Customer Reviews

Orion: A Novel

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Orion is a very interesting fun novel. After a present day incident where Orion (the Hunter) preserves the invention of fusion power, he travels back through time to critical junctures in the development of mankind to foil the plans of Ahriman, who is bent on destroying the human race. Orion seems to have no unearthly powers (he is sent back in time by God or his equivalent), and Ahriman seems to be able to control time and space, but Orion manages to perserver. Between the sequences where Orion travels backwards through time Bova also sheds some light on the god who is managing this process. I actually found that substoryline to be the most compelling part of the story after a while. It appears that this god is convinced the universe will be destroyed should Ahriman succeed and thus he needs Orion to stop him. Sounds kind of trite I know, but the historical and mystery aspects of the novel were very well done. Orion is a real page turner (turns out it is a series also).

Ben Bova has been a big name in the world of science fiction for a long time. Although he has no truly classic stories, his body of work as both an author and editor has at least carved out a niche for him. In Orion, he takes a bit of a break from his usual hard science fiction to pen a tale of the title character, divinely appointed to fight against an evil entity.

The premise to the book is intriguing enough, even if not completely original. Taking pages from various mythologies, but focusing primarily on Zoroastrianism, Bova puts Orion at war with Ahriman, a Satanic figure intent on destroying humanity. Ahriman has pinpointed certain key points in human history and tries to alter them to his benefit. Orion is out to stop him.

The story is told episodically, with Orion being reborn in different eras but with memories of his past (actually his future, since he is moving back in time) and with the same exceptional physical abilities. In every era, he also encounters a woman who he is in love with but whose true origins are a mystery to him (though not the reader).

While interesting enough in theory, this novel is only okay in execution. Bova's writing is not particularly good; while not bad either, it is rather flat and none of his characters are all that compelling. Although he has a decent enough plot twist towards the end, it is not that difficult to figure it out, and his epilogue is really bad, as it cheapens the sacrifices that the hero has made. This is not an awful book, but I know Bova is capable of better. He may never be in the top tier of science fiction writers, but this is not even second-tier material. It is mid-level quality, a basic three-star book.

Simply put, this is a powerful book. While the story may be somewhat limited, it still manages to grab you and draw you in.

Orion is a man of pure heart and simple motive-- he only wants to be with his true love. But the Creator Ormazd refuses his wishes. Orion's final decision reflects his true being; to do the right thing, and be damned with the consequences. This easily ranks as one of my five favorite books.

It's the second time I am reading this novel, and I got myself the next issues to read them too. There is something that I like about it, and yet I keep ranting about the weaknesses of writing, plot building, soundness of the treated issues etc. It feels like Ben Bova is 1/ cheaply educated, I mean full of prejudices and ignorance although they've probably been acquired in expensive schools anyway, 2/ trained by secret societies (indirectly) in conventional theology and history, 3/ not willing to dedicate much time and energy to build a story, yet willing to use as tricks all the good ideas that he grabbed elsewhere, that were basically told to him by others. The result is kind of annoying, there IS good stuff in there, but to dig it out one must put up with heaps of cheap tricks, and cheap writing. I'll dig them out, but I know this is no litterary masterpiece, just cheap writing with a few good ideas that are not his.
I just wish Mr Ben Bova did some real work with these ideas, or that i found another author who does it. In the end it doesn't matter that much. I'll use this messenger as I'd use another one who would be a real artist.

Wow. Prior to reading ORION, I was never a big fan with science fiction. Now, after reading it, I find my mind enthralled with the different aspects of sci-fi.

I like the "superhero" type books. Orion is my kind of superhero. Although orion is sort of "god-like" in his abilities, he has his weak points. Ben bova does an incredible job balancing superhuman powers with average male weaknesses. When I grow up I want to be like Orion.

Exciting, educational, imaginative, thought provoking.

This book is pretty good, interesting plots, and I like the clean way he smoothed it all together considering the way the the two characters progressed in opposite directions but ended up in the same state as the other started :). Predictable ending I thought

Orion, created creature of the 'gods.' Created to do battle with Ahriman, the creature sworn to eliminate the human race for an ancient wrong. One travels forward, the other backward, and the continuum forever hangs in the balance of the decisions of four beings throughout it's flow. The other two? Creators of course.

A mystery and a puzzle. If you like to warp your brain on time travel and human reasoning, this one is a sure bet. If you just like a good story, toss this one in your cart, you won't be dissapointed

It was a great sci-fi adventure; the concepts were brilliant.Orion is one interesting book that targets your mind.I personally thought it was cool.