Don Jaycox

It's so hard to sum up this truly magnificent bit of storytelling and universe creation. In my mind its in the same top-tier with the classics of science fiction and fantasy, standing shoulder to shoulder with likes of Tolkien's masterpiece Lord of the Rings and Azimov’s Foundation Trilogy. People often view it as a pure science fiction novel - which it is - but it is so much more. It is a commentary on religion, myth, fanaticism, love, hate, wisdom passed through generations, loyalty, courage, betrayal, and the complicated interconnectedness and balance of planetary ecosystems. And that is just scratching the surface! If you're not ready for a book with that level of complexity -- one requiring you to engage your brain at all times -- I recommend you take a pass. If you’re ready for a mind-bending, sweeping narrative with interesting characters, good writing and a satisfying plot, this may be the perfect book for you. I first read it 48 years ago, not long after it was published, and I was hooked. I re-read it two years ago and it felt as relevant today as it did in 1975. In 1980 I recommended it to my English Literature girlfriend (later wife) who said (with her nose in the air) ‘I don’t really like science fiction that much.’ But I persisted, and she decided to read it. 16 books-in-the-series-later she admitted that it was one of her favorite books of all time (and she has read literally thousands). If I could give it 6 stars I would.