@RUTGERS.ARPA:LAURENCE@SU-CSLI.ARPA (02/26/85)
From: Laurence R Brothers <LAURENCE@SU-CSLI.ARPA> I have been reading all of Cherryh's sf over the past few weeks, and I would have stopped if I didn't like it. I rather like the Han and the cultures of the Compact and am waiting for Chanur's Revenge, whenever it comes out. Based on her SF I read one of her fantasy novels, umm, I think it was Tree of Swords and Jewels, but didn't really like it a lot. Neither have I liked Tanith Lee's fantasy (i'm including her in this message because someone else did. Also, before I had read either author, I had kind of lumped them together in my mind as Daw hack-authors....) So, what do you think about the Cnnn? How could such a chaotic species have evolved space-faring technology, or even fire-sharpened spears? They must have something up their sleeves.... -Laurence "With notch-less ears" -------
@RUTGERS.ARPA:A.ALDERSON@[36.48.0.1] (02/27/85)
From: Alderson@Score Regarding Piers Anthony: _Sos, the Rope_ was acceptable, as was the first Xanth novel (although the puns were painful, they were non-obvious). The Juxtaposition trilogy was much better. The rest of his stuff is schlock, like that of Herbert (excepting only DUNE) or Murray Leinster. Heinlein, on the other hand, even at his worst (_"The Number of the Beast..."_) is a talented writer. Most people probably are aware that _Stranger in a Strange Land_ was written several years before some of his better "late period" novels, such as _Glory Road_ or _The Moon is a Harsh Mistress_. They are also aware that he is only making explicit in his later books philosophies that have been implicit in all his work, from the very earliest--and not only in his science fiction. Mr. Eckel could certainly do worse than to emulate Mr. Heinlein. Rich Alderson@Score P. S. The Panshins were right about one thing: Heinlein CAN'T write well about sex. On the other hand, I never expected him to do so. rma -------