Average customer rating:
- Another Classic from the Dean of Science Fiction Writers
- Lot Number Ninety-Seven....
- They don't write 'em like this anymore
- Classic Outworlds Adventure
- Moieties, Pirates and Begging, Oh My!
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Citizen of the Galaxy
Robert A. Heinlein
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary
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| Heinlein, Robert A.
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Paperback
| Heinlein, Robert A.
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ASIN: 1416505520 |
Book Description
A classic novel from the mind of the storyteller who captures the imagination of readers from around the world, and across two generations
Science Fiction Grand Master
ROBERT A. HEINLEIN
CITIZEN OF THE GALAXY
In a distant galaxy, the atrocity of slavery was alive and well, and young Thorby was just another orphaned boy sold at auction. But his new owner, Baslim, is not the disabled beggar he appears to be: adopting Thorby as his son, he fights relentlessly as an abolitionist spy. When the authorities close in on Baslim, Thorby must ride with the Free Traders -- a league of merchant princes -- throughout the many worlds of a hostile galaxy, finding the courage to live by his wits and fight his way from society's lowest rung. But Thorby's destiny will be forever changed when he discovers the truth about his own identity....
Customer Reviews:
Another Classic from the Dean of Science Fiction Writers.......2007-09-26
Robert A Heinlein was not called the "Dean of Science Fiction Writers" for nothing: like most (if not all) of his other books, in "Citizen of the Galaxy" he takes a concept - in this case slavery: deconstructs and analyzes it in many different ways, and presents his thoughts on each aspect of it to us in the context of a compelling and entertaining story.
The story centers on Thorby: a boy perhaps in his early teens, and of unknown parentage, who enters the story as a rebellious and angry young slave on the auction block. We follow his life through several major transitions as he is bought, then educated and finally freed by "Baslim the Cripple", a beggar with mysterious and very un-beggar-like qualities; through his escape from Baslim's murderers to live with the galaxy-roving "Free Traders". Then, after a brief stint in the military, he returns to Earth where he learns of his own origins and heritage, and eventually how and perhaps why he was sold into slavery. He also learns who Baslim really was, and finally takes on what he learns was Baslim's true mission as his own.
To me, like most of his books, one of the most interesting aspects of this story is how Heinlein illustrates and expands upon his central theme in so many different ways: At first we see Thorby in the role of a classic slave, with a master - Baslim, but with a twist, as Baslim is a man who bought Thorby purely because he detests slavery - and teaches Thorby that what makes a man free is his mind, not whether another claims to own and control his body in a physical sense.
Then, when Thorby finds his way to the Free Traders, we see a society that claims to be freer than any other in history - which is true in that they roam the entire galaxy at will - going where they want, when they want, without constraint. But, their life-long and crowded existence onboard their spaceships has created a society where tradition, familial, and social constraints limit them in ways more profound and limiting then Thorby had ever experienced before.
When he finally returns to Earth, Thorby finds that his place is at the pinnacle of power, wealth and fame - yet his wealth and power present new challenges: constraining his freedom in new and even more difficult to challenge ways.
In each of these situations, we see how Thorby uses the talents, skills and freedom he finds within himself, which Baslim had nurtured and trained, to overcome the challenges he is faced with: we also see how those around him are enslaved in ways both more subtle and more profound than Thorby had been when he had been "owned" by Baslim.
Heinlein presents slavery as a great evil that must be conquered and eliminated, and as a societal disease that can and will take root and flourish in many ways, in almost any society. He also shows us that slavery is less about the physical constraints and more about the enslavement of one's mind and spirit.
Through the experiences of Thorby, Heinlein shows us that true freedom exists only when a person is able to free their mind and rise above the shackles and constraints their day to day existence places upon them. That slavery is not just about the physical enslavement and exploitation of one person by another, but about enslavement of the mind and spirit.
