Customer Reviews

STARFALL (Star Drive (Novels))

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This anthology of stories was intended to introduce the Star Drive rpg setting. While I am unfamiliar with that game universe, the caliber of the authors presented here is nearly unparalleled, being culled from the top ranks of today's current SF producers.

While several of the stories are less notable than others, all take place in a region of our galaxy known as the Verge, outside the more populace, "safe" regions. Thus can this setting be used for horror, SF, mystery, and the old favorite hack-and-slash. In my opinion, there are examples of each of these, with some incorporating multiple aspects. Overall, the stories are nicely character-oriented, as with all quality SF writings. Although I have never played any rpg in this setting, and since the setting is, I believe, now defunct, probably never will, the stories herein are well worth reading in any event.

Though Silverberg/Haber, Duane, Athans, Braunbeck, and Baker float to the top, even Stackpole can't ruin this really interesting anthology of related SF stories. The setting isn't terribly unique, but the space opera cliches come off as more comforting than old hat. I'm not sure it makes me want to wade through the Diane Duane trilogy, but I'll be checking out more Star*Drive!