5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Building to a finale in the "Star Commandos" series, November 5, 2004
This review is from: STAR COMMANDOS 11 PARIAH (Hardcover)
The 11th and penultimate book in the STAR COMMANDOS series by P.M. Griffin, STAR COMMANDOS: PARIAH in a sense continues the work of WATCHDOGS OF SPACE (#10 in the series) by focusing in on one particular social problem that had been pushed to the back burner too many times by our heroes: virulent hatred and mindless violence or constant persecution against Commando-Captain Varnt Sogan because he 'looks like' one of the Federation's former Arcturian invaders.
(He actually IS one of the former Arcturian invaders, of course, but since we all know that he acted honorably and mercifully during the war and saved a Federation world at the expense of everything he held most dear, plus saving a number of other Federation worlds since joining the Commandos, it's no fun to watch him get kicked in the teeth, metaphorically speaking, by the people who owe him so much.)
This time around (unlike in, say, #3 MISSION UNDERGROUND) there was no 'mission' to take precedence over caring for our Commandos' own (no "planet-buster bomb" to be defused, etc.), but only friendships to be acknowledged, trusted, and finally purposefully nurtured, as a bulwark against the hatred of a few cowards. And, of course, new avenues to be explored for using their unique gifts and learning to truly enjoy the life and peace Islaen, Varn, Jake, Bethe (and Bandit) have worked so hard to protect.
The ending was clearly setting up some major resolutions and changes (no more "Bonanza Syndrome"-like stasis in regard to key relationships or "three-steps-forward-and-two-steps-back" or "dysfunctional universe's business as usual" for our heroes), and I was so eager to continue the story that it was hard to MAKE myself turn out the light and get a few hours sleep when I'd finished this book, rather than staying up the rest of the night reading the final volume, STAR COMMANDOS 12: WAR PRINCE.
If you've read P.M. Griffin's other novels set in this series or in the various fictional worlds of Andre Norton, you won't want to miss PARIAH. And if you've never read Griffin's works before, but grew up on Andre Norton, found a happy refuge in Anne McCaffrey, and have a great delight in the worlds of Lois McMaster Bujold and others, you should probably try the STAR COMMANDOS series -- some high quality escapism about midway between Norton and Bujold in style and sensibility.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Star Commandos Pariah, January 31, 2010
This review is from: STAR COMMANDOS 11 PARIAH (Hardcover)
Our favorite commando team in route to a much needed leave are forced to land on the planet Elaine, upon landing Varn Tarl Sogan, War Prince and former admiral of the Arcturian fleet meets with deadly prejudice.
As with all of MS Griffin's books in this series there is a wonderful blend of action and love.. Not just between Varn and his brave wife Islaen, but with in the team as well. This book also marks a transition from the team's usual missions to the more important role they will play in the Federation in the future.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderfully crafted book..., March 14, 2009
This review is from: STAR COMMANDOS 11 PARIAH (Hardcover)
This was a phenomenal read from start to finish. Griffin writes a compelling tale that makes you laugh at the lovable Bandit, and fume as Varn Tarl Sogan suffers yet another grave injustice. This book is more than just a Sci-Fi adventure yarn: it's about hero who finally realizes that what he wants most in this universe is already his, just as he is in danger of losing it forever.
Star Commandos Pariah takes things in a different direction than the previous ten installments. This time there is no nightmarish mission for the heroic commandos to undertake, as they enjoy shore leave on Elaine of Avalon. However danger lurks around the corner: from the hateful workers of the starport, to the merciless Barracands and even more deadly Leviathans that inhabit the oceans. This is the last thing that the fractured unit needs as they try to heal the emotional wounds they have suffered in the last two harrowing years. Especially Varn Tarl Sogan who after their last mission has been battered to the point of breaking entirely, forever shattering the greatest commando unit the Federation has ever had. As the commandos struggle to help their own, they find a valuable friend in the most unlikely of places. Pariah is a delightful tale of healing and triumph, making it one of the best of the series.
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