The Guardener's Tale [Perfect Paperback]

Bruce Boston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2007

"A gripping dystopia wickedly extrapolated from our present. Boston brings to bear his narrative genius on this noir tale of a love triange in a society gone mad, probing the way technology and science alter our reality. Transcending genre, "The Guardener's Tale" combines suspense and breathtaking plot twists with macabre humor. Involving, compelling, a masterwork." - Mary Turzillo, author of "An Old-Fashioned Martian Girl"

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Sam's Dot Publishing; 1ST edition (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933556781
• ISBN-13: 978-1933556789
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,089,733 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Three-time Bram Stoker Award winner Bruce Boston is the author of forty-five books and chapbooks, including the novels The Guardener's Tale and Stained Glass Rain. His fiction and poetry have appeared in hundreds of publications, most visibly in Asimov's SF Magazine, Amazing Stories, Weird Tales, Strange Horizons, Realms of Fantasy, Year's Best Fantasy and Horror, and The Nebula Awards Showcase. In addition to the Bram Stoker Award, Boston has received a Pushcart Prize, the Asimov's Readers Award, the Rhysling Award, and the Grand Master Award of the Science Fiction Poetry Association. He lives in Ocala, Florida, with his wife, writer-artist Marge Simon. For more information, you can visit his website at http://www.bruceboston.com/.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boston's Exciting Long-Awaited Second Novel, June 28, 2007

By 

Dennis H. Healy (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Guardener's Tale (Perfect Paperback)

I had a very hard time setting this fast-paced, easily-read novel down. Boston takes us on a compelling ride into a frightening yet utterly believable city-state of the future, with multifaceted characters, plot twists galore, and thought-provoking social, philosophical and psychological reflections upon our lives now as well as upon future possibilities. Those who know Boston's work will expect masterful and moving use of the English language - they will not be disappointed. Those who don't will be delighted. Don't miss it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One man's utopia is another man's dystopia., June 14, 2007

By 

Gary O. Clark (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Guardener's Tale (Perfect Paperback)

In some ways The Guardener's Tale reminds of P.K. Dick. In others, J.G. Ballard. This dystopian tale of the future is all Boston, however. To the Guardeners of the story, utopia is at hand, and just needs pruning now and again. It's not a terrible world - creature comforts and job security a given - as long as you don't think for yourself. Free thought is discouraged, to say the least. You could label it a tyranny, but one imposed on its populace for "its own good". Of course one man's utopia is another man's dystopia. All the elements are here for a thought provoking read, with enough action to keep one turning the pages. The Guardener's Tale is character driven, poetic at times, and stylistically friendly, and, a very satisfying way to spend a few evenings.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant and Entertaining Cautionary Tale, December 1, 2007

By 

J. L. Comeau (Fairfax, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Guardener's Tale (Perfect Paperback)

Not since Ray Bradbury's FAHRENHEIT 451 have I read such a beautifully wrought and realistic cautionary tale of what our lives might become without constant governmental oversight and vigilance. Sol Thatcher is a Guardener--a City State police operative--who has compiled a lengthy profile of Richard Thorne, a formerly good citizen who once lead an exemplary City State life, but who somehow veered into "aberrance" and anarchy. Unsatisfied by subtle degrees with his perfect marriage, home and job, Richard Thorne drifts from the institutionally mandated lock-step lifestyle. Although he's been comfortable with his easy, uncomplicated life, a constant feeling of vague dissatisfaction sends Richard on a journey of self-knowledge into the rapidly dwindling red-light areas where he discovers a sense of freedom and individuality that has been insidiously expunged from society. When he meets a free-spirited prostitute named Josie, Richard's formerly serene existence is changed forever, and he becomes a societal outlaw despite the City State's best attempt to reprogram Richard with mind-altering drugs and brainwashing techniques. This disturbing novel is a glimpse into a possible future where shiny objects and a false sense of freedom become mankind's ultimate prison. Already recommended for a Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel, this is visionary work from a writer of fierce conviction and a mighty talent.