Customer Reviews

Mistwalker (Discovery)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to admit I was reluctant to read this book. My brother-in-law recommended it and knowing his tastes I was a bit hesitant. You see, he reads books by the case and his memory tends to run the stories together a bit, making a recomendation of his somewhat chancy. In this case he was right on the mark. I found the story so engaging that I couldn't put it down. I have re-read the book about 3 times and it gives me the same amount of pleasure as the first. Denise Heald is a voice that I want to hear again, I would love to hear of anything she was working on. It is so rare that a first novel just wows me like this. Sure there are flaws, small ones, but they are more than made up by the original story, the gritty details, the realistic characters, and the very hot love story.
Personally I intend to buy a couple of copies as Christmas presents and one for myself. The truth is, I never did give my Brother-in-laws copy back to him.

Can you imagine having to live in a humid jungle where their is bugs every where including your home. Hopefully your pet lizard will eat them for you. Technology in this world if frowned upon unless it is something like biodegradable. Not only does this story talk about ecology issues, but discrimination issues come up too.

Denis Lopes Heald's first book, "Mistwalker", is extremely entertaining and lush with vivid descriptions of the jungle on the planet Ver Day. The 'green', as the 'greenie' Ver Day natives call it, is filled with exotic animals that put Earth's jungle creatures to shame. As well, the government, or 'govies', is another interesting level to the story, and Meesha Raschad's life story and enemies from MB-2 adds another heap of an entertaining plot. I hope that Denise Heald will someday come out with another book, because "Mistwalker" was published by Del Rey Discovery in 1994! Well, let's just wait and see.

The story in Mistwalker is a fairly straightforward one, one of insiders and outsiders, attempted company-store tactics, rich city folk abusing the poor provincials, and canny, clanny provincials 'sticking it' to the wealthy interlopers. Pick a random novel of the Old West, or gold-rush Alaska, and you'll find either this story, or one with similar elements. The basic plot is pedestrian.

But I rate the novel highly. What gives?

'What gives' are three things:
First, Denise Lopes Heald is a consumate mistress when it comes to building worlds. Her misty world, the enveloping 'green' that the locals constantly reference, is comprehenisve, complete, and convincing. Everything from the local bugs and mud to the mysterious and lethal Mistwalkers is detailed, interactive, and interdependant. If only for the fully realized world, I would recommend this story. But, fortunately for us, there's more.

Second, Denise constructs real human relationships, complete with hidden motives, subconscious urges, distinct and developing personalities, prejudices, and proclivities. Her characters *breath*; they're vital and convincing. No cookie cutter charcters here, not even the vilians. While the true vilians stay mostly off-stage, when they DO make their appearances, they, too, have their vulnerabilities and desires, prejudices and proclivities.

Last, and tying all the rest together, is the dialog. Ms. Heald writes truly believable dialog, and gives each and every one of her characters an unique voice. Every conversation, no matter how brief, is given loving attention to detail, and the dialog rolls through one's mind as if one were listening to it happen.

Regrettably, Ms. Heald has restricted herself to writing short stories since Mistwalker. I can understand that - It's a rewarding genre to a skilled author, but it denies us more lavishly-relized worlds. Mistwalker must have been an effort of hurculean labor, considering its intricate interleaving details and verisimilitude, and while I can understand Ms. Heald for not wanting to take on another such effort, I cannot help but regret her decision, too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It has a little of everything in it--sci-fi, romance, humor, violence. Just read it and you'll see.

Mistwalker has something for everyone. Suspense, mystery, romance, science fiction.....reminds me a little of Australian outback or Wild West novels.. yet, it holds together as a single narrative. When the mistwalker walked by, my skin tingled... Just plain fun!

This was a fun book to read with a great concept for the story's setting. I've been waiting (in vain) for the sequel or anything else by this author.

I'm reading this book for probably the sixth time, and expect to read it many more. It's beautifully written. I can't think of many books that paint the layers of a story in such a way that one finds oneself begging for more, more, more. Ver Day is a complex, intimidating world filled with horrifying dangers, and the ecological center of its story is an unparalleled cautionary tale. The Airiels are beyond terrifying, yet completely enthralling as the guardians of Ver Day's natural integrity. Sal and Meesha are two of the most compelling characters I've encountered in my many years of reading. And the unfolding of their relationship is so perfect that it's breathtaking. Why hasn't this talented writer gifted us with more of her literary prowess. I comb the bookstores and online incessantly for more of her works. I'm bereft!

It's vivid, well-written, and well-crafted. I've read it over and over and over. The characters are so alive and have a great deal of depth. Now, if only Ms. Heald would write another story!

This was a fantastic book and kept me intrigued from beginning to end. I have re-read it several times. We need more works from this author!