Green Pearl [Paperback]

Jack Vance (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Ace (June 15, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441303161
• ISBN-13: 978-0441303168
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,907,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rare Gem, November 30, 2000

By 

James D. DeWitt "Alaska Fan" (Fairbanks, AK United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Green Pearl (Paperback)

The Green Pearl is the second book in the Lyonesse Trilogy. While the volume stands on its own, I think you'd be hard pressed to get caught up. If you can, read the first volume, Suldrun's Garden, before starting The Green Pearl.

The book continues the chronicles of the Elder Isles, the lost islands of fantasy between France and Britain. As is the first book, Vance skillfully weaves together seemingly unrelated stories into a coherent whole. Mostly, the book centers around the adventures of Ailias, now a king, and his efforts to solve the personal and royal problems that beset him.

As was the case in Suldrun's Garden, there are long stretches that are almost dreamlike in their tone. A long interlude between Ailias and a barbaric Ska princess is remarkable for its combination of lucidity and dreamlike character; when that particular adventure ends, you very much feel you, with Ailias, have wakened from a dream.

The book does suffer the problem of any second book in a trilogy: it's primarily a bridge between the discoveries in the first book and the denouements in the last. But there are enough new characters and new ideas to keep you fascinated. There are comically sinister magicians, recalcitrant nobles, dying kings and a different view of the barabaric Ska. The book is much less obviously derivative than Suldrun's Garden.

Altogether a most satisfying read. Strongly recommended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was not long enough!, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Green Pearl (Paperback)

Pearl skillfully unfolds different scenarios and weaves all together similar to some of Shakespeare's plays. Jumping through time and space within the story and with the story's format reveals nimble Vance storytelling magic. It would take a real tugboat not to become involved with the various characters and their quests, loves, hates, and power struggles. Vance salts his story with heroes and humour. He peppers Pearl with plenty of villans, human weaknesses, and humour. I could not get enough of the many absurdities and bizarre creations Vance dreamed into his story. Finishing the book left me with the choice of using my imagination to tie up some unveiled mysteries or mindmelding with Vance or waiting for his next book about this world.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful wonderful book, October 21, 2000

By 

Adam Griffith (Bothell, Washington USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Green Pearl Tr (Mass Market Paperback)

In my opinion, this is the best fantasy book ever written. Vance shows nearly limitless imagination, and this is Vance at his finest.

I must say that it is refreshing to read fantasy that isn't just a copy of The Lord of the Rings. The Green Pearl Draws very loosely on the legends of King Aurthur, but also establishes it's own unique mythology. It is worth reading over and over.