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Review Summaries
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Tor, Jan 2004, 25.95, 386 pp.
ISBN: 0765306255
The inhabitants of the twin planets Prairie and Timber feel euphoric having defeated the Huvean invasion. However, as Plenitpotenary Gregor prepares to have the Huvean prisoners executed over the objection of his granddaughter Luon who loves a Huvean, the Berserkers invade the twin-planets.
The Twins do not know much about these robots except that they are ancient construct killing machines. Ironically, only the Huvean might be able to stop the raiders, but they are prisoners with death awaiting them. Will the Plenitpotenary negotiate life for life or will he remain stubborn in face of the Berserker assault that means with no help certain Twin pandemic genocide?
Fans of the Berserker series will enjoy this solid but typical ninth book. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action and the usual Cecil DeMille-size cast. Though the valiant good guys without thought are willing to die for the Twin-Huvean cause, the Berserker robots are as malevolent as ever. An interesting underlying theme throughout the plot is Fred Saberhagan's Laws of Robotics: (1) a simple output is better generated by machine; (2) situations when values should determine outcomes, humanity needs to supersede computers. Though quite predictable as a normal Berserker entry, this still remains a prime space opera.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident Fred Saberhagen Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%
Tone of book
- suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- science fiction story
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms
Robots, Computers, VR
Yes
Robot, PC, VR Plotlets:
- fighting evil robot(s)
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- politician/elected ruler
Age:
- 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Robot
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
Setting
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:
- humans in a futuristic society
Planet outside solar system?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only)
- some scientific explanation
How much dialogue?
- significantly more dialog than descript
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