R- Heroes Need a Captain (x,v,b), Pentad (x,v), "Paradox Equation" (v,x?), "Starvan" (v,x)
Reddy writes distant-future sci-fi with a heavy emphasis on romance, relationships, and psychology. Since her material is published only in electronic format, she has a unique, fast-paced style that lacks most of the usual descriptions that slow readers down in traditional books. The dialogue contains the information you need to know who is speaking and what the action is, somewhat like a radio show with occassional moments of narration. This allows one to read almost as fast as one can think; it also lets Reddy pack the plot action and character development of a trilogy into the space of one long book. To get accustomed to her style, read the short story "Bit" from her homepage, A Talespinner's Web.
Yes, these books are romantic brain-candy, but they're fun. If you like almost any kind of men at all, you'll like hers- they're all gorgeous, as well as sensitive, brooding, boyish, powerful, passionate, and charming. Male authors have long had a monopoly on portraying gender relations in space, creating myths of the gallant future knight who clearly seperates his fighting from his women. Reddy doesn't hold with that. She also doesn't hold with timid women who wait to be rescued. Her heroines are in keeping with the modern world- protectors of those they care about no matter what it takes.
For those uncomfortable with homosexual or polygamous relationships, some of her books may be inappropriate. These will be clearly marked in the reviews.
Reddy definitely proves that Heroes Need a Captain, especially in a universe where corporations rule everything, including the life contracts of their "employees" (read: slaves). The story centers on the people who choose to end this abuse: Lura Lake, Captain of a small, independent ship, and her crew Doll Dolan and Tock Wain, men who had been in chains until she bought them free. They were a pair, two people given the gift of "slides" (wormhole technology) by the now-disappeared Selk. The gift lives in their genes, making them expensive commodities to the corps.
To describe the plot, I would have to write a paragraph per chapter, but the overall style of the novel is episodic, describing the places these characters go and especially the people they meet as they try to achieve their vision of freedom. Included along the way are lots of ranting against the evils of corporate slavery and several discussions of sex, though anything beyond kissing occurs off-screen. The scenes shift from Stranger in a Strange Land-like families to "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous", to the depravation of the corporations, and back again. The overall focus is strongly on the relationships and the psychological healing of the main characters. I truly enjoyed several of the episodes, but others did not interest me as much. These reactions are probably highly individualized and will vary widely from reader to reader. Your comfort level with the subject matter and style is most likely to determine whether you will like this book or not. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but it was in the style of the rest of the book.
Heroes Need a Captain contains discussions of homosexuality, polygamy, and masturbation; it is not suitable for those under 18.
Five men, all drawn to the one world from which they could escape their pasts. Brought together by duty, love blossomed from friendship. Stolen away from their children and their friends, they find themselves in an unusual situation: married to two hundred and twenty women, and the Fathers of a new clan of the Tookalook.
A secret is revealed, and suddenly the realisation hits, the five most important men in human space are together. Identities hidden by necessity, pasts developed for support, these five men become the defenders of all that is good.
Joined by their children, they work to spread love, happiness and knowledge to all, fighting those who would profit from cruelty and greed.
Pentad is a book full of love and caring. The author brings to life the characters and the worlds around them. A beautiful tale which is an enjoyment to read.
This book contains discussion of polygamy and is not appropriate for those under 18.
"Paradox Equation". A beginning without an end. Nine equations to solve, and a mobius to complete it all. A race of time travellers, born of will to find a way. The knights of the universes. Defenders of all life.
Follow The First, Gallant, Knight Hero and Mentor as he searches for his Athena through time and space. Follow The Three, sons of what is, and what cannot be. Follow the generations as they search for a way to find the end and the beginning.
Full of joy and anger, this tale is one of survival. Survival of a race battling darkness. Companioned by their ships and their cats, they fight war after war, and find love and friendship in unexpected places. Brought to life by the talents of the author, "Paradox Equation" draws you back to be read again and again.
Note: the "Paradox Equation" series consists of 10 novels.
The King, the Companion, the Knights, the Clans, the Hillsmen, the Dragon, the Elf, the Leprechaun, the Band, Ticky Bugs, and many more.
Starvan. The story of Reef, his intimate friend Gaelen and many others. Captured in two outstanding parts, Bronze Dragon and Sapphire Wind. Set in the far reaches of space, this story captivates the reader and leaves them hanging for more. Follow this pair and their friends as they battle for the good of all, against drug dealers and other wrongdoers.
The author brings to life not just the characters, but the whole story. The cultures complex, the imagery arresting, the characters and plot drawing you in. Intriguing mysteries, vivid action, exotic places and real emotional energy. This was one book that I couldn't put down. Riveting and exciting, yet oft times bittersweet.
These books contain discussion of homosexuality and are not appropriate for those under 18.
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Last Updated: October 7, 1999
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