History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Untangling Tolkien: A Chronology and Commentary for The Lord of the Rings

Average customer rating:

Excellent Resource
Knits up the ravels
A Radiograph of LotR.
Splendid Tolkien Reference Work
a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia

Untangling Tolkien: A Chronology and Commentary for The Lord of the Rings
Michael W. Perry
Manufacturer: Inkling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

History | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Literature | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Mythology & Folklore | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction & Fantasy | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Tolkien on Film: Essays on Peter Jackson's the Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion
Understanding The Lord of the Rings: The Best of Tolkien Criticism
The Children of Húrin
The Essential J.R.R. Tolkien Sourcebook: A Fan's Guide to Middle-earth and Beyond

ASIN: 1587420198

Book Description

Here is the book that Tolkien fans have needed for half a century--a detailed, book-length chronology of J. R. R. Tolkien's complex tale. Whether you are a serious Tolkien fan or simply someone who enjoys reading the story over and over again, this is the book for you. It's the first totally new reference for The Lord of the Rings since the 1970s.

Beginning over 1400 years before the major events in Tolkien's epic, it describes, year-by-year, the amazing and imaginative background history that Tolkien created for his masterpiece. Then for the main narrative, it becomes a day-by-day reference, describing what each character does on that day and all the places where those events are described in Tolkien's writings. You can find out, for instance, what Merry and Pippin are doing as Sam perpares rabbit stew on the morning of March 7.

Probe deeper into Tolkien. See why someone as serious as Gandalf was interested in fun-loving Hobbits. Discover an exciting new plot, based on Tolkien's notes, that begins when Aragorn captures Gollum. Follow along as the Black Riders and Gandalf race for the Shire. Decide for yourself whether Sauron and the Ring have any ties to Hitler and Stalin. Explore what Tolkien believed about nature and technology.

A few facts illustrate how helpful this chronology is. Most of narrative is a deliberately confusing sea of next days and third days that leave readers as confused as the tale's main characters.The middle 60 percent of The Lord of the Rings gives the current date only once. In the narrative as a whole, the date is given only 23 times, or once for every 43 pages, and most of those come when the plot is moving slowly. That's why those who want to dig deeper and understand better what Tolkien was saying will find this book a must-have.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource.......2006-12-10

Perry has done a wonderful job in untangling the very intricate tale woven by J.R.R. Tolkien. Of particular help are the copious margin notes which reference exactly where Perry is drawing the information contained within that section of his book. The commentary made by the author is a welcomed pause for reflection on the events that are taking place and keep the book from being a mere listing of dates and events. I teach a course on J.R.R. Tolkien and have found Untangling Tolkien a valuable resource, since it covers the entire history of Middle-earth: what comes before The Hobbit and what takes place after The Lord of The Rings. Bravo Mr. Perry, I look forward to reading your other books.

Knits up the ravels.......2004-10-31

An amazing accomplishment by a dedicated Tolkien fan.

That is how I'd sum up the book Untanging Tolkien. Michael Perry has first unraveled all Tolkien's "dates" -- which can be extrapolated from phases of the moon -- and then knit them together again in a cohesive outline, presented in much greater detail than Tolkien's own timeline (found buried in Appendix A of LOTR). By incorporating information from other Tolkien writings, the author of Untangling Tolkien collates additional facts about all the characters and the circumstances surrounding the War of the Ring, folding them all into this detailed chronology. He includes material that sheds light on possible parallels between Tolkien's work and events that were contemporary, and he provides original commentary that suggests some additional motivations for Tolkien's characters. Sidebars offer references to every source for the information presented and for each conclusion the author has drawn.

I found the format, with quick-reference bulleted lists and clearly delineated sections and subheadings, well-organized and easy to use.

NOTE: I read the third printing that was published in May 2004. Apparently the author has corrected many of the errors that David Bratman objected to (below). You won't find a better overview or a more throrough treatment of time and dates in LOTR than Perry provides in this book.

