The Leaves of October [Paperback]

Don Sakers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1988

The Hlutr: immensely old, terribly wise...and utterly alien. Long before life crawled from the oceans of Earth, the forest of the Hlutr stood on a million worlds. Their soundless songs filled space, and their mastery of evolution had brought peace to countless planets.

When Mankind went out into the stars, he found the Hlutr waiting for him. Waiting to observe, to converse, to help. Waiting to judge...and, if necessary, to destroy. Humans were savage, uncontrolled, aggressive and unpredictable. Should the Hlutr encourage them -- or exterminate them?

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I hope you will enjoy this glimpse of the universe of the Scattered Worlds. In the words of the Hlutr: "Is not the Universal Song a grand and glorious thing, to have contained two such as we?"

About the Author

Don Sakers was launched the same month as Sputnik One, so it was perhaps inevitable that he should become a science fiction writer. A Navy brat by birth, he spent his childhood in such far-off lands as Japan, Scotland, Hawaii, and California. In California, rather like a latter-day Mowgli, he was raised by dogs.

As a writer and editor, he has explored the thoughts of sapient trees (The Leaves of October, Baen 1988), brought ghosts to life (Carmen Miranda's Ghost is Haunting Space Station Three, Baen 1989), and beaten the "Cold Equations" scenario ("The Cold Solution," Analog 7/91, voted best short story of the year.)

Sakers lives at Meerkat Meade in suburban Baltimore with his companion of many years, Thomas Atkinson.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Baen Books (July 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671654225
• ISBN-13: 978-0671654221
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,409,343 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Don Sakers was launched the same month as Sputnik One, so it was perhaps inevitable that he should become a science fiction writer. A Navy brat by birth, he spent his childhood in such far-off lands as Japan, Scotland, Hawaii, and California. In California, rather like a latter-day Mowgli, he was raised by dogs.

As a writer and editor, he has explored the thoughts of sapient trees (The Leaves of October, Baen 1988), brought ghosts to life (Carmen Miranda's Ghost is Haunting Space Station Three, Baen 1989), and beaten the "Cold Equations" scenario ("The Cold Solution," Analog 7/91, voted best short story of the year.)

In 2009, Don took up the position of book reviewer for Analog Science Fiction & Fact, where he writes the "Reference Library" column in every issue.

In his day job, Don works for the Anne Arundel County Public Library. His actual job title -- "Library Associate" -- makes it sound like he gives lots of money to the Library, but in fact it's the other way around.

Don lives at Meerkat Meade in suburban Baltimore with his spouse, costumer Thomas Atkinson.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, March 6, 1999

By 

D. Smith ([e-mail]) (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leaves of October (Paperback)

Beautifully revealed short stories centered around the most unexpected sapient creatures and their relucted aid in helping mankind reach maturity. Good, well-thought sci-fi supports this ongoing story covering a billion years plus. Leaves you hungry for a continuing trilogy.

2.0 out of 5 stars Little slow for my taste...not a good sign for short stories., July 26, 2008

By 

Phillip C. Cornish - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Leaves of October (Paperback)

This book has some decent stories but moves along at a snail's pace. There are too many ridiculous proper names to keep up with...it's just not that interesting. I don't regret reading it...just wish he could have kept my attention better.