark on her novels. She does not succeed with development.
I remember considering her fantasy novel The Interior Life (Katherine Blake) and deciding against it because it looked "flat." I admit I chose A Point of Honor because of the cover art (Romas Kukalis), and I'm not disappointed from the read. Heydt did an excellent job with her story and her conflict.
A Point of Honor isn't the first such novel built on a fantasy VR around a science fiction RL. Dream Park by Larry Niven and Steven Barnes, Caverns of Socrates by Dennis L. McKiernan, and Otherland by Tad Williams spring to mind as other examples. Now, if you want an excellent read, I'd recommend any one of these. Oh, but I remember Dan, you don't like to start a series until the last book is out. So, you'll want to hold off on Tad Williams' Otherland !
-- posted by Karen_James
» Dan_Ellsworth - Karen, good reply
Your mentions of related books have repeatedly been excellent. My current interests are not much to VR but could go that way in a year or three. Thank you for a very individualized reply. :-)-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth
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