A Radiograph of LotR........2003-12-27

This book is layed out as a chronological record of the events covered by Tolkein's masterpiece with prefaces that explain the calender system created by Tolkein and its conversion to our more mundane (and possibly inferior) system. The type is clear, and margin citations clear and present for every entry. It's primary utility, at which it succeeds admirably, is as a kind of radiograph of Tolkein's work that reveals its astonishing complexity more clearly and allows one to admire, and more importantly, explore the book itself more quickly, easily, and deeply.

The book also contains copious notes inline with the chronology. These vary from informative to tangential, but at worst do not detract from the book's primary function. Mr. Perry is perhaps foremost as Lewis scholar, and so C.S. Lewis, a close acquaintance and friend of Tolkein, makes a number of appearances. Also making appearances in the notes are William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill.

All in all, a unique book which will save anyone who wants to do an in depth study of LotR a lot of time.

Splendid Tolkien Reference Work.......2003-12-21

Superb, exhaustive chronology of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga. Perry does a superior job in untangling a number of thorny chronological issues in Tolkien's narrative, and he employs some fine literary detective work in reconstructing what events are happening across Middle Earth on any given date. Especially admirable is his reconstruction of how much moonlight there was during each day of Frodo and Sam's journey into Mordor.

In addition to chronology, Perry supplies a lot of background information about Tolkien's themes and sources, as well as biographical tidbits about Tolkien. For example, there are fascinating discussions of Tolkien's views of technology, freedom, and totalitarianism. Perry also discusses Tolkien's stance toward the misuse of Germanic myths by the Nazis.

This is a great resource for Tolkien-lovers everywhere.

a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia.......2003-12-21

A year-by-year, later day-by-day, chronicle of the war against Sauron from the founding of the Shire to the glorious conclusion seems at the outset like a good idea. Perry calls LOTR's Appendix B, the Tale of Years, "far from complete" but it covers the whole period: what he means is that it's not detailed enough for him. Appendix B won't tell you which day Sam cooked coney for Frodo; Perry will.

But alas, the book does not stop there. The entries are written as bullet lists like a PowerPoint presentation, and many add pointless little flowcharts such as two-generation family trees. They reduce Tolkien's magnificently complex subcreation into a giant mass of undifferentiated trivia. And each yearly or daily entry comes with its commentary, whether directly relevant, side points, broader considerations, or dogmatic essays in applicability. The unrelieved banality and inappropriateness of these must be read to be believed; as also the author's clumsy, grammatically inept style, and his smug superiority to the characters. (He frequently criticizes the good guys' "blunders," all of them more complex than he implies.)

There's actually some good chronological analysis and speculation hiding in here. But how can someone who knows his Tolkien that well say that the wizards were Valar, or that Rohan gave Isengard to Saruman (it wasn't theirs to give, and Saruman was made its warden, not a freeholder), that Boromir and Faramir had a sibling rivalry (Tolkien specifically says not), or suggest that Galadriel should have sent daily eagles to check up on the Fellowship?

These are not isolated examples: the bloopers and misconceived ideas go on and on. The whole book is like that: it has the soul of a PowerPoint presentation. I can't recommend it on any terms.

Lords of the Middle Dark: (#1) (Rings of the Master, Book 1)
Average customer rating:

Excellent first book.

stands the test of time

Excellent and worth the Effort

Lords of the Middle Dark: (#1) (Rings of the Master, Book 1)
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Chalker, Jack L. | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Masks of the Martyrs (Rings of the Master, Book 4)

Warriors of the Storm (Rings of the Master, Book 3)

Pirates of the Thunder (Rings of the Master, Book 2)

The Run to Chaos Keep (Quintara Marathon, Book 2)

Masters of Flux & Anchor (Soul Rider, No 3)

ASIN: 0345325605
Release Date: 1986-05-12

Book Description

Long ago, the machines had rebelled, wiping out most of humanity and exiling the survivors in widely scattered reservations. Master System ruled unchallenged, the key to breaking its power -- five microchips disguised as gold rings, carefully hidden away. But then an Amerindian called Hawks stumbled across information about the five rings, and suddenly Master System developed an interest in seeing Hawks dead . . .

