Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
|
Loading... Irsud (1978)by Jo Clayton
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.  chaosfox | Feb 22, 2019 |  no reviews | add a review
Blending epic fantasy with space opera, Jo Clayton continues her classic Diadem series, the thrilling saga of resourceful nomad Aleytys. A true master of swords and sorcery adventure in outer space, author Jo Clayton rockets science fantasy into new heights of ingenious invention in the third installment of her sensational Diadem Saga. The torments that courageous young Aleytys has endured throughout her lifetime have only intensified since she first donned the alien Diadem, which permanently connected with her central nervous system to grant her astonishing psi abilities. But never before has she faced a greater--or graver--trial. Drugged and sold into slavery by the evil Maissa--the twisted villain who stole her infant son, Sharl--Aleytys must now serve the hive queen of an alien insect/humanoid race on the planet Irsud. She has been purchased to act as host body for the queen's consciousness, which she is to carry in a surgically implanted egg. Facing a truly horrifying fate, Aleytys must submit to the nightmare now growing inside of her as, little by little, it attempts to take control of her body before devouring it completely. But Aleytys is determined to survive the ordeal by any means necessary, for a force even greater than the Diadem compels her: a mother's undying love and need for vengeance. Irsud is a masterful feat of uniquely imaginative storytelling and world-building à la Andre Norton and C. J. Cherryh that seamlessly weaves fantasy and science fiction together, creating a breathtaking tapestry of alien worlds, beings, and cultures that is guaranteed to enthrall fans of both genres. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.54Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage: (3.41)
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wikipedia in English
1
I'm still enjoying these books, but I didn't quite like this one as much as the previous two. Part of it, I think, was the lack of adventure. For a majority of the book, Aleytys doesn't get out much, confined to her quarters and the surrounding area. The other part is the disappointing aliens. They're described as insectoid, and have antennae and multifaceted eyes, but below the neck they seem to be more or less humanoid, even mammalian. (It's not entirely clear.) Other parts of their biology are similarly confused; they reproduce like mammals do, but their eggs must be implanted in a third party living creature. I'm not a biologist, and I suppose that in an infinite universe anything is possible, but it didn't feel plausible or convincing to me. I'd almost rather have wholly humanoid aliens than a sort of half-baked attempt.
On the positive side, Aleytys is still a likeable character, and there is some important development in her relationship to the mysterious diadem she wears. I also love the unabashed sexiness in these books. Aleytys is a free spirit and it's refreshing. I don't think you see that kind of un-self-conscious writing in fiction much today, sadly. (