Brian Daley - Jinx on a Terran Inheritance
The Second Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh Adventure
Brian Daley is dead.
That's right: a stiff.
Well, don't act so shocked. After all, he did kick the bucket in 1996, you've had plenty of time to get used to the idea.
Now that I got you off hoping for a sequel, we can discuss this book in a slightly more dignified manner, although dignified cannot really apply to the way I've selected, bought and read this book.
Starting with the second part of a trilogy can be a nasty idea, but sometimes you just don't get a say in the matter. Such was my case, picking up Jinx from a Technion used books merchant in a devastated shape at a very humble price. Most writers take this in mind in the first few chapters, drawing the reader subtly into their world with elegantly conceiled character introductions, place descriptions, plot remainders and (Especially in SF and Fantasy) exotic terms explained.
Not so for Brian Daley's Jinx on a Terran Inheritance.
But let's pretend for a moment that we are normal people, reading books the usual way - starting with Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds, moving on to Jinx and wrapping it all up with Fall of the White Ship Avatar, just like nature (or Daley) intended.
Given that, the adventures of the (horribly named) Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh take a turn for the better.
If you feel the urge for some high-paced, action-oriented book, where the heroes never get a dull chance for a relaxed moment, this is where Jinx excels. Strong women characters and the occasional incredible humor can also increase the fun.
Although there are many books I liked better then this one, it still deserves a place in the hall of fame for one particular scene: the memorial service. Buried like you've never buried before.
He led and inspired the nation,
This praiseworthy son of creation,
But although we'll all miss him,
It's time to off-kiss him,
In the int'rests of good sanitation!
On the Upside: Lots of action, Original (Age considered), Most hilarious euology since Monty Python's Graham Chapman's.
On the Downside: Introduction, Names (Try saying "Alacrity Fitzhugh" or "Cpt. Softcoyne Dincrist" 20 times fast...)
JYRating: 75. Try it!
Brian Daley is dead.
That's right: a stiff.
Well, don't act so shocked. After all, he did kick the bucket in 1996, you've had plenty of time to get used to the idea.
Now that I got you off hoping for a sequel, we can discuss this book in a slightly more dignified manner, although dignified cannot really apply to the way I've selected, bought and read this book.
Starting with the second part of a trilogy can be a nasty idea, but sometimes you just don't get a say in the matter. Such was my case, picking up Jinx from a Technion used books merchant in a devastated shape at a very humble price. Most writers take this in mind in the first few chapters, drawing the reader subtly into their world with elegantly conceiled character introductions, place descriptions, plot remainders and (Especially in SF and Fantasy) exotic terms explained.
Not so for Brian Daley's Jinx on a Terran Inheritance.
But let's pretend for a moment that we are normal people, reading books the usual way - starting with Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds, moving on to Jinx and wrapping it all up with Fall of the White Ship Avatar, just like nature (or Daley) intended.
Given that, the adventures of the (horribly named) Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh take a turn for the better.
If you feel the urge for some high-paced, action-oriented book, where the heroes never get a dull chance for a relaxed moment, this is where Jinx excels. Strong women characters and the occasional incredible humor can also increase the fun.
Although there are many books I liked better then this one, it still deserves a place in the hall of fame for one particular scene: the memorial service. Buried like you've never buried before.
He led and inspired the nation,
This praiseworthy son of creation,
But although we'll all miss him,
It's time to off-kiss him,
In the int'rests of good sanitation!
On the Upside: Lots of action, Original (Age considered), Most hilarious euology since Monty Python's Graham Chapman's.
On the Downside: Introduction, Names (Try saying "Alacrity Fitzhugh" or "Cpt. Softcoyne Dincrist" 20 times fast...)
JYRating: 75. Try it!