Customer Reviews:

Excellent first book. .......2005-11-16

I have just read all 4 books in this series, back to back, in the last week. I was hooked after the first book, and I think it was one of the more interesting introductory books I've ever read. I give the first book 5 stars. Tho, the series, probably only 3.5, I'll explain more at the end...

A future earth, that seems to be stuck in the 1500's. Ruled by a "Master Computer" that was developed long ago, when man was at the brink of destroying himself. Now the computer has devolved mankind into a state of technology (1500's) that can be brutal and savage...but, doesn't have the ability or technology to wipe out the world in the process.

This master computer controls all technology and knowledge in this world. However, it does use some of the "brightest" people from each culture to help it rule. These people are snatched from their primative cultures, trained, indoctrinated, and given the knowledge and technology, that the rest of the world is now ignorant of. The only caveat is, each person must return to his/her peoples for a couple of months every 2 years or so, to "stay in touch" with the culture they came from.

This computer isn't malevolent, it's just following it's programming to protect humankind from itself. However, the methods it uses to do this can be quite extraordinary.

The Master Computer has basically "de-populated" Earth, to a point where there is less than a million souls on the whole planet. It has done this by moving Billions off planet, to other planets. On Earth, it has basically created 1500's technology, and the small population's living there are ignorant of anything else. England now has kings, barons, knights and castles. China has Warlords and their peasants. And America is basically populated by Native American Indians.

Earth has basically become a protected museum of what life was like 500 years ago.

This is a story of Hawk's. Who is a Native American Indian, but was deemed bright and inquisitive enough by the Computer, to be taught about the knowledge and technology, that is prohibited to everyone else.

On one of his mandatory pilgrimmages back to his people, Hawks discovers some secrets about the Master Computer. That the people who created it, also created a way to shut it down. Basically, it involves locating 5 rings, and using them in a certain way. This is forbidden knowledge to even one such as Hawk's. This book is about what he does with that knowledge, and how the Master Computer reacts to him having it.

This was a great book, and the only book I've ever given a 5 star rating too. As soon as I finished it, I immediately went out and found the other 3 books in this series, and also got everything else I could find by Chalker.

Unfortunately, Book 1 is the only book in this series I believe was 5-star material.

The following is what I thought about the rest...

Book 2 - 4 stars.

Is actually a pretty good continuation of Book 1. Hawks has now been sent to a prison planet, where he has enlisted some interesting allies in his quest for the rings. It moves along pretty well, and we become more aware of where Chalker is heading in this series. Which is good...and bad.

After reading several of Chalkers books now, it seems Chalker has specific areas he particularly enjoys exploring. Mostly, Alien physical form and culture.

Chalker is big into alternative alien form. Much of this book, and the following books, revolve around these ideas. Alien physical differences, and how those differences can shape a society. It's not really my cup of tea...but, Chalker is good enough at it that I can appreciate his interest. He also approaches it in a unique way. Instead of having "real" aliens, he has given the Master Computer the technology to actual "change" humans into a form that is more suitable to a particular environment. Instead of terraforming a planet to meet humans needs...he changes the humans to meet the planet's needs. Interesting twist. The master computer does this through a process call "Transmutation."

By the end of these books...I was sorta sick of the Transmutation process :)

Book 3 - 2.5 stars.

This is where the series fell flat for me. We basically spend this whole book trying to get 1 ring (remember, there are 5). On one planet, with one set of "transmuted" humans..and the culture and society they have created.

