Children of Orion [Paperback]

Robert Ipcar (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0759625522
• ISBN-13: 978-0759625525
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,816,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Self publishing award, October 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Children of Orion (Paperback)

"CHILDREN OF ORION is easily the best science fiction in this stack of contest entries. It's a crackling good read that reminded me positively of the best of Nivin, Poul, and sometimes even Silverberg. Probably Marion Zimmer Bradley's better Darkover novels are what CHILDREN OF ORION reminds me of most. No matter what, it's clear that the author has read deeply and well in the science fiction genre, so his novel isn't just another rehash of well-worn plot conventions and character types. Thank heaven Mr. Ipcar knows what a light year is, what neutron stars and binary systems are all about, and he even adds the enormous swath of galaxies known as the Great Wall. The very nature of the planet N'ayu makes a terrific setting.

The prose is smooth and strong, and the story has obviously been well polished. CHILDREN OF ORION is peopled with cultures and characters that are believable within their context of alien and human-descended races more than 20,000 years (!) hence. For a while there I was concerned that the novel's story would reduce itself to yet another "medieval Europe thinly disguised as an alien planet" trope, but fortunately the author avoids the easy pitfalls and keeps the Mateek and Wai'min, and even the Majiskalas, fresh and believable.

With all that, though, I think what impressed me most about CHILDREN OF ORION was its well-drawn women characters. Captain Kerry, T'Nahlia, Zyaina, and T'Laradayh are all refreshing presence in a genre still more than a bit too male-centric - and not just because they are lovingly fleshed out individuals well presented in a good story.

I'm certain that CHILDREN OF ORION will find a good audience within the science fiction community. It's at least as good as most interstellar planetfall adventures out there on the shelves. Here's wishing the author luck with the continuing saga...."

...

5.0 out of 5 stars A series of the first order, August 9, 2011

By 

herrinchoker - See all my reviews

This review is from: Children of Orion (Paperback)

Mr. Ipcar has shown a tremendous literary gift in the creation of his series. To those who enjoy Sy-Fi, the series Children of Orion, (Twins Above, The Time Weaver, and Return to Ash'elon-all available on Kindle) will keep you entertained, and off balance with the different characters, time line, and a skillfully woven plot.

Mr. Ipcar has incorporated many of life's experiences skillfully with fantasy, to bring to the reader a most refreshing interlude in today's hectic world.

I have not been captured by a series of books such as these in a long time, and have thoroughly enjoyed the read of all three (even past four AM)

A pleasure awaits for you all.

Herrinchoker
Georgetown, Maine

5.0 out of 5 stars An intruging new style of sci-fi novel..., February 25, 2002

By 

Nat (Lancaster, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Children of Orion (Paperback)

How many times have we heard of the story: sailors, astronauts, passengers of some kind, are stranded in some foreign place, and they have to fight against the odds to survive. Well, this book may have that idea for a basis, but the background and concepts of it all are far more intriguing than any sci-fi books I have read before. The captivating part of the story is in the detail of background of it all; as you read from the beginning, you are presented with concepts that create a perfect image in your mind of a hierarchial spacefaring society, some members of which are stuck on a planet so far away; out of the way of other humans, the society's hierarchy itself...a very fun read, quite a good book.