sfian's review
fast-paced
3.0
Look, I know all the books in this series are short. That was the way of things back in the 60s and 70s, before books became huge. But this one, while following the Dumarest Saga formula, somehow felt rushed. Maybe it was the large cast. Perhaps the three-planet setting. Or, maybe, the twist. I don't know, I just felt it needed fleshing out, particularly at the end.
Also, "krang" for Embira's talent?
bookcrazylady45's review
3.0
The formula is beginning to get to me. It is not boredom exactly but it is possible after all these years that reading a series one right after another for 31 books is not as gripping as the first few times when there were fewer. He still finds new twists and characters but the groundwork of a friend who dies, a friend who betrays, a woman who is gorgeous who falls in love with him and either betrays him or begs him to stay but he moves on. The cybers and the monks and the description of Earth. I know these things must be placed because each book must be a stand alone but reading them one after another it can be annoying.
sirchutney's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Dumarest of Terra is a 33-volume series of science fiction novels by Edwin Charles Tubb. Each story is a self-contained adventure. Throughout the series, Earl Dumarest, the protagonist, searches for clues to the location of his home world, Earth.
The stories are set in a future fragmented galactic culture without any central government. Born on Earth Dumarest stowed away on a spaceship when he was young. The saga begins with The Winds of Gath. Dumarest has traveled so long and so far that he does not know how to return to his native planet. Nor has anyone ever heard of it, other than as a myth or legend.
In this entry to the series Dumarest continues his desperate search for his birthplace. And seems to be coming close to the mythical planet Earth. But his attention is diverted. He is involved in a hunt for a vague ghost world in another galaxy. The rumour is that in this fabulous land lies the mysterious Castle of Heart's Desire. A place which fulfils every wish. If Dumarest can discover it, then maybe he will be able to return to the planet of his birth.
By this point (the 14th novel in the 'Dumarest of Terra' series) the plots become relatively predictable. Yet it’s still a fun pulp space-opera style adventure that provides a light read. The books possess elements of narrative progression. But are largely stand alone. In each there is enough explanation to bring new readers up to speed.
Another great entry in an entertaining series.
The stories are set in a future fragmented galactic culture without any central government. Born on Earth Dumarest stowed away on a spaceship when he was young. The saga begins with The Winds of Gath. Dumarest has traveled so long and so far that he does not know how to return to his native planet. Nor has anyone ever heard of it, other than as a myth or legend.
In this entry to the series Dumarest continues his desperate search for his birthplace. And seems to be coming close to the mythical planet Earth. But his attention is diverted. He is involved in a hunt for a vague ghost world in another galaxy. The rumour is that in this fabulous land lies the mysterious Castle of Heart's Desire. A place which fulfils every wish. If Dumarest can discover it, then maybe he will be able to return to the planet of his birth.
By this point (the 14th novel in the 'Dumarest of Terra' series) the plots become relatively predictable. Yet it’s still a fun pulp space-opera style adventure that provides a light read. The books possess elements of narrative progression. But are largely stand alone. In each there is enough explanation to bring new readers up to speed.
Another great entry in an entertaining series.
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