The Ring [Hardcover]

Daniel Keys Moran (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This novelization of a forthcoming film is Moran's third, longest and least interesting novelafter Armageddon Blues and Emerald Eyes all of which have appeared in the last six months. Recalling the miniseries V , the epic subject here is a revolution that turns into a war on many fronts. A millennium after a nuclear holocaust, the protagonist Cain is born into a peaceful if depopulated Earth whose Rulers enjoy wealth and immortality thanks to the technology they deny their subjects. Surviving an intended death sentence of exile to a radioactive desert, Cain returns to raise armies and to steal the awesome weapon called the Ring. The Rulers' move to a new planet still leaves him with other foes, including the genetically altered Giants. Moran's usual flat characterization is matched this time by his drawn-out, derivative plot, based on a screenplay by William Stewart and Joanne Nelsen.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 467 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (September 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385248164
• ISBN-13: 978-0385248167
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,654,023 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what it is about, June 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ring (Hardcover)

since no one else will say what this is about... this is the story of earth after a hugely destructive war, there is only the valley left that is not covered with water, and this valley is controlled by the Rulers, genetic perfections who can teleport themselves, and who dominate the lower class human Workers because of this ability, which the humans lack. into this place is born Cain, a clairvoyant, a telepath of unusual ability , he is a wonderfully portrayed character, a man too hard and too focused on his leadership of the rebellion of the humans against the rulers to see anything else, until a small orphaned boy is left in Cain's care--a boy whose unknown heritage will decide the outcome of this war over freedom and revenge. (by the way the ring doesnt really have much to do with the story, its just a good setting for the introduction) this book is sweeping and honest, Cain isn't nice or kind , but neither is he evil , you must decide who is right in this book , it isn't handed to you. like so much of real life, none of this is black and white, just shades of gray

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute treasure, November 18, 2004

By 

Lao Cain (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ring (Hardcover)

Moran did an incredible job with this one, and I would never surrender my copy. Even after reading it about a dozen times in the last 12 years, I still find it to be one of the most compelling pieces of sci-fi ever printed. His characters are memorable and realistic, and he succeeds in drawing you into their world. The whole story has an air of fable and legend to it that makes it feel like truly classic sci-fi.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic! One of Keys best!, April 10, 2001

By 

Steven M. Berman (LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ring (Hardcover)

It has been a while, but this novel is still seared into my memory. It brings to mind so many genres from modern screen epics, to comic books, to the "Ring" opera it honors, and the even earlier myths. The characters, storytelling and action are broad yet detailed and beautifully drawn. It's one of those books that you make you so sorry you've reached the last page. If you like space opera - snap it up. Steve Berman, UCLA