Customer Reviews

Patternmaster (Sphere science fiction)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The coming of age novel was a golden age mainstay. Butler's work here is reminiscent of the novellae of golden age writers. As we might have been in an Asimov, Heinlein or Silverberg, we are placed in midstream in a future history constructed as an extension of other Butler novels. Butler novels typically feature the dilemma of being human in a dystopian setting--this novel is no exception. This "future earth", inhabited by one group of humanoids with enhanced mental powers, and another group of intelligent nomads infected by an alien virus, is easy to wrap one's imagination around even if one is not familiar with the Butlerverse. Butler also spares us the detailed rehash of "prior future history to the present future history" that could weigh down (and no doubt increase word counts in Astounding Magazine of serializations of) the golden age novels. Instead,we have all of Butler's strengths at play--a direct, intelligent writing style, an ability to convey character in spare, plausible phrases, and plotting which is neither heavy science nor pure fantasy, but has a unique fictive plausibility allowing an easy "buy-in" by the reader. The book also has the factors that can make a Butler slightly off-putting--casual violence, a chilling soul-lessness permeating the characters, and an abiding sense of otherness. If you've always wanted to try Butler, but want to do one in an afternoon to see if you like her, this is the one to try. I read this during a 3 hour interval, and found myself never bored nor particularly desirous of a longer stay in this particular world than need be. Butler is the real thing--and this is not a bad introduction to her.

The pattern established in the late 20th century by Mary, descendant of Doro, has continued into the far-flung future. Society is in three sects: The Patternists who are the ruling class. The Mutes -- humans who lack a psychic talent or ability, and the Clayarks, diseased half-human creatures -- who are regarded by the Patternists as mindless savages.

The story follows the two contenders for the right to take over the Pattern from the existing master of the Pattern who lies dying. Coransee, the elder, is brother to the younger but will not permit that to stop him from obliterating any obstacle between him and the ruling of the Pattern.

The most disturbing thing about the book is that plain, ordinary humans -- men and women who are neither diseased nor part of the pattern -- are spoken of with pity and treated little better than housepets.

The Clayarks turn out to be surprisingly sympathetic for disease-generated once-human mutations. They are displayed as easily as human as anyone else on the world which bears only passing resemblance to the Earth that we still recognized from Mind of my Mind.

The ending is only slightly surprising. But Butler's pervasive and unsettling theme is that, one way or another, at least in her world view--the human race will only survive if it is dramatically changed into something else. Better or worse, she leaves to the discretion of her readers

After reading Wild Seed, the first book in the series, I had to read Mind of Mind (Book 2) and finally, The Patternmaster. This book is the 3rd of a series and it makes much more sense if you read the previous two.

In The Patternmaster, Butler finishes the story of the Pattern which began in Mind of My Mind. I would NOT recommend this book if you have not read the previous two. Too many questions are unanswered, it would only be confusing.

I would recommend the first novel, "Wild Seed," followed by the second, "Mind of My Mind." "Clay's Ark" is a side novel, but it explains the origin of the Clayarks and part of the reason Earth is so messed up. If you read them prior to "The Patternmaster," things will be clearer.

To Schwinghammer - The reason it seemed that she didn't tell you where the novel took place was because she'd already done so in the previous books. I think you'll find Wild Seed interesting and entertaining; Mind of My Mind is the set up for The Patternmaster.

Like some of the other readers, I was disappointed by the virtual absence of strong female characters in this Patternist story. I've read all four books in the series and found this one to be the least gratifying. With all due respect to Ms. Butler, whom I admire greatly, this book lacked the imagination of the prior installments and the central characters seems much less "human" in that they come across as one-dimensional and single-issue driven without much personality. At times the reading was frustrating and void of any recognizable emotion. I found no real chemistry between any of the characters since they all were completely at the mercy of the Patternmaster. Also, unlike most of Butler's other books, none of the characters (with the exception of the healer) are identified by race. Race and social conditions play no role in this universe that Butler has created which may be fine for some readers but those preferring more realism may not enjoy this effort. I would highly recommend the other books in the series: Wild Seed, Mind of My Mind, and Clay's Ark for traditional or new Octavia Butler fans.

Perhaps not her best, but I enjoyed this novel and have re-read it several times. The writing is lean and elegant, so carefully written that it can be perused many times with profit. Her notions of human speciation - and her merging with the themes of the mutated Clayarks - are masterfully covered and expanded, as are her notions of the power of the mind.

The battle at the center of the novel - the passage of power over a new mass mind of mutants - is taut and frightening, even as she must explain the unusual powers that are being wielded. Once again, her characters are full, first-rate creations that live on in the readers' mind afterword.

I liked the writing and the harshness of the setting. The plot was totally environment based so fairly original, but there just didn't seem to be enough of it. It could have used about 100 more pages and a couple sub-plots. This is actually the last book in _The Patternist_ series but her first published novel.

After reading Wild Seed, the first book in the series, I had to read Mind of Mind (Book 2) and finally, The Patternmaster. This book is the 3rd of a series and it makes much more sense if you read the previous two.

In The Patternmaster, Butler finishes the story of the Pattern which began in Mind of My Mind. I would NOT recommend this book if you have not read the previous two. Too many questions are unanswered, it would only be confusing.

I would recommend the first novel, "Wild Seed," followed by the second, "Mind of My Mind." "Clay's Ark" is a side novel, but it explains the origin of the Clayarks and part of the reason Earth is so messed up. If you read them prior to "The Patternmaster," things will be clearer.

After reading Wild Seed, the first book in the series, I had to read Mind of Mind (Book 2) and finally, The Patternmaster. This book is the 3rd of a series and it makes much more sense if you read the previous two.

In The Patternmaster, Butler finishes the story of the Pattern which began in Mind of My Mind. I would NOT recommend this book if you have not read the previous two. Too many questions are unanswered, it would only be confusing.

I would recommend the first novel, "Wild Seed," followed by the second, "Mind of My Mind." "Clay's Ark" is a side novel, but it explains the origin of the Clayarks and part of the reason Earth is so messed up. If you read them prior to "The Patternmaster," things will be clearer.

To Schwinghammer - The reason it seemed that she didn't tell you where the novel took place was because she'd already done so in the previous books. I think you'll find Wild Seed interesting and entertaining; Mind of My Mind is the set up for The Patternmaster.

If you are a fan of Ms. Butler's writings, you do not need a review to prompt you to read her works. If you are NOT a fan - pick up any one of her books and you will be transported to a world as vivid as the one you wake up to every morning! Ms. Butler's books capture your attention from the first page and keeps it there until the last word is read . . . .

Yep! This is the same thing I wrote about Mind of My Mind . . . you will not go wrong - trust me!

I read _Patternmaster_ fifth (at least) of all the Butler I've read. All of the others are better, by far. One of the difficulites in this book, I believe, is that the protagonists are telepaths. These telepaths have little humanity left in them, there are no outsiders to comment on their arrogance. I don't recommend it, except that the rest of the series is *amazing.* And it's crazy to love a series and not read it all.