Hawks team has to infiltrate this society to be able to steal a ring. That means, they have to change themeselves into these "transmuted" humans, and live amongst them, to be able to get close enough to snatch the prize. It was an in-depth look at how physical form can affect culture, and a specific look at that culture.

I can appreciate what Chalker was trying to do here, but, it really seemed to drag for me. This is where I realized where Chalkers real interests lay...societal/cultural/philosophical/religious explorations. Like I said, I can appreciate his perspective, but I guess I really wasn't in the mood for it after the first 2 books.

Book 4 - 3.5 stars

After book 3, I realized we only had one book left...and we've only got 2 rings!

That means, we have to find 3 rings, learn how to use them against the computer, and have a final episode...all in the last book! I couldn't help but feel, even before I started reading it...that this one would be rushed.

And, imho...it was.

This was still a good book. Better than the 3rd. But, I couldn't help feeling that if we'd spent less time finding one ring in book 3, we could have spent more time getting the other 3 rings.

My biggest complaint, however, was with the ending.

There are things I would have loved to have explored further. What would it have been like for someone to interface with the Master Computer? What would they have felt, or seen? How would they go about changing things through that interface, etc...

Instead, it just sorta ends and skips ahead. I was pretty disappointed in this. However, it did actually "end," even tho more abruptly than I would have preferred.

Overall, I would give the entire series 3.5 Stars. It still has one of the best first books I have ever read, and Chalker is an intelligent writer. I never felt I was reading something designed for a much younger audience, tho, I believe any age group could enjoy it. I may not have the same interests Chalker has...but, I can appreciate a good, intelligent writer when I see one.

stands the test of time.......2004-01-04

I read this book in the late eighties when I was in high school and loved it. Recently I reread the series and found that it was not dated (besides the sheer size computers can take up) the results and effects of technology are still believable. This series has near everything sex changes, species changes, mythology, space battles, high tech espionage. The characters range from flawed and tragic to flawed and heroic. There is so much crammed into these four volumes. One of the best and most consistent series I have ever read.

Excellent and worth the Effort.......2003-05-05

I bought this book in its first printing back in the mid eighties (85 I think) While I was preparing for a canoe trip through Quebec. The whole plot line appealed to me for a number of reasons that I wont get into, however, I can tell you that the plot and charecter development were fabulously rich, and enveloped me in a Tolkienesque manner. I was drawn away from the rain and mosquitos, the biting flies, and the food poisoning we all suffered, to a world in the future that I felt could actually exist. I waited impatiently for the next few years for the forthcoming sequels to come out. The only disappointment in the whole series, was when I turned the final page, of the final book, and it was over.

Average customer rating:

Lords of the Middle Dark
Jack Chalker
Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K2L8S6

Average customer rating:

Lords of the Middle Dark
Jack Chalker
Manufacturer: Ballantine/Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MLIZWC

Average customer rating:

Lords of the Middle Dark
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Warriors of the Storm (Rings of the Master, Book 3)
Lords of the Middle Dark: (#1) (Rings of the Master, Book 1)
Masks of the Martyrs (Rings of the Master, Book 4)

ASIN: 0450428052

Average customer rating:

Lords of the Middle Dark.
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXNM54

Lords of the Middle Dark/Book One of the Rings of the Master

Average customer rating:

Hands Down best Sci Fi EVER
Imaginative, a little too much in typical Chalker style
Unique and Disturbing
Lords of the Middle Dark - a bright spark
Adequately interesting but nothing memorable.

Lords of the Middle Dark/Book One of the Rings of the Master
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Severn House Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0727817345

Customer Reviews:

Hands Down best Sci Fi EVER.......2002-05-20

I have read a lot of Sci Fi--More than most people ever do. I was absolutely stunned at the panoramic beauty and scope of this series of books. Without a doubt one of, if not THE, best series ever in the history of the genre. The symbolism and struggles are hauntingly realistic and accurate--meshing with our deepest hopes and desires. This is a deep book from a deep series. My favorite author of all time. Between this series and the Wellworld series, all other authors have new benchmarks to aim for.

