Alien Chronicles, Book 2: The Crimson Claw (Lucasfilm's Alien Chronicles) [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Deborah Chester (Author)

Book Description

Series: Lucasfilm's Alien Chronicles | Publication Date: October 1, 1998

The master reptilian Viis beat, sell, and kill at whim the Abiru slaves they rule. But their corruption is destroying them. And Ampris--a slave forced to fight as a gladiator--will powerfully lead the fight for her oppressed people.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Jungle Book meets Star Wars. (Library Journal) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

As one might expect from LucasFilm, this is a fully realized dramatization of a new science fiction series. The music is stirring, though not as visceral as that of Star Wars, and the sound effects are superb. Set in a completely alien universe in a multi-world civilization dominated by the evil reptilian Viis, the story follows the adventures of Ambris, from a feline-like race, as she battles as a gladiator, aided by a dog-like servant. The actors throw themselves into these roles; for example, the servant sometimes snuffles, sometimes distantly growls; Ambris snarls and screams like a cat. A rousing time is had by all. D.R.W. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award Winner. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: HighBridge Company; Abridged edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156511289X
• ISBN-13: 978-1565112896
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Books on Cassette > General
  • #54 in Books > Books on CD > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction
  • #70 in Books > Books on CD > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

More About the Author

Since beginning my professional career as a novelist in 1978, I've had over 35 books published, including Regency romances, young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. Some of my early science fiction was published under two pseudonyms -- Sean Dalton and Jay D. Blakeney. Currently I hold the John Crain Presidential Professorship at the University of Oklahoma, where I teach novel and short story writing in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow again!, March 7, 2000

By 

Cara (Kootenays, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crimson Claw (LucasFilm's Alien Chronicles, Book 2) (Paperback)

"The Crimson Claw" is impressive and I enjoyed it a lot. Israi, Ampris and Elrabin embark on new adventures and lives as they painfully grow up to the realities of a crumbling Viis Empire. Well, maybe Elrabin and Ampris are rejoicing that fact, but Israi as the new Kaa or Imperial Mother is in danger. I can't wait to read "The Crystal Eye" and I hope it comes soon to my small area!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK!, February 13, 2000

By 

Elbarin (Vir) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crimson Claw (LucasFilm's Alien Chronicles, Book 2) (Paperback)

This book is very good.I can't wait to read the next book,sadly I can't find it anywhere.:-(I'll find it though.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story, I Want More, February 27, 1999

By 

D. A. Lewis (Palmdale, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Crimson Claw (LucasFilm's Alien Chronicles, Book 2) (Paperback)

Deborah Chester's "Crimson Claw" is a sci-fi novel with a definite historical feel to it. While the story was about the conflict between the slave races and the master race,set on a different planet in a different time, I always got the feeling I was reading about the Gladiators of the Roman Empire. This is not a negative criticism, just that the story had a very real flavor to it.

Additionally just about all her characters seem very real and that is disturbing. I found it very difficult to hate most of her bad/evil character because she gave them so much dept. And it made a lot of their motivations very understandable. Chester has a knack for getting into all her characters heads and while the story is about Ampris, it could have also been about Elrabin, Israi, or the Kaa.

Surprisingly however, two minor characters who play a big part in the book get the short shrift. Halehl, her trainer we really know nothing about. And an early antagonist Sheri, her early bunk

mate, who I kept expecting to see in the ring.

One thing that bothered me was that Ampris's team "The Blues" were supposed to be the reigning arena champions, but they cheated big time in a number of ways. Chester gave little attention to the possibility that they could or would ever get caught. At one point in the book Halehl threatens to sell Ampris, but the thought that Ampris might reveal their cheating techniques never comes up.

Another thing that is not clear is why is the Viis empire crumbling. Sure they are not fixing things, the economy is collapsing and they are a ruthless race. But why? Their motivations for allowing all this to happen boggles my mind. Perhaps it will be more explained in the last book.

Minor quibbles' thou. The book is a very quick read and completely engrossing. And after you are finished you will want more. A book kinda sorta similar to this book is McCaffrey's "Freedom Landing" trilogy. However while that book purports to be about runaway earth slaves from a master alien race, it is really a book about colonization.

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