Customer Reviews

Fox and Empire

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

That demigod is a very interesting character. He could turn out to be a very valuable ally of the Fox and his descendants. You got to admit, the Fox and/or the Archer could have saved themselves alot of trouble by fortifying the pass to the northlands. It would have been better if the Fox defeated the all imperial troops in conventional battle without the intervention of Biton. But then I wished that because I crave large-scale combat.

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.

The continuing adventures of Gerin the Fox , King of the Northlands, are a wild ride. For a man who just wants to live in peace, Gerin has adventure after adventure. The return of the Empire after 20 years is a headache he doesn't need, on top of his problems with greedy neighbors and a 4 year old demigod. Great read.