The Way of Spider

by W. Michael Gear

The Spider Trilogy (2)

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The thrilling sequel to Gear's groundbreaking sci-fi debut, The Warriors of Spider Rebellion on Sirius threatened to become the spark that would set the galaxy ablaze, bringing on the destruction of the Directorate-run empire--a tyranny powered by an elite corps of human, computer-linked brains. The Directorate's only hope of overthrowing the Sirian rebels rested with three of its once-mighty but now battle-damaged Patrol ships, three backup warships, and a rate of primitive, long show more planet-bound warriors--the Romanans. For the Directorate had spent many centuries breeding initiative and the capability for violent action out of the human race. And only on the lost colony of World did true warriors of spider still exist. But would the Romanans willingly join the cause of the star men who had once attempted to destroy their world? And even if they did, could warriors so newly exposed to the weapons of deadly technology defeat a world and a leader ready to utilize legendary tools of destruction more lethal than any humankind had ever known? show less

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1 review
The second book of the series, The Way of the Spider shows the results of the impact the Romanans has had on the stagnant Directorate. The Directors themselves are starting to realize they have built a house of cards, that stagnation may only be acceptable if there is nothing to compare it too. With the arrival of the vibrancy of the Romanans, stagnancy pales, and the Directorate finds itself having to deal with revolts. The most serious of the revolts forges an unlikely alliance between the Romanans and the Directorate.

Gear introduces more history of the Directorate, revealing an older high tech culture called "The Brotherhood", who removed themselves from the directorate from ages ago. However, hints of their technology are still show more available for those that can find them.

Gear continues on with the relationship between the Prophets and the Directorate, contrasting the logical rational mind of the directors (who has also lost contact with what it means to be human) and the mentoring mind of the Prophets.

Overall this book isn't as good as the first, and doesn't have as much to explore. However, it does a reasonable job of providing continuity from the first story.

Final Recommendation: If you've read the first book, you might as well read this one too.
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½

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W. Michael Gear was born on May 20, 1955 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received a master's degree in anthropology from Colorado State University in 1979. He married Kathleen O'Neal Gear in 1982, and they have collaborated on a series of books for young adults. The theme of these books is ancient civilizations, and the titles include People of show more the Wolf, People of the Fire, People of the Sea, and People of the Lakes. They own Wind River Archaeologist Consultants, which is a private research firm. He has also written several books by himself including the Forbidden Borders Trilogy, Morning River, and Dark Inheritance. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

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Common Knowledge

Canonical title
The Way of Spider
Original title
The Way of Spider
Original publication date
1989-01
Dedication
To Willy "J" Jenkins and the Honorable H. Gene Driggers
this yarn is dedicated.

With thanks for your endless support during the purposless hell that was graduate school.

I haven't forgotten.
First words
Spider would decide the fate of a planet.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"...I'm here to teach you pleasure, we have a lot of time."

Classifications

Genres
Fiction and Literature, Science Fiction
DDC/MDS
813Literature & rhetoricAmerican literature in EnglishAmerican fiction in English
LCC
PS3557 .E19 .W39Language and LiteratureAmerican literatureAmerican literatureIndividual authors1961-
BISAC

Statistics

Members
205
Popularity
159,118
Reviews
1
Rating
½ (3.69)
Languages
English, German
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
4
ASINs
2