Henry Martyn (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Best known for his libertarian science fiction ( The Probability Broach ), Smith offers a change of pace with this swashbuckling space adventure, loosely patterned in the spirit of Rafael Sabatini and C. S. Forester. The powerful imperia-conglomerate of the 31st century spans the star systems, extorting from those under its rule. When young Arran Islay decides to live as a brigand, he declares war on "those who live by stealing property--life and liberty--from its rightful owners." Adopting the name of his murdered friend, Henry Martyn, he sets sail in search of fortune and revenge. Other Islay family members are fully delineated and play important roles in this story, written in an evocatively archaic style reminiscent of both the classic adventure tales familiar from childhood and the space operas of 1930s pulp fiction. The author has a flair for inventive future terminology and imaginative concepts: " Legos : The architectural style was still referred to by its legendary name." Smith blends intergalactic action, heroics and derring-do into a futuristic political thriller, and the result is a delight: piracy in high space, penned with panache.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 437 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (September 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312931867
• ISBN-13: 978-0312931865
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,059,922 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty and pertinent, June 24, 2000

By	1gewehr "1gewehr" (Mid TN) - See all my reviews

If you are looking for Wrestling-like literature, turn elsewhere. This is a wide-sweeping adventure which is vastly entertaining on several levels. Mr. Smith has managed to create a universe which seems far-removed from our own, but which turns out to be amazingly similar at it's core. An inspiring story about a young lad who loses his home and family, but creates a life which inspires others. Like many of Mr. Smith's novels, this one has masterful character development and creates dramatic visual images. Would make an excellent film.

4.0 out of 5 stars Once you make it past the first 70 pages, get ready, October 27, 2002

By	Charles G. Thompson "Mickey Moran's little br... (Dallas, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

A slow, slow start as befitting the swashbuckling influences that Smith cites in his dedication. But once it gets going the action builds to a fun and satisfying ending. Archaic language that takes a while to muddle through will be charming to some, offputting to others. Also be prepared for some scenes that are shocking in the description of their violence.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wannabe Sabatini, June 13, 2000

By	A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I was quite looking forward to this "star-spanning, swashbuckling, epic adventure" which hinted at being a lovely combination of space opera and Rafael Sabatini. Unfortunately it's not much more than a tepid tale of betrayal and revenge with hardly any swashbuckling and little action. Too many tongue-twisting names, titles, and unnecessary tweaking of everyday words to make them more alien to the reader. Blah. Read "Captain Blood" instead.