Ganwold's Child [Hardcover]

Diann Thornley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995

The first installment in a military adventure epic is set in a future universe called the Unified Worlds, where one family of soldiers, led by Trisan Dartmuth, must fight against both human rebels and alien invaders.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her first novel, which begins a series set among the Unified Worlds, Thornley melds diplomatic intrigue, anthropological speculation and military derring-do into an effective yarn. Pursued by political enemies and alien slavers, a mother and her son, Tristan, escape to the planet Ganwold, where the boy is raised among the humanoid natives. Later, when Tristan, now a young man, seeks help for his ailing mother, his quest leads him into the complexities of interplanetary politics and to the realization of his paternal heritage as a soldier and pilot. Thornley's elaborate plot is bolstered by vivid descriptions of unusually compelling characters?though a few succumb to generic stereotypes. And while the military episodes often prove exciting, it is with the quieter, more textured presentation of Ganwold culture that Thornley excels. She presents a richly imagined world that is truly alien while at the same time still understandable. (
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In a galaxy wracked by war between the ruling Dominion and the rebel forces of the United Worlds, Tristan Serege, son of a rebel hero, becomes a bargaining chip in a deadly battle of wills and opposing armies. Thornley's first novel begins a military sf series set in a far-future universe of alien slavers, crafty politicians, and bold fighting men and women. Although emphasis falls more heavily on plot than characterization, the author's skill in bringing space combat to life provides strong focus for this well-written, though predictable, space adventure.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 349 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; First edition (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312858434
• ISBN-13: 978-0312858438
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,174,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting first novel, June 2, 2003

By 

Scott R. Lucado "I'm the other author named L... (Fort Worth, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ganwold's Child (Hardcover)

This was a fun read. Lots of great technical detail, but it doesn't overshadow the story, which is an entertaining story of interstellar culture. It reminded me in some ways of H. Beam Piper (though I'm not exactly sure why).

I don't think Diann Thornley is another Arthur C. Clarke, but she can write a good story--enough so that I was moved to read the other two entries in this series.

4.0 out of 5 stars Boy meets worlds, March 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ganwold's Child (Saga of the Unified Worlds) (Mass Market Paperback)

I was not familiar with Diann Thornley and bought this book on a whim, but I really liked it. By no means is it perfect. I agree with the previous viewer that the worlds are not well defined and I had a lot of trouble keeping the characters straight. A chart would have helped. I also did not understand the rift between the human factions and thought more exploration of the relationship between the main characters would have been helpful.

The ending was okay, but I wanted to read a little more about what happened next. Too few books have satisfying endings, its as if you are being forced to read the next book. The epilogue cleaned up some loose ends about the bad guys, but what about the good guys.

The good news is that the book was fast and exciting. Even though we know what will happen in the end we have a lot of thrills on the way there. I recommend this book for anyone who likes action and adventure over technology. Not a lot of advanced technology here, this boy meets worlds story could take place in the wild, wild, west. I also recommend this book for teen readers and anyone new to sci-fi who wants to start out slowly.

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid boy-into-soldier tale; needs a bit more polish., July 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Ganwold's Child (Saga of the Unified Worlds) (Mass Market Paperback)

Although this is a solid tale of a boy raised in an alien culture both rejoining mankind and becoming a soldier, the book is in need of some scutwork.

First of all, the worlds developed by the author remain (to me) vaguely defined. The overarching tension between the two manipulative characters (Tristan's father and the Sector General) is explained in a rudimentary fashion; I never 'felt' the relationship existed. The governments were a bit hard to keep track of, and in general I had little confidence in any image I had of the world that wasn't explicitly described.

Second, I'm not really sure what the author is trying to say. I came away with a tale told, but no message received. I realize this may not be important for everyone.

I rated the book a 7 because the storytelling is quite good; the pacing and reach of the narrative is pleasing. I will seriously consider purchasing the next volume.