As a teen, I did not find this particular book as appealing as I did most of the other works of young adult fiction written by Heinlein in the 1950's, such as "Between Planets", "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress", and "The Rolling Stones". Yet, now that I have re-read "Citizen of the Galaxy" as an adult, I find it to be a more mature, richer, thoughtful, subtle and thought-provoking work than many of his earlier work: I highly recommend it.
Lot Number Ninety-Seven...........2007-08-19
"Citizen of the Galaxy" is another fine edition to Robert A. Heinlein's series of `juveniles' he wrote for Charles Scribners Sons primarily in the 1950s.
We never find out what motivated the beggar, Baslim the Cripple, to buy the slave boy Thorby. In this distant future, mankind has spread out among the stars. The Nine Worlds do not even acknowledge any relationship to Earth and are not members of the Terran Hegemony.
Anyway on this frontier world, there exists the institution of slavery.
One thing becomes immediately apparent, Baslim is a lot more than a beggar. As their father/son develops, it is obvious Baslim is highly educated with a wide range of skills. It is also obvious, he is some sort of spy. Thorby doesn't care. Pops business was Pops business. Baslim raises and home schools his son.
Things come to a head years later when Baslim is found to be a spy. Thorby must flee for his life. However Baslim has foreseen this day and has prepared Thorby. Thorby is smuggled offworld and begins his quest for his true identity and completion of Baslim's mission.
The central theme of this book is the variation in human culture and the adaptability of man. Each group Thorby finds himself has it's own rituals and customs. Our hero is constantly required change, adapt and in the process grow as a man.
They don't write 'em like this anymore.......2007-07-17
Heinlein was a master of the noncondescending juvenile SF novel, and this is, in my informed opinion, the very best of the dozen or so he wrote during the 1950s. In fact, it's one of his two or three best novels, period. Thorby starts out a slave, purchased on a distant world by an old beggar (who, of course, is more than he seems) and becomes intimate with the underworld -- then finds himself aboard a Free Trader vessel with an extremely complex social structure, where he's adopted in and makes a new life for himself -- then finds himself a very junior enlisted man on a "space patrol" ship, where he makes another new life -- then finds himself the long-lost heir to an enormous fortune back on Earth, where the various plotlines come together and (yes) he has to try to make a new life for himself. Thorby is nothing if not adaptable. The narrative is straightforward, moving along at a nice pace, and there's very little of the overwritten preachifying RAH was prone to in his later work. The characters are based on `50s archetypes, so today's kids will undoubtedly be amused by the state of gender relations, and they've probably never seen a slide rule, but, hey -- read and enjoy.
Classic Outworlds Adventure .......2007-06-08
Citizen of the Galaxy is a very good classic science fiction work. It is the third Heinlein novel which I have finished. While it is in Heinlein's juvenile stories, the novel is a great adventure saga. I enjoyed following the main character Thorby through his life education and experiences. Unfortunately, the ending comes much too quickly and in too "neat" of a 1950's manner. It is suitable for readers spanning ages 11 to decades beyond.
Moieties, Pirates and Begging, Oh My!.......2007-03-09
One has to read Citizen of the Galaxy to understand the development of Heinlein's cultural themes and of his fascination with various forms of kinship and marriage as well as other aspects of social structure. Your first clue is that the anthropologist aboard the Sisu is named Margaret Mader.
Heinlein also takes on slavery in this book. And white collar crime. Plus there is a rapscallionesque lawyer who describes himself as "middlin honest". Coupled with a charming protagonist, ethical mentors and the Space Navy, all the elements of a great Heinlein adventure come together in Citizen of the Galaxy.
"Good Business".
