Ruminations of a Wayfarer: Parts I and II (Pt. I, Pt. II) [Paperback]

David Hearne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2000

Their aim is nothing short of universal domination by means of war. So far their plans have not gone astray and they enjoy victory after victory over the 'lesser' life forms of the galaxies. But now, as a persistent pest can disrupt a glorious picnic, an insignificant human threatens to upend the grand strategy of the Tharnian species...his name is Jarre. In a twist and turn accounting of his stubborn fight against the all-consuming race of destroyers, Jarre's exploits are time and again suborned by more backstabbing characters than you will find in a meeting of butlers at a mystery convention. Just when you think you have a handle on which way the plot will proceed, be prepared for a sharp, warp-speed turn in the opposite direction. There are no slow downs or let ups in this story and a new surprise lurks behind every planet. This is David Hearne's first novel and his imaginative writing skills draw you into well-crafted worlds populated by enormously believable characters.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ruminations of a Wayfarer is David Hearne's first novel. His imaginative writing skills draw you into well-crafted worlds populated by enormously believable characters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 712 pages
• Publisher: Writers Club Press (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595093647
• ISBN-13: 978-0595093649
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,587,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ruminations of a Wayfarer: Parts I and II-Shayne's Review, November 6, 2000

By 

Shayne Cantly (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ruminations of a Wayfarer: Parts I and II (Pt. I, Pt. II) (Paperback)

For a first time effort, I must offer pure praise to this man's work. The characters are amazingly beleivable, even though the entire story is science fiction. The central character, Jarre, strikes me maybe a person the writer would like to be...or perhaps emulate in some way, the the references to what is real and not real, seems to be a broken boundary. I found the book hard to put down, and without giving too much away, the plot and sub plots are indeed some of the most well planned and intricate devices of the written word I have ever come across. I hope David Hearne keeps writing, and keeps my mind filled with imaginary, but believable fictional characters for many years to come. I highly recommend this book to all who seek a non-stop, action filled adventure, that is incredibly well written. It deserves a place among the greats.

Shayne Cantly

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT AN AWESOME SCI-FI EPIC !, August 13, 2004

By 

Peters Jacobs (Dalby, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ruminations of a Wayfarer: Parts I and II (Pt. I, Pt. II) (Paperback)

Ruminations of a Wayfarer, both parts 1 and 2, is an incredible journey. For sci-fi buffs like me who enjoy the adventure, this book is a pleasure to read.

The main character is named Jarre who is both an unlikely hero and a troubled soul. While on patrol his group encounters the evil tharnians. So typical you say? Well Ruminations is deravative but in the nicest way BUT the twists are awesome. As one reviewer said there are more twists than what you'll find at a butler's convention.

The turmoil of Jarre amid adventures involving robots (the lethal armeri), aliens (the tharnians to name but one of many), a collection of bounty hunters determind to collect his scalp (the best of which is Micano) is engaging. The backdrop is the void, a host of planets in various galaxies, and a variety of cool ships, my favourite being the Confederation's Calmaraks, built to fight. Share his quest for love, his battle with loss including his lover turning on him and his son becoming estranged. Take up the fight with Jarre against evil -- starting with his own government back on Earth who seek to surpress both him and the truth.

The Tharnian empire is divided with insurrection. A group wanting power attempt to use Jarre as their puppet and pit him against their own empire. Little do they know that Jarre will go on to destroy the empire and then turn on them as well.

During the struggles from planet to planet, Jarre will find true love with Ganna, only to find his enemy finds a way to turn even her against him. He will struggle on with the help of his friend, the luckless in love Ky, perhaps his only real friend. Later, in part 2, he will even side with a Tharnian to get what he wants.

As much as I do indentify with Jarre my favourite Character was Piarn. In book 1 Jarre does battle with the evil Tharnian Commander named Lynn. With some great dogfights in space Jarre seems to become Lynn's better -- only to find Lynn has a son named Piarn. In a stroke of brilliance Jarre turns Piarn into an ally during a confrontation in which Piarn sought to murder him. Jarre shows Piarn the deception of the insurgent Cerulian Legion and Piarn is broken. Once the alliance begins we see Piarn is, like Jarre, a decent human being at heart. However unlike Jarre, Piarn is a menacing alien who will resort to brute force when there are no other options. I was shocked during one scene, believing Piarn to be all bluff, to find he murdered a fellow Tharnian in his quest for information to crush his former Legion. Witness Jarre's shock also as the two form an unlikely alliance that is the backbone of part2.

Ganna, Jarre's love interest, is also ace. She's a kick-arse woman tough as nails and a pilot herself. Seera, a confed pilot, is also as strong as they come. Ky is funny but a rather sorry character. Other characters include a bloke you'd love to punch in the head: witness a male pig named Gate who does evolve but is every woman's nightmare.

Great cast, great book, Ruminations remains one of the best novels of our era. Written 4 years ago it's a shame it isn't on every bookshelf of every bookstore.

While the writer may be no Kim Stanley-Robinson, his talent for story telling makes Hearne one of the true unsung heros of 21st century sci-fi. No ifs and no buts about it. Buy with confidence if you too appreciate once of the best yarns ever told.

5.0 out of 5 stars Twists and turns in a fast action space opera, June 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Ruminations of a Wayfarer: Parts I and II (Pt. I, Pt. II) (Paperback)

Fantastic read!The plot keeps you guessing and just when you think you know where it's headed you're proved dead wrong with a shocking about-face.Great characters and clever plotting make this a book to remember.I think it's good enough to rival Star Wars and I can't think of higher praise than that.Hope there's a part 3 soon!