Customer Reviews

The Luck of Madonna 13 (The Last Nevergate Chronicles, 1)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A find! Even though I consider myself an eclectic reader I shied away from sci-fi genres for a long time. When first readings convinced me that sf is all about the worlds of imagination, possibilities and adventure I was sold big time. Classics in this field give considerable thought to cutting-edge theories in all sorts of realms. WOW! This book is among the best in its field. Wise, kind, imaginative and provoking, it's an affirmation of the best reasons to read sci-fi (or any other) genre. A thought-provoking, compelling and very satisfying read.

Great Book! It's fun, sophisticated and extremely detailed. The tech stuff is solid and interesting. I also like the tongue in cheek stuff - like the lack of commercial success of Madonnas #4 through #12 or whatever (clones).

The book has lots of stuff that would make it a great movie - a combination of:

Dune: Epic
Blade Runner: Synthetic personalities
5th element: Hip
Rendezvous with Rama: Highly detailed, completely new world
Star Wars: Battle scenes, action
All: Heroes

The detail of Earth post-Nevergate is great and extensive. I like the combination of super-tech (magic, long life, hoverbars) with the realities of some things that don't advance (Madonna music, personalities, power, un-noticed bugging, etc.).

My favorite scenes are:

1. Discovering the hidden arm at the drawbridge using the 4D mapping system. Feels a lot like Blade Runner where he gets the ID off the snake scales.

2. Dragon cave warm-up fighting. Would be great as a movie.

3. ZZ-Top display by Exeter. I think in a movie this could be pulled off to have a bit of a "Road-Warrior", post-apocalypse feel to it (if that's what you intended).

4. Wyern (spelling?) encounter with the idiots on the salvage island.

5. Dunnigan droid spaz attack at dinner with Glendyl.

Highly Recommended

This book is one of the happiest surprises I have been lucky enough to enjoy! E T Ellison keeps things interesting and possesses a writing style which is hip, funny, entertaining and thought provoking. This is what fiction is supposed to be ....colorful characters we follow down uncharted paths excited about every turn.

This book has got it all! I enjoyed this book from start to finish, although I would have put the start at the finish, just a minor rearranging. This new author has an incredible imagination and his facility with the details of history is almost overwhelming as a starting point. But once the actual story begins, there is no need for any rearranging or changing of characterizations, plot lines, or context. The author has produced a beautiful book, a set of characters I can't wait to learn more about, and a history of the future which is wonderfully satisfying. A great book! An amazing accomplishment! I highly recommend this book and I strongly encourage the author to continue sharing his talents with his ever-growing audience!!

Let's dispense with a lot of discussion here: This is a great book; it deserves to be read. Not just by sci-fi junkies but by anyone who imagines the future and likes ideas. Not to mention a great story.

I discovered The Luck of Madonna 13 not long ago, and I don't understand why it isn't better known. Glendyl is a charmer, and making her acquaintance is well worth your time.

Better heads than mine share my appreciation. This book was named 2002 Book of the Year by ForeWord Magazine in the sci-fi category, and was selected by January Magazine as one of the Best Books of 2002 across all genres. (Neither of these magazines appears to be controlled by any of the author's relatives.)

If you find that life often provokes a belly-laugh along with a deep thought or two, read this book.

Author's anonymous friends aside, this is not a five-star book, not by a long shot. I've rarely read a book where I couldn't get through more than a paragraph without howling -- and I've read a LOT of unpublished work.

For commentary on chapter first sentences: http://deirdre.org/blog/index.php?p=49

E.T. Ellison's creativity in language invention, character development, plot and everything else that goes into this incredible story solidifies its future as an ultimate classic. In a genre of its own, this book pushes the boundaries of sci-fi and fantasy to make it a very sophisticated, yet fun read. Not only are readers taken into a new and incredible world, but we are left satisfied yet anxious for the sequal by the end. Although some have said that the Genesis is misplaced, I think that it is best when used as a reference and is well placed at the beginning. I started with the first chapter and just looked to the Genesis when I was curious about any of the many events that occured in the history of old St. Coriander and it worked beautifully. Personally I thought that it was more fun to learn about the history of St.C while following "Glenny Honey" on her incredible journey. I can't wait to see what comes next and hope that myself and the author have the luck of Madonna 13.

It took me a while to get through the opening section. But it was worth the wait!

This story was rich with character development and technical detail. I can't wait for the next installment.