Average customer rating:
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Citizens of the Galaxy
Shawn McGhee
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary
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Adventure
| Science Fiction
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General
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ASIN: 140108205X |
Product Description
CONTENTS; ~ ~~ ~ Citizen of the Galaxy (Part 1 of 4) [Robert A. Heinlein];
STORIES:
Look Out! Duck! [Randall Garrett (as David Gordon)];
The Devil, You Say? [Walter L. Kleine];
Into Your Tent I'll Creep [Eric Frank Russell];
Red Rover [Dean Ing]
ARTICLES:
Learning Patterns [John W. Campbell, Jr.];
Fusion for Power [Milton A. Rothman]
Average customer rating:
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CITIZEN OF THE GALAXY
Manufacturer: Scribners 1958 G Printing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GB3HSU |
Customer Reviews:
BOOK DESCRIPTION.......2003-01-31
The war within is always hardest won, Lucien de Montegnier knew, for he daily battled demons from his past. Still, his fighting prowess had won him an unexpected boon: Lady Alayna of Avenford, a hellcat with a heart who alone could save him from his greatest enemy- himself! * Widowed before she was truly a wife, Alayna of Avenford now found herself claimed as a war prize by Lucien de Montregnier, a warrior as well known for his fierce nature as he was for his skill in battle. She despised him, of course. But why, then, did his merest glance ignite her very soul?
Stunning!! A really good read!!.......2001-12-30
This, as it says on the inside front cover, is Ms. Navin's first book. (?) Anywho, she plots an amazing story, about true love and it's very bumpy cource.This book portrays a man, Lucien de Montregnier, who is beset by demons from his past. Returning from slavery to kill his fathers murdurer, he is confronted by Lady Alayna of Avenford, a saucy woman who was widowed before her husband, whom she despised by the way, could make her his wife in truth. Sparks immediatly fly, but pride on both sides prevents them from sucoming(sorry, I have no clue how to spell that word)to their deepest desires. Lucien, trying to find peace, discoveres the exact opposite when, to strengthen his claim to the lordless barony left vacent by the death of Alayna's husband, marries Alayna.
This is a touching story. The only fault I can find is that Alayna is in the beginning, a spoiled little brat with too much pride, and a kind heart hidden away under insults and arrogance. All in All, Ms Navin, a wonderful read and I can't wait to get to the library to pick up another!!!
(PS, this book was sooooo good, I started at 7 o'clock and finished at around 9:45!!!!! I couldn't put it down!!!!
Book Description
The Captive Bride
The day she was wedded to the bold English knight Aidan de Brice young Gwynne was taken captive by the Welsh bandits who'd claimed her since her birth. Years have passed, and she barely recognizes the breathtaking warrior before her who once won her heart -- but her senses recall what her memory cannot. Still, any lingering thoughts of love must be dispelled, for the proud, brave lady's loyalties now lie elsewhere.
Aidan is shocked to discover that the infamous "Dark Legend" -- the elusive rebel leader he is honor bound to defeat -- is not only a beautiful woman...but also his stolen bride! Now that he has taken her prisoner, Aidan knows his true duty is to his heart. Defying his king, Aidan must use all his power to keep fair Gwynne from harm...and rekindle her lost memories of a soul-stirring love more mighty than any kingdom or crown.
Customer Reviews:
Really 3 & 1/2 stars; it's better than a mere 3 indicates.......2004-09-04
After reading a long run of books that needed, at least, better editing for style and grammar, reading Mary Reed McCall (an English teacher in her day job) was a breath of fresh air. How delightful it was not to be pulled out of the story by odd word choices, tortured phrasings, and grammar poor enough to make one shudder. McCall's writing is clear, smooth, and never leaves the reader asking what in the world she meant.
The lead characters, Gwynne and Aidan, are resolute, honorable, tortured, and intriguing. McCall shows a real understanding of the true honor and its price. Despite the Fabio-like cover art, Aidan is a strong, sensitive hero who has to choose, or make peace, between love and honor. Gwynne lost her memory 12 years ago, losing her true identity as well. Can she rediscover that woman, that life, and reconcile it to the only life she remembers, that of a warrior?
