Rock of Ages [Hardcover]

Walter Jon Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995

Rising to the position of Number One Allowed Burglar in the vast Human Constellation, Drake Maijstral is dismayed when his elevated status results in little more than frequent attempts on his life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Literate farce is still a scarcity in science fiction. That's why this third volume in the continuing series (after The Crown Jewels and House of Shards) about Majistral, the Number One-rated allowed burglar in the Human Constellation, is such an amusing find. In this adventure, Majistral is taking a vacation from burglary and is spending his leisure time on Earth. Unfortunately, no one believes he is not on the planet to steal something. His unusual profession does not deter several women from suing for his hand, including Roberta, the Dutchess of Benn, and Nicole, an intergalactic celebrity. They are both attractive women (and relatively intriguing characters), and what would be a most pleasant dilemma for Majistral is only overshadowed by the deadly duels to which his wealthy hosts keep challenging him. Moreover, his unswervingly loyal Khosalisk servant, Roman, is in a rotten mood because he's molting. But it is not until his father's coffin?from which the deceased manages to retain a tenuous grasp on current events?is stolen that things really become absurd. The plot moves briskly from underwater palaces to holy Graceland (a marvelously silly land practically overflowing with Elvii of all species, genders and sizes), and the whirlwind pace helps keep the novel entertaining, if not intellectually overtaxing.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

As the top-ranked Allowed Burglar of the Human Constellation, Drake Maijstral finds that his celebrity status leads him to four challenges to duel, three proposals of marriage, and the theft of his father's coffin. Only his cleverness and ingenuity enable him to uncover a conspiracy to destroy his reputation. Third in a series of far-future swashbuckling adventures, this sequel to The Crown Jewels (Tor Bks., 1987) reveals the author's flair for understated wit and delicate sarcasm. Known for his hard-biting cyberpunk novels, Williams deserves appreciation for his comedic fiction as well.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 287 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312859635
• ISBN-13: 978-0312859633
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,615,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What a clever writer, May 29, 2006

By 

tgbedini (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock of Ages (Hardcover)

To be honest, I enjoyed the first two books from this group more, I found a little loss of momentum here. That said, taken as a whole, the three Drake Majistral novels are a great read, fun, amusing, and just thought-provoking enough to keep them from being fluff.

Now, what makes us laugh is an individual thing, but I found the climactic scene with the dueling Elvi (Elvises?) sidesplitting. Read em all.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than I expected!, September 26, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock of Ages (Paperback)

I picked up this book on the sale rack.... I'll admit it was the price and not the cover art that snared my attention. The story does start a little slow, and I had to force myself to keep reading. However, once the author got things rolling, I couldn't put it down! Filled with a cast of wonderfully charming characters, (especially Roman, Maijstral's Khosali servant), and unbelievable situations, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book. I'd recommend this book to any reader of sci-fi, as Mr. Williams has created a character and a style of writing fit for all ages. Truly a good book, and if you have not read it, order it today. You won't be disappointed!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Hilarious, January 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rock of Ages (Hardcover)

Screwball comedy. Drake is framed for various dispicable acts and must find the culprit. Throw in the Elvis religion, deranged aliens, insane dead people, a Jim Bob who is a Texan's Texan, etc. I laughed until my sides hurt.