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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A brutal beginning to a grand epic..., February 26, 2006
'The Real Story' is simple and short - you will glean this much, at least, from the other reviews. And indeed, as a stand-alone novel, this book is lacking is depth, character development (with the exception of one character, and though we come to understand his decisions, his motives are largely unrevealed) and a satisfying conclusion, there are two points that are vital to note. These two points are apparently contradictory, but I'll attempt to explain: 1) This was written as a short novella. It wasn't intended to be the first in a series, and as such it doesn't bear many of the traits usually associated with the first book in a series, such as hints of larger plots or other elements designed to draw the reader back for book 2. As a stand-alone novel, Donaldson kept this in a drawer, unpublished, for some years. Only as part of a larger series does it work, yet it doesn't read like the beginning of a series. Once you understand this, the flaws are less glaring. 2) In apparent contradiction of point 1, above, please understand that it IS the first in a series. The series itself is probably the best science fiction I've ever read, but it really doesn't get going until mid-way through book 2. Again, once you accept that most of the "good stuff" comes after 'The Real Story, it's easier to bear to flaws. Though I don't seek to excuse any form of weakness here (after all, whatever it was intended to be and however great the rest of the series, the first book should still be complete and engaging), I do seek to prevent people being deterred by the lukewarm reviews of this first installment. It's not bad by any means, merely incomplete. I would issue a couple of warnings though: Firstly, this book is grim and brutal; be prepared. And secondly, Donaldson tells character-based stories in fantastic settings - if you're looking for detailed high technology and hard science, this might not be your scene.
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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
(series review) Brilliantly twisted roller-coaster ride, February 5, 2005
This is the first of five books centering around three central characters, each balanced and very well developed (with serious weaknesses, as all of Donaldson's characters seem to have). At times, you might find yourself sympathizing for the antagonist, and feeling unsure of who you want to "root" for. While each book is separate on its own (and each has a prologue summarizing prior books, like Covenant), it is best treated as a single story. There is sexual content in the series that some may find offensive, especially in the first book. It definitely adds to the story, and the emotional ride Donaldson delivers. If you read the "Thomas Covenant" series, you know how his books sometimes make you feel like you were run over by a Mack-Truck, and this series will definitely do that to you - but there are highs as well as lows (compared to Covenant, which was mostly depressing to me). The story line of the series is fascinating - much like Strachzynski's "Babylon 5" series, the characters are greatly influenced by political events, maneuvered like pawns until they move in unexpected manners. The first book is a "quickie", more of an introduction to the series. As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly complicated (in a delicious way). It's not hard-core sci-fi, in that the technology is not the focus of the story - it could take place in submarines or pirate ships in the ocean almost as easily. I enjoyed this series a lot more than The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Another good read by Donaldson is his collection of short stories, "Daughter of the Regal", which I'd highly recommend.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Prequel, December 12, 2005
This book should be considered as the first 272 pages of a 2004-page epic. A bit wordy for a preface, it doesn't fare well on its own (see other reviews). But both the Second Chronicles and the Mordant's Need series were the same way -- not really intended to be read as independent books. If you don't mind spoilers, look at the reviews of the other 3 books -- standard Donaldson stuff (some people dislike his style, some prefer his fantasy work, etc.) I am a fan of *both* sci-fi and fantasy. While I like good writing, a good story pleases me more (which is why I can enjoy Asimov). Another reviewer compared the Gap series to the Babylon 5 TV series. I see these commonalities: - a single main plot across the whole series - humans are both the "good guys" and the "bad guys" - the "good guys" aren't always that good It's dark. It's full of violence. It's not for the squeamish. If you have read Donaldson's second book of short stories (Reave the Just) and were put off by the violence and depravity there, you should probably skip this series. Otherwise, buy the set and read them straight through.
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