Customer Reviews

Executive

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the fourth book in Piers Anthony's five book Bio of a Space Tyrant series.

The basic idea is that the main character, Hope Hubris has now reached the level of highest office, that of Executive, and is complete ruler ("Tyrant") of Jupiter. He now has to escape assasinations and reform business and society for Jupiter to survive.

In my opinion the first three books in this series are absolutely fantastic and are some of the best sci-fi I have ever read. Unfortunately, I don't find this fourth book to be on the same level. I give this book 4 stars for those who loved the previous books (as I did), but only 3 stars for the casual reader.

Though quite interesting and enjoyable in many individual parts, the author doesn't weave as compelling a story here (after all, the main character is now ruler), and the book's continued allusions to communism and problems of the 80's give it a dating that starts to detract somewhat from the plausability of some of the plot-points.

That being said, it is interesting to see how the main character progresses through his "term" and how the office affects him. Also, it is very interesting to hear how someone with absolute power would solve society's ills -especially when you then get to go into the backlash that would follow.

All in all, worthwhile if you liked the series, but not something I'd consider a must-read like the others.

With the rest of the reviewers I have to highly recommend that reading the first three books in this series is essential to fully grasp their nature and purpose. In this one (Vol.4) Hope Hubris has assumed total command of Jupiter and is attempting to institute many overdue changes in the governmental and societal structure of Jupiter. Through a heavy dose of satire and allegory Piers Anthony is able to demonstrate and spotlight many of the problems in our own political and social structure.Although this book is not as fast paced as the previous ones in this series it is still a highly entertaing and thought-provoking look at how the best intentions and ideas can become buried in bureaucratic quagmire, and the lengths (and sacrifices), Hope must go through to accomplish his goals. In the end the book does make you wonder if perhaps a tyranny is the best form of government.

I had read all the other books in this series, but never this one. Now, thanks to Amazon, I was able to get a copy in new condition. It's every bit as good as the other books in the Space Tyrant series. Just a good story well told, and a delight to read.

I've been recently reading novels from my past, especially those I recall enjoying. I felt like revisiting this series, seeing if I remember correctly.

Back cover of book:

Doomed to a Madman's Hell

He was shaping his times as no one before him dared, mercilessly scourging an entire planet of crime and corruption wherever he found them - and destroying anyone who stood in his way. Absolute dictator of the United States of Jupiter, Hope Hubris was destined to become the most hated and feared man of an era, a tyrant charged with countless heinous acts and sexual cruelties. Yet justice remained his fiercest passion.

Now to insure his goals, Hope would assume an alternate identity and become a rebel - the brilliant leader in a revolution dedicated to his own overthrow. To fulfill his dreams he would sacrifice love...and plunge headlong into madness...

Executive

End back cover of book.

Hope Hubris relates what he encounters during his tenure as Tyrant of Jupiter. I found the volume to be tough to read through at times given the pace of the prior books. I was fascinated with the impact of different facets of a government under construction, from picking a competent director to implementing the final policy. Again he uses his preternatural skills to select those around him to form this government. Also there is some interesting action with the creative attempts on his life.

It became difficult when a formula appeared similar to the previous volumes and I couldn't get inspired as before to read to the next chapter. Almost as if the basic structure of each volume is the same yet the context is different. It was the navy, then a political career, and now an entire government. In addition, I scratch my scalp at some of the usual odd behaviors between him and his female companions. Decent read though.

Thank you.

Rewriting the rules of power.


Hope succeeds in this endeavour as well, and is elected President of the area. With this office, he then sets about changing the legal framework of the society, through political means. As a consequence of this, he is appointed head honcho of the whole shebang, which is where the Space Tyrant moniker comes into play.

Now with supreme authority over Saturn, for the sole purpose of balancing the deficit, Hope Hubris begins a reign that in years following will be looked back upon and the cure a tragically deficient planet needed. Of course, going throug it is pure hell.

One of the things I particularly liked was the way he dealt with overpopulation. You see, for years the Navy has instituted weekly sex for their members, mandatory! To prevent unwanted pregnacies, they have an additive they put in the water supply which is prevents women from getting pregnant. To halt the rising overpopulation, he puts that drug in Jupitor's water supply. A civil war almost erupted over that one thing.

Many other less than appreciated programs were put into effect but they were all done for the greater good. Sometimes you have to pull a tooth to save unwanted unpleasntries later.

Excellent continuatin of the life of Hope Hubris.

Great book! Anohter in the series of Bio of a Space Tyrant, Anthony does a great job in this book, as the events of Hope Hubris as the Tyrant of Jupiter proceed. I highly recomend this book to all who love science fiction or futuristic politics. However, if you want to read this book start at the first one in the series, Refugee.