Tom Paine Maru - Special Author's Edition [Paperback]

L. Neil Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2008

Whitey O’Thraight, the Ship’s Armorer on the first interstellar vessel launched by his home planet Vespucci, finds himself stranded on a strange planet with just one other survivor. Captured by the local Baron, they are freed by a group of monks who are much more than they initially appear to be. Their new benefactors and friends have something special in mind for the two survivors, but going along with these plans might mean the destruction of Vespucci as they knew it. ****** Another breath-taking adventure by the author of the award winning "Pallas" and "The Probability Broach." ******

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Pick (October 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604502606
• ISBN-13: 978-1604502602
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #937,509 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 Space Opera As It Should Be!, February 16, 2009

By 

William G. Hartwell "Yinepuhotep" (Hinsdale, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tom Paine Maru - Special Author's Edition (Paperback)

I purchased a copy of this when it was only available in digital form, and am convinced that it is one of the great space operas of our time. Note, I did not say science fiction - I said SPACE OPERA - this story is larger than life, grand, and speaks to great themes that most science fiction is too timid (or pessimistic) to address any more. Not only that, it presents a coherent ethical and social view of the universe that is far more hopeful and compelling than anything we see from the average writer these days.

If you enjoyed the original Star Wars, or remember Robert Heinlein with fondness, this is a book you simply will not be able to put down. Read this book, and enjoy a universe in which governments are treated as the vile, parasitic cancers that they truly are.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for everyone!, December 7, 2008

By 

David J. Earnest "MetalBendinphool" (Earth) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tom Paine Maru - Special Author's Edition (Paperback)

Regardless of whether you're a Blue state koolaide drinker or a Red state iconoclast this book is more than just science fiction. It lays bare the useless and destructive nature of politics in general and government in particular. Thought provoking and argument starting from cover to cover.

A darn fine read indeed!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remember feeling good about a book?, October 6, 2008

By 

Curtis M. Howland "Capitalist" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tom Paine Maru - Special Author's Edition (Paperback)

Remember watching Star Trek for the first time? Or Star Wars?

Back before infinite special-effects budgets, when actual actors brushed dirt off their clothes when they fell down.

I wanted to join Star Fleet, even if it meant wearing a red shirt. I wanted to fly the Millennium Falcon, even if it meant being on the edge of broke or running scared once in a while. Still do.

This is how _Tom Paine Maru_ feels to me. Real people, doing stuff I can see myself doing in their place.

Not just see myself doing, the world (multiverse?) Smith has put together is one I would jump into with both feet without hesitation if the opportunity came up.