A.E. Marston

Advantages: Complex and compelling plot.
Disadvantages: Underdeveloped characters.

...The Wolves of Savernake is A. E. Marston's first novel in his "Domesday Books" series, although he has written many plays, childrens books, lit crit and novels. Its the first book of his that I have read, I'm still undecided as to whether I'll read another. Inspired by actual entry in the Domesday Book the action follows a group of William the Conqueror's Domesday Commisioners, investigating communities whose initial accounts have raised difficulties. The main characters among the commisioners are Ralph Delchard, an old soldier and womaniser, and Gervase Bret, a sensitive half-Saxon clerk. The action is set in the Abbey town of Bedwyn and surrounding Severake woods, where a man is brutally killed just before the commisioners arrive. The action moves between the rivals of Abbey and town facing the commision and the plots... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: GREAT READ.
Disadvantages: NONE.

...Empire of the Atom. Author - A.E.Van Vogt. It is after the Atomic wars and all the worlds history and the historical records have turned to dust. Those people now living, thousands of years in the future, are allowed access to only the basic sciences. Whilst the Palace strictly controls all of the sciences. The outer worlds are colonised but unhappy at the yolk around their necks imposed by the ruling royal family living on Earth. Then a child is born into the palace… A mutant child…. Clane…. Clane is deformed, his presence and very life is suffered by the peoples of the palace. Clane, having to live hidden and alone in the grounds of the sumptuous palace. Clane with a sharp inventive mind, a mind and body shaped by long forgotten Atomic wars and the resulting radiations. Clane discovers NEW uses for the Atomics... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: lots
Disadvantages: none

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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful