Fox and Empire [Mass Market Paperback]

Harry Turtledove (Author)

Book Description

Series: Baen Fantasy | Publication Date: December 1, 1997

One of an epic fantasy series including "Werenight", "Prince of the North" and "King of the North". Ever since the devastating werenight that ended the Elabonian Empire, Aragis the Archer has been saying that he doesn't want war with Gerin the Fox. If so, why does he adopt a threatening attitude?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Harry Turtledove is a historian and novelist who has used his speciality to write classic novels of alternate history, including the WORLDWAR series. He lives in Canoga Park, California.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 449 pages
• Publisher: Baen; First Printing edition (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671878581
• ISBN-13: 978-0671878580
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,324,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Harry Turtledove is the award-winning author of the alternate-history works The Man with the Iron Heart; The Guns of the South; How Few Remain (winner of the Sidewise Award for Best Novel); the Worldwar saga: In the Balance, Tilting the Balance, Upsetting the Balance, and Striking the Balance; the Colonization books: Second Contact, Down to Earth, and Aftershocks; the Great War epics: American Front, Walk in Hell, and Breakthroughs; the American Empire novels: Blood & Iron, The Center Cannot Hold, and Victorious Opposition; and the Settling Accounts series: Return Engagement, Drive to the East, The Grapple, and In at the Death. Turtledove is married to fellow novelist Laura Frankos. They have three daughters: Alison, Rachel, and Rebecca.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Frustratingly Repetitive, March 30, 2005

By 

Christopher R. Magee "fenryswulf" (Naperville, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fox and Empire (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is decent, but it's hard to read at times, because it is extremely repetitive. Turtledove feels like if he doesn't remind you of something every five pages, you're going to forget. The most commonly repeated theme is that Gerin the Fox is so very, very clever, and this is reinforced by other characters constantly saying, "Gee Gerin, you're one clever guy." Every character is treated this way - they all have one character type, and the author refers to this whenever he possibly can. One character likes wine. One character always does what's obvious. Other characters don't like one another. If he would cut out the repetition the book would be half as long and twice as good.

On a similar vein, way too much of the narration and dialogue consists of sarcastic or ironic statements that the other characters are too dumb to catch on to. The author tries really hard to make sure you understand that King Gerin is so much more clever than the other dolts in his world, but he (Turtledove) really needs to give the reader more credit and allow them to figure some things out for themselves.

All in all, the story isn't bad, but it's nothing special either. It seemed like the other Gerin the Fox books were better, but maybe Turtledove's style has just grown stale for me as I've read more of his stuff.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Fox muddles through, again, March 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fox and Empire (Mass Market Paperback)

One of the reasons I have enjoyed the Fox books is that Turttledove's Fox takes what comes and deals with it. Usually with wit and guile, and a little luck; and recognizes his own limitations. It's nice to have a series where we see the maturity of the pricipals grow.

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done, Harry!, January 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fox and Empire (Mass Market Paperback)

I am working my way through most of H. Turtledove's books and this one is even better than most -- which means you should sit up, take note and go find yourself a copy.