The Shattered Chain (1976)

Re-read, first time in a decade or more.

The writing is not great but the story is strong. It's hard for me to tell if the story is good because I've internalized it through constant re-reading throughout my late adolescence, or if the story actually does transcend the pedestrian writing. Either way, I enjoyed re-visiting the place. ( )

This blend of fantasy and science fiction was recommended to me by a friend in 10th grade. A male friend I might add. Marion Zimmer Bradley had strong female characters, but in Darkover she also had a swashbuckling appeal that crossed genders. He recommended I start with this Darkover novel, despite that it's not the first chronologically for a couple of reasons. First, MZB always wrote the Darkover novels as standalones. They all have the same backdrop, on the planet of Darkover, but although some novels are more closely connected, you can start anywhere. Second, he thought this was a crackling good tale to begin with and I'd agree. This is still a good entry into Darkover which was written from 1958 to 1989. (There were some collaborations afterwards, but I don't think they're her best.) Moreover, in her early written Darkover novels she was still learning her craft, and I think it shows. So there's a sweet spot between 1974 and 1984 where I believe the best of her series was written, and this is right in the middle. And I do love her "Renunciates" aka "Free Amazons." Especially for a young girl pre-Buffy with few kick-ass heroines this really was wonderful to read. Indeed, I far prefer MZB's Darkover novels to any of the Avalon books. ( )