Jack Vance

I would always recommend the Demon Princes as the best place to start with Vance. A lot better than PoA in my opinion. But don't forget the Durdane trilogy, although not as well-known, it's probably my favourite series.
 
Who is your favorite in the demon princes? I can't decide one because I have more sympathy for all of them than hate. They are victims of cruel Gersen...
... It's not my main question. I rather like to ask about Vance's short stories. I had only known his novels and novellete, but recently I've read his Moon Moth and found it is terrific. Then, is there any recommendation for his short stories?
 
I havent read his short stories yet, wouldnt mind recommendtions too.



Gotta check out Durdane too.
 
I've finally read Emphyrio and WOW this is a brilliant story, perfectly written, it really moved me as well at times (especially the end). A great story told by a master story teller. I was hooked all of the way through. 10/10. There's no point in describing it to those who have read and no point in spoiling it for those who haven't.

I've got the first part of Lyonesse to read but it will wait for now and I'll order the Demon Princes next.


WARNING potential SPOILER at the bottom


















(Emphyrio reminded me a lot of 'The Fifth Head of Cerebus' by Gene Wolfe)though the two stories are clearly different.
 
easygoingman said:
I've finally read Emphyrio and WOW this is a brilliant story, perfectly written, it really moved me as well at times (especially the end). A great story told by a master story teller. I was hooked all of the way through. 10/10. There's no point in describing it to those who have read and no point in spoiling it for those who haven't.

I've got the first part of Lyonesse to read but it will wait for now and I'll order the Demon Princes next.


WARNING potential SPOILER at the bottom


















(Emphyrio reminded me a lot of 'The Fifth Head of Cerebus' by Gene Wolfe)though the two stories are clearly different.
Click to expand...

Wolfe is inspired by Vance so i wouldnt be surprised by that.

I knew you would like Emphyrio :)

I loved it every page of it, one of few SF books i rate 10/10.

Most awesome was how he build the world and society. Ghyl Tarvoke was one of the most interesting and human characters i have read too.

The twist was cool too surprised the hell out of me !
 
I agree that the way the world and characters all came to life in only 200 pages + all of the history of the world, Ghyl Tarvoke's growing up, his relationship with his father and 'friends', rand all of the adventures and discovery it would take more than a few lines to describe it all!
I've nothing against a 700 page book. A story is as long as it needs to be but this was so succinct but still had a depth. I think I'll re read the two Jack Vance books I didn't enjoy in case that was my immaturity at the time of reading...
 
easygoingman said:
I agree that the way the world and characters all came to life in only 200 pages + all of the history of the world, Ghyl Tarvoke's growing up, his relationship with his father and 'friends', rand all of the adventures and discovery it would take more than a few lines to describe it all!
I've nothing against a 700 page book. A story is as long as it needs to be but this was so succinct but still had a depth. I think I'll re read the two Jack Vance books I didn't enjoy in case that was my immaturity at the time of reading...
Click to expand...

Heh thanks to books like Emphyrio i am much patient about his less brilliant work cause you know specially the series books that they do get better when he builds up the story and the world.

I have started reading To Live Forever who is just like Emphyrio about a very different society. From page one i enjoyed the way he paints up their world and culture.
 
Connavar of Rigante said:
Heh thanks to books like Emphyrio i am much patient about his less brilliant work cause you know specially the series books that they do get better when he builds up the story and the world.

I have started reading To Live Forever who is just like Emphyrio about a very different society. From page one i enjoyed the way he paints up their world and culture.
Click to expand...

it's true he can build up worlds over time and normally does but equally true for me is I'm always (except on those two I didn't like years ago!) hooked from page 1 into what happens next. I'm glad I've got lots more to read by Mr Jack Vance
:) :)
 
easygoingman said:
it's true he can build up worlds over time and normally does but equally true for me is I'm always (except on those two I didn't like years ago!) hooked from page 1 into what happens next. I'm glad I've got lots more to read by Mr Jack Vance
:) :)
Click to expand...

The same her only PA i havent been hooked from page 1. That was mostly cause he didnt use his usual style of prose that i like so much.
 
I just finished "Lyonesse : Suldran's Garden" and I loved it. It was beautifly described and what I particularly liked was the descriptions of the meals the characters came upon in Inns on the road. Made my mouth water!
 
Fried Egg said:
I just finished "Lyonesse : Suldran's Garden" and I loved it. It was beautifly described and what I particularly liked was the descriptions of the meals the characters came upon in Inns on the road. Made my mouth water!
Click to expand...

I've got this sitting on my 'to read' small pile next to my bed and am looking forward to reading it but have to read a few sci fi ones first. He's good at describing bad food in 'Ports of Call' but I wouldn't recommend reading it unless someone wants to read everything the man has written!
 
Yes I checked that out after I had posted, in the Bibliography I have published by The British Library in 2000.

Also they have done the novel in a limited editon of what was expanded into Blue world.:(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
D Recommend a collection of Jack Vance stories. Book Discussion 3
J Review: Jack Vance—The Book of Dreams Reviews & Interviews 5
J Review: Jack Vance - The Face Reviews & Interviews 1
J Review: Jack Vance - The Palace of Love Reviews & Interviews 1
J Review: Jack Vance - The Killing Machine Reviews & Interviews 2

Similar threads


Back
Top