The Crimson Claw (LucasFilm's Alien Chronicles, Book 2) [Paperback]

Deborah Chester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998 | Series: Lucasfilm's Alien Chronicles (Book 2)

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Jungle Book meets Star Wars. (Library Journal)

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

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Ace (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441005659
• ISBN-13: 978-0441005659
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

3 of 3 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!

3 of 3 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 The best in the trilogy, April 17, 2010

By 

humanbeldot - See all my reviews

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

The Crimson Claw picks up near where The Golden One left off, with Ampris now fighting in the gladiatorial circuit, from Viisymel to Mynchepop to Shrazak Ohr. Ampris has turned from a soft, pampered imperial pet to a tough-as-nails, battle-hardened warrior with blood on her hands. Forced to fight in the circuit, she eventually crosses paths with Elrabin, her brief acquaintance from the previous novel, and reaffirms her desire for freedom for the abiru from the oppression of the Viis.

Out of the trilogy, The Crimson Claw is the most action-packed and twisting; many times, you wonder how a character is going to get out of this mess or that mess, or how Ampris will succeed in her dreams, or how things could get any worse - or, at times, any better. Though at times Ampris's undying faith in the good of sentient beings will make you want to hit her over the head, all in all it is refreshing to see this sort of characterization, coupled with a primal side that turns her into a cold-blooded killer when the time is right, in modern novels. Elrabin is still as cowardly yet street-smart as ever, and from time to time one is able to see both the good and the bad, not only of the Viis in general, but of Israi herself. Her vanity and chunen desires have turned her into a ruthless, though still three-dimensional, character whom you equally despise and adore, if only for her mastery of language and lies.

The book's pace never drags, and characterization never falters. Hints and foreshadowing run rampant, though you likely will not pick up on them until after the third novel is completed. A must read for any lover of The Golden One, and a definite read for any lover of science fiction, fantasy, action, or adventurer. Or, better yet, all four.