My reason for giving The Maiden Warrior 3 & 1/2 stars is that I simply didn't find it engrossing or thrilling. It was enjoyable and interesting, but not a lot more. I will admit, however, that it could have been the timing of the read, such that real life interfered with my enjoyment of the book. I was holding out huge hopes for a fellow English teacher; she met them gramatically and in most other ways. But for some reason I cannot identify, I wasn't grabbed by the book. I did, however, like it enough to try another of her books.
"A stirring romance where love conquers all".......2003-08-09
Destiny has marked Gwynne ap Moran as the Dark Legend, a mythic warrior thought to be King Arthur reborn, and the savior of Wales. Her gender matters naught when Gwynne possesses the prophesized markings: silver eyes, black hair and a healing touch that burns from within. On the battlefield, this maiden warrior is fiercely combative -- her every move is smooth and sinuous, thanks be to her intensive training. When such ferocious skill is coupled with her helm and chain mail, Gwynne's gender is an indistinct thing.
Aidan de Brice is therefore shocked, and his sword arm benumbed, to discover this savage enemy of the English Crown is really a woman whose quicksilver eyes are bristling with feral intensity. 'Twas nigh on half a lifetime ago he last gazed into that selfsame hue whilst handfasting himself to a laughing, carefree girl. An ambush by the Welsh cut their joy short that day, however, and forever bloodied Aidan's memories of Gwynne ap Moran, the woman of his heart. To confront her now in the heat of battle (when he thought her naught but a ghost of memory) is almost a killing kindness to the man known as the Scourge of Wales.
Having set this trap into motion, Aidan is obligated to mete out the King's justice and bring the Legend to heel by escorting him back to England, and thus, his death. 'Tis a grave shock to learn the woman he loved and thought long dead is the mythic figure King Henry is so rabid to destroy. Although his duty is clear, Aidan is torn between obligation and a life debt owed to Gwynne, a stranger -- nay, an enemy -- who claims to remember naught of her past. If Aidan can prod those memories to life, perhaps all is not lost.
They can never regain the time lost to them, though, as Aidan is betrothed to another woman and must see that marriage through for his sister's sake. He can do naught but rouse Gwynne's memory and hope she'll remember what the Welsh did to her -- to them -- that day. Only then will a living Legend refuse to take up arms again. But will Aidan and Gwynne's uneasy truce bear the fruit of love or wither their hearts further with a barren, unpalatable truth?
Mary Reed McCall is slashing through stereotypes like a warrior goddess in her second novel for Avon Books. Although I cringed at Gwynne's violent lifestyle, her divided loyalties provide this novel with a poignant, heart-rending appeal. THE MAIDEN WARRIOR is a magical journey through divisive territory. Aidan and Gwynne are star-crossed lovers trying to assimilate their shared past with a present that brands them as enemies. A relationship between them is forbidden for obvious reasons. Despite all of that, Ms. McCall has written a stirring romance where love conquers all -- eventually -- and a reader is happily captivated by the unfolding drama.
While Gwynne is struggling with the emotional repercussions of her resurfacing memories, Aidan is struggling against his heart's desire. His family name has been blemished in the past; he can't afford to darken it further by romancing an enemy to the English Crown (and taunting the gibbet by doing so). Aidan and Gwynne's internal struggles rage for a lengthy portion of this novel. They're almost too loyal, too honorable and too self-sacrificing for a reader's comfort. But oh, what a marvelous chemistry they have -- and their awkward dance of courtship is both touching and romantic. A reader will become Ms. McCall's willing captive while reading THE MAIDEN WARRIOR. It has spirit, charm and the mythical, mystical properties of a romance born of mist and magic.
exciting medieval romance.......2002-06-02
In 1177 on the English Wales border, Aidan de Brice and Gwynne ap Moran marry. However, before they consummate their union, warriors with blue paint on their visage arrive. They abduct Gwynne leaving a stunned Aidan to suffer nightmares over the years wondering the fate of his beloved.
