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England (Charles Hubert Hastings Parry)

The story is so scattershot that it never achieves any kind of momentum. The characters don't have much for inner lives. The universe is never clearly depicted. Things just seem to happen for no particular reason at all. Nobody's motivation is comprehensible. That's not to say there aren't a few cle Though not really a sequel, this book happens in the same universe as the abominable Cat Karina, which I previously reviewed. That's not to say there aren't a few clever moments and bits of poetic writing.

That's the most significant improvement on the earlier book: But the "fairy tale" feeling isn't sustainable over the course of a whole novel that is supposed to be for adults.

The Celestial Steam Locomotive

And there are whole chapters that read like goofy fables that are shoehorned into the book for no apparent reason. History, as far as I can tell, has pretty much forgotten these books. I got mine because it was discarded from a library. That's the way it should be. I'm amazed how well this held up for a sci-fi story written in which I last read when I was maybe I definitely have thought about this book a lot over the years but never reread it until now.

There are some cringe-y moments, which is to be expected particularly involving body image , but it's nothing like, say, unrelenting Heinlein-style patronizing misogyny.

I've had a copy of the sequel for years and can finally read it again! Aug 30, Joseph Carrabis rated it it was amazing. The Celestial Steam Locomotive and Gods of the Greataway are wonderful mythic reads that may confuse and confound readers who want a completely linear story and plot line. But once you get on board, whoa, what a ride!


  • Augusta (Promised Land Romances Series);
  • Gods of the Greataway.
  • Parole per vendere: Guida tascabile per il venditore professionista (Lingustica) (Italian Edition);
  • Die Häftlinge vom Konzentrationslager Mauthausen (German Edition).
  • Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda.
  • Silence on the Wire: A Field Guide to Passive Reconnaissance and Indirect Attacks.

Sep 14, Janine Woodward rated it it was amazing. Cool conceptual metaphorical sci fi adventure. Makes you think a lot, while also being so weird you almost want to laugh. Complex characters, each in their own way. Weird obsession with babies though. You'll understand once you read it.

See a Problem?

Jul 30, Brian Gaston rated it liked it Shelves: I picked this up to add to my collection of Canadian SF writers and the story turned out to be be pretty good. Ran out of steam about half way through. Not the sort of writing I want to read late at night, it needs me to be a more active reader. I love the style so I will come back to it sometime.

Apr 07, Noel rated it really liked it. Off to hunt for the sequel. Why was this writer not better acknowledged?

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He started a career as a chartered accountant and went on to become a management Consultant. Then he went into the catering business, managing an inn in south Devon with his wife, Daphne for three years and a hotel in the West Indies for another three. He worked for Financial Services in the B.

Quote Details: William Shakespeare: This royal throne of - The Quotations Page

Forest Service for seventeen years before retiring. He Passed away 4 November To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about King of the Sceptred Isle , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about King of the Sceptred Isle. Lists with This Book.

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