Customer Reviews

Warriors of Dawn

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

From "The Warriors of Dawn" in 1975 through "Owl Time" in 1985, M. A. Foster gave the world some very very special stories. I still have the eight DAW paperbacks and reread them often. I've been checking the bookstores (and now the web) for a new M. A. Foster book, ever since - no luck. Whatever happened to take this fabulous author away from us? And why no awards? If you've never read a Foster story, you've really missed something.

The Ler novels ("The Gameplayers of Zan", Warriors, "The Day of the Klesh") are rich in character development and mystery, set in a future galaxy where humans interact with other intelligent species, one of which (the Ler) humans genetically engineered from human stock. The Ler, generally benevolent but different from humans, escape from Earth. Downstream and out in space, some deviant Ler groups create "breeds" of humans, the Klesh.

"The Morphodite", "Transformer", and "Preserver" deal with conflicts between interworld political intrigue and human values, brought about by the creation of a person with special perceptions and abilities - including changing gender and becoming younger by 20 years - the perfect assassin, but also the victim of biological and emotional manipulation.

"Waves" deals with a mystery at a remote experiment station, leading to discoveries about information structure, sentience, and time. "Owl Time" is a collection of novellas that explore unusual dimensions of human meaning, in which Foster celebrates and emulates several older authors.

Hint to publishers: These stories are timeless and precious. They explore issues that we struggle with today. A reprint (maybe in omnibus hardbacks) would certainly ease the pain of old fans and attract new ones too.

Hint to Foster: 17 years is a long time to wait, but I'm patient.

This is a novel of the far future, in which mankind is divided into two species: homo sapiens and an artificially mutated species called "ler". The descriptions and characters are staggering in their depth, beauty and intensity. I've read this book at least half a dozen times, and it never fails to amaze me again

I really miss this book. I just recently found out that it is one of a trilogy.
I first read it in high school, and I've read it several times since. I am currently looking for a used copy since it seems to be out of print (shame).

The gist of the story is this:
Man has created a "brother" race of humanoids called the Ler. The Ler have seperated themselves from their makers and struggle to form a society that is pragmatic, functional, and truly their own.
Because of their genetic fragility, they mate in a complex social structure called a braid. This helps maintain genetic strength.
In this tale, a human male agent is teamed with a Ler female. Apparently, a rogue band of marauding Ler in an aging giant space ship have to be intercepted.
The female Ler is in a stage where she is at times in a highly charged sexual state (because of her genetic make up). This leads to both pleasant and complicated moments for the pair.
They get captured by the piratic band of Ler and then get stranded on a huge planet.
The writing is crisp, and the story is very thoughtful. The Ler society was brilliantly thought up. The various cycles of Ler adolescence, sexual maturity, and aging lead to some sad moments as the male human struggles with certain realities. He is not Ler.

I was excited to find out that it is but one of a trilogy.

Find this book! Buy it! Read it!
Then send it to me!!!!! ;-)

Every time there is going to be action in the book, the author inevitably takes you away from it to pursue more anthopological observations.

Ex. There's a life or death battle going on in a ship, but we leave that to instead watch someone wander through the wilderness, make some friends, and learn a new language. The battle is only mentioned briefly later and the action well over.

This is a common trend. If you like to read about nothing but people and character studies in behavior, you'll love this book. As for excitement. . . you'll want to go elsewhere.

I love this book. I first read it when it was first published. I know the author in question. Though not well. I think it helps to know his background. It is an Excellent book. The whole Ler series is awesome. I only have one copy which is autographed and I keep it put up since I have not come across another in a long time. Read these books!

Mike I miss your work!

This was my introduction to the works of M. A. Foster. His depth of character construction, and interweaving of complex yet believable patterns is a style I would like to emulate as a writer myself. As highly as I rate this book, "Gameplayers" is even better, and the Morphodite series is absolutely fascinating. You won't be disappointed, unless you have failed as a reader to plumb the true depths of this fantasy. It is deeper than you know.

M. A. Foster (1939) is a not very prolific sci-fi author and up to my knowledge he hasn't produced a new book since 1985.

"The Warriors of Dawn" (1975) is the first published volume of a loosely tied trilogy composed by Gameplayers of Zan(1977), a prequel and Day of the Klesh(1979) a sequel of "The Warriors of Dawn".

IMHO this book shows a strong influence from "Dune" (1965), not only in the mannerism of starting each chapter with excerpts of imaginary books that shed light to the universe in which the story evolves, but also in the intent of constructing a complete new cultural backdrop for the tale.

This feature is very interesting but at the same time the weakest part of the novel, as the author tends to divagate about "Ler" culture, mating & purposes relegating the main action course in a secondary role.

The story is as follows: in a far future the Universe is being colonized by Humans and Ler (engineered specie of Human origin).

A Merchant returns from a planet in the fringes of known universe bringing news of a strange menace: The Warriors of Dawn.

A Human-Ler council designates a young inexperienced couple, human male & ler female to investigate what had happened at Chalcedonia.

From there on interesting adventures deploy except when Mr. Foster digresses and the plot line starts meandering.

This book is quite good and may be read with a little patience from the reader.

Reviewed by Max Yofre.

M. A. Foster (1939) is a not very prolific sci-fi author and up to my knowledge he hasn't produced a new book since 1985.

"The Warriors of Dawn" (1975) is the first published volume of a loosely tied trilogy composed by "The Game players of Zan" (1977), a prequel and Day of the Klesh(1979) a sequel of "The Warriors of Dawn".

IMHO this book shows a strong influence from "Dune" (1965), not only in the mannerism of starting each chapter with excerpts of imaginary books that shed light to the universe in which the story evolves, but also in the intent of constructing a complete new cultural backdrop for the tale.

This feature is very interesting but at the same time the weakest part of the novel, as the author tends to divagate about "Ler" culture, mating & purposes relegating the main action course in a secondary role.

The story is as follows: in a far future the Universe is being colonized by Humans and Ler (an engineered specie of Human origin).

A Merchant returns from a planet in the fringes of known universe bringing news of a strange menace: The Warriors of Dawn.

A Human-Ler council designates a young inexperienced couple, human male & ler female to investigate what had happened at Chalcedonia.

From there on interesting adventures deploy except when Mr. Foster digresses and the plot line start meandering.

This book is quite good and may be read with a little patience from the reader.

Reviewed by Max Yofre.

This is a gripping drama of life in the far future. You'll get to know the characters better than you do most of the "real" people in your life. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Now here's some good news for those fans who have been trying to find a copy of this book since it went out of print a couple of decades ago: it's back, and as part of a one-volume edition of the three "Ler" books, called "The Book of The Ler", available right here on Amazon. Enjoy!

This guys story is all about sex. He can think of nothing different. It is not a story! Just this guy fantasy.