Twelve years later Aidan lays a trap to capture the Dark Legend, a clear threat to English control of Wales. When he faces the myth he sees a real person, but the face leaves him in shock because the Dark Legend is his beloved Gwynne whom he is seeing for the first time since the kidnapping. They still feel the lingering attraction of their once all consuming love, but Gwynne leads the Welsh rebels and the loyal Englishman Aidan wants to end the rebellion.
THE MAIDEN WARRIOR is an exciting medieval romance starring two star-crossed loves whose first chance together was disrupted making a second chance almost impossible. Gwynne is a wonderful Joan of Arc-like heroine whose conflict between her heart and her responsibility tears at her soul and hooks the reader to care what happens to her. The audience will also reach out to Aidan, also struggling with divergent loyalties. Though the ending seems a bit simplistic, fans will cherish this strong tale that provides insight into dangerous times through the respective eyes of the strong lead characters. With novels like this one Mary Reed McCall will not remain a secret to all the historical romance readers much longer.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
When Apache raiders attack the Hopi pueblo, a young girl must think fast--and run faster--to save her people. Will Huh-ay-ay's plan scare off the fearsome Apache? An edge-of-your seat adventure in four easy-to-read chapters.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting Reader: This One Tells a Hopi legend - a review of "The Warrior Maiden".......2006-12-01
Interested in a more educational reader, this might be a good one to check out. It's about a Hopi girl named Huy-ay-ay, and how she outsmarted a group of Apache raiders.
Besides telling this story, the book aims to educate children about the Hopi. How they were peaceful farmers that lived in large communities. The men and boys are shown going out to the fields to tend their corn. The women are shown shucking and grinding corn, baking bread, and handing down their folklore and culture. And while their high walled defenses are not discussed, there are pictures that depict how they attempted to protect themselves in this manner.
Now while most of this was interesting to my six y.o. daughter, I have to say that what really fascinated her was how Huh-ay-ay's mother washed her hair in cactus suds and then pinned it up, wrapping it into an elaborate hair style. (Go figure.)
As a Read-aloud it is a pretty good one. As a Reader, I think Bank Street ("The Bank Street College of Education) is right on with saying that this book is appropriate for second and third graders - younger children will like the pictures and story however. I've included some text so you can judge for yourselves:
The sun rises hot and red
over the Hopi pueblo.
Huh-ay-ay runs to the window
and helps her father
lower a ladder.
He is already searching
the desert for danger.
"Be careful," Father warns her.
"Watch for Apache raiders.
Protect the corn.
Protect our people.
Pull up the ladders till we return."
In general, the story is divided into chapters. The print is still fairly large and there are really not that many words per page. There are however nearly 50 pages.
Annoyingly there is no pronunciation guide for the heroine's name.
Four Stars. Nice Artwork. Very Good Read-aloud. There is a poetic quality to the word choice that is unusual in Children's Readers. Although this book is about an attempt to attack a pueblo, there is no violence.
The Warrior Maiden: A Hopi Legend.......2000-04-15
This book is about a brave, Hopi girl named Huh-ay-ay who helps save her tribe's pueblo from the Apache Raiders. The title alone captured my attention because it is not often we hear a girl called a warrior. Huh-ay-ay's quick thinking, self-confidence, and bravery hepled save the tribe. Children would enjoy this book.
The Maiden Warrior.......2000-03-16
This book is about a brave, Hopi girl named Huh-ay-ay who helps save her tribe's pueblo from the Apache Raiders. The title alone captured my attention because it is not often we hear a girl called a warrior. Huh-ay-ay's quick thinking, self-confidence, and bravery hepled save the tribe. Children would enjoy this book.
Average customer rating:
- Smooth style., exciting read
- Excellent Book
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Ballad of the Warrior Maiden
Barbara Korsness
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1424151465
Release Date: 2006-08-07 |
Book Description
A Celtic maiden leads a band of Viking warriors to an unknown land and a lost treasure. Marked by the sign of Thor, Rianna, a young Celtic maiden, is drawn into a search for a lost treasure. With the help of an enchanted sword and Roderick the Raven, she sails with a Viking crew to a mysterious and dangerous land where the natives practice human sacrifice atop a pyramid.