Imaginative, a little too much in typical Chalker style.......2001-05-24

At a certain point, I'd read a lot of Jack L. Chalker, but hadn't gotten around to reading The Rings of the Master series.

On the one hand, the book isn't disappointing-- the plot is inventive enough and the concept and characters engaging. Mankind lives in what is essentially a terrarium of their own invention. Centuries ago, people set computers up to rule the world and prevent mankind from killing itself. However, the computers now rule too well-- leaving people no free will or ability to innovate. Five rings were left by the creators of the original system and those rings have the ability to shut the computers off. The heros of the story must find the rings in the face of the computers' opposition.

I think people who haven't read a lot of Chalker won't be bugged by the repetition from earlier books, but even given a lot of elapsed time, I was still struck by how many old familiar Chalker elements there are-- gender switching, mind control, rape, blindness, physical experimentation. It felt a little too predictable in this way-- some kind of fetish (writer or reading public?) being expressed in the body of work.

Unique and Disturbing.......2000-07-28

Mr. Chalker presents an Earth more horrifying than 1984 or Brave New World. In this future you can be made to behave however the Master System (an all-powerful computer) chooses, in the name of preserving humanity. The individual's worth has been destroyed for the sake of society. I found the characters' instinctive need to regain control of this world a motive worth cheering for, though the author didn't extrapolate much on the philosophical implications of his theme.

Characters are dealt with even more harshly than in Stephen R. Donaldson's Gap series if you can believe it; psychologically brutalized to the point where some can no longer be considered the same people at the end of the story that they were at the beginning. Occasionally the book comes close to making the characters uninterestingly powerless, but by the end their free will has persevered. I'm glad I did as well.

Chalker lacks Donaldson's deftness and writing into and out of corners, but the storyline holds together. This isn't the best book I've ever read for characters or plot twists, but the setting and situation have some interesting implications. That alone earns it five stars, and I hope the author tries to explore them further in the sequels. I'll definitely pick them up (if I find them anywhere, that is) to find out.

Lords of the Middle Dark - a bright spark.......1999-12-03

Good story telling with emphasis on character development rather than indepth tech talk - the usual Chalker style I dare say.

The human race is caged by its own creation of which was created to protect the humans from destroying itself. Vaguely along the lines of Arthur C Clarke's 2001:A Space Odysee where the computer running the space ship is also programmed to carry out the mission - no matter the cost. HAL in this saga is Master System - a mega computer developed by five key scientists to prevent humans from self-destruction. The book has an underlying message of how humans are increasingly becoming dependent on technology. Master System has taken over the world - its "prime objective" - save the human race. It has control over everything and anything, more like a God of whom all humans must obey.

An unlikely hero (isn't it always that way?) who grows to be likeable one, takes on the task of stopping Master System. This is achieved by using a process in which the five original scientists programmed in - just in case. Five rings must be obtained which contains the key to stop Master System - but one bears the question "why didn't Master System destroy the rings?" Answer: because it has to allow humans to achieve it. It can try and stop them but it cannot destroy any chance of them obtaining the rings.

Jack L Chalker concentrates on the plot and character development rather than elaborate establishment of science and technology. This makes for easier acceptance of the technologies "invented" in the story. "The Lords of the Middle Dark" is the first book of a series of four. And, is compelling reading as the reader yearns for the next book in the series.

Adequately interesting but nothing memorable........1998-02-01

This story concerns the adventures of several people on a future Earth that is under the power of a computer that can only be "turned off" when five rings are found and brought to a special place. The protagonists' virtual lack of free will takes away from the story's efficacy.

Average customer rating:

The Silmarillion, Volume 1 (Unabridged)
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000BTIP5W

Average customer rating:

The Silmarillion, Volume 2 (Unabridged)
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000BTIP66

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books