[.ca] Forbidden Borders 01 Requiem For The Conqueror (ISBN 0886774772)

soap opera sci-fic, but fun:
Yeah this book isn't hard science fiction, but its a fun read if you're in the mood for it. A lot of the characters are pretty shallow, and its basically the equivalent of a kiddy fairy tale. But, unlike some writers of similar fiction (like for instance Piers Anthony), Gear doesn't try to pretend he is writing some deep novel, its just one rambucious, oath swearing, laser shooting, big-boobed chick, wild, story ride that is fun if you're feeling right for it. Don't expect to read another "Childhood's End", expect more kind of a mix between Beverly Hills 90210 and Bonanza.

Young Adult Space Opera Fun:
For once I agree with at least half the reviewers. For simply plotted well-paced space opera, this is it. If you are looking for anything more than pure escapist romp, look at Simmons or something else with a bit more sophistication. Well, honestly almost anything else would be more sophisticated. It has the funny deja-vu like feeling that all good pulp has--but this is a real doorstop of a book which frankly put me off. It's a bit of an investment in time for stuff that is really pure fluff. On the other hand, as people have pointed out, Gear can and does deliver the goods and it IS reasonably entertaining sf fun.

Written with the subtlety of a sledgehammer:
This space opera is so over-the-top it hurts to read it. The protagonists and antagonists are way larger than life, yet they do some rather bone-headed things at times. The plot is so blatantly telegraphed that I the only reason I kept reading was to find out in what dazzling fashion the next event would happen. If you want good space opera, try "The Dragon Never Sleeps" by Glen Cook or "The Snow Queen" by Joan D. Vinge.

Weak writing, but a fun space-opera story:
Gear's writing leaves something to be desired-- as in, more skill with words. This is not a book or series to read if you're seeking to become a better writer. But for sheer, old-fashioned, space-opera fun, this series gets the job done. The previous reviewer is right; you definitely have to be in the mood for this sexy/violent brainless romp. As far as that goes, though, it's pretty darned good, and fun. It's sort of "Dune" without the deep thinking.

There is nothing 'simple' about this book!:
Simply-plotted juvenile space opera? Are you people kidding me? Did we read the same book? Requiem--and its host trilogy, Forbidden Borders--may be space opera, but I found nothing simple about this story when I read it during my first year in college back in 1992. The sociology in this book and in the series in general is highly complex and Gear's own archeological and sociological study comes greatly to bear on the problems he tackles. The concept of the Mag Comm, the Sedi priesthood, Staffa Kar Therma and his elite mercenaries, the slow de-evolution of civilization trapped in the 'amber' of the Borders. It's all blended together skillfully and coherently, a superb feat considering all the ground Gear had to cover and still come up with a plausible story. If you guys want juvy plots and space opera, go pick up the latest Star Wars media tie-in novel. I thought Requiem was grand SF and I would recommend it to anybody, young or old.