Customer Reviews:
Smooth style., exciting read.......2006-11-05
Barbara Korsness is an author with imagination and flare. She deftly combines History, Fantasy and Time Travel. "Ballad of the Warrior Maiden" is yet another novel of hers that I am reading, and not only is it as good as the others, Ancient Fire, Crimson Dawn, and Bull Dancer, but offers yet another different locale and time period. As well, Ballad of the Warrior Maiden reminds us of the plight of women in the past,in the mists of Irish History during the era of Brian Boru.
But the Celtic Maiden Rianna, a spirited heroine you enjoy following as she battles the formidable obstacles thrown in her path, is undaunted. After her beloved mother's death, facing the certain prospect of a forced marriage to a man she has never met only because she has inherited property that the rulers of the Northern and Southern regions want to get their hands on,she vows to be the master of her own destiny.
With the help of an enchanted sword and Roderick the Raven, she sails with a Viking crew to a mysterious and dangerous land where the natives practice human sacrifice atop a pyramid....
Highly recommended reading!
Excellent Book.......2006-10-15
The Ballad of The Warrior Maiden by Barbara Korsness is fascinating story of a young Celtic maiden who leads a band of Viking Warriors to an unknown land in search of treasure. Barbara Korsness tells of lands that many of us will never have the opportunity to visit, and brings those places along with the people to life in this incredible book. The Ballad of The Warrior Maiden will leave you on the edge of your seat as you cannot wait to read the next chapter to see what is going to happen next. If you are looking for a book that you can enjoy, one that will take you on an incredible adventure, and one that will keep you in suspense then, The Ballad of the Warrior Maiden is the book for you.
Tom Ward, author
The Enemy Within
Outposts of Hell or Portals to Heaven
Average customer rating:
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The Maiden Warrior
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739426192 |
Product Description
The day she was wedded to the bold English knight Aidan de Brice young Gwynne was taken captive by the Welsh bandits who'd claimed her since her birth. Years have passed, and she barely recognizes the breathtaking warrior before her who once won her heart -- but her senses recall what her memory cannot. Still, any lingering thoughts of love must be dispelled, for the proud, brave lady's loyalties now lie elsewhere.Aidan is shocked to discover that the infamous "Dark Legend" -- the elusive rebel leader he is honor bound to defeat -- is not only a beautiful woman...but also his stolen bride! Now that he has taken her prisoner, Aidan knows his true duty is to his heart. Defying his king, Aidan must use all his power to keep fair Gwynne from harm...and rekindle her lost memories of a soul-stirring love more mighty than any kingdom or crown.
Product Description
From America's most trusted name in early childhood education. Every book in the Bank Street Ready to Read series is targeted at the individual abilities of children ages four to eight. The 3 interconnecting levels of the series are structured to grow along with a child's developing reading skills.When Apache raiders attack the Hopi people, a young girl must think fast and run faster to save her people. Will Huh-ay-ay's plan scare off the fearsome Apache? An edge of your seat adventure in four easy to read chapters.
Average customer rating:
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Warriors and Maidens: Short Stories
Carolyn Osborn
Manufacturer: Texas Christian University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0875650848 |
Books:
- Conversations With the Capeman: The Untold Story of Salvador Agron
- Counsel Yourself...from the Bible: The First Place to Turn for Life's Tough Issues
- Courting Trouble
- CRANBERRY QUEEN
- Daido Moriyama: Remix
- Dark Fire: A Novel
- Drinking Coffee Elsewhere
- Emma Brown: A Novel
- Exterminators, The: Insurgency - Volume 2 (Exterminators)
- F. Scott Fitzgerald: Novels and Stories 1920-1922: This Side of Paradise / Flappers and Philosophers / The Beautiful and the Damned / Tales of the Jazz Age (Library of America)
Books Index
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