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sfian's review
fast-paced
4.0
The saga moves on as Dumarest takes on a whole planet (and I don't mean the population...) in a battle of wits rather than brawn (although, brawn is still a factor as he also gets to fight a dragon and it's rider).
One of the better books I've re-read so far, as it moves, slightly, away from the formula, but it's interesting in hindsight to wonder whether some aspects were picked up by bigger franchises - the monster attack which starts the story reminded me of Alien (1979), while the sentient planet brought to mind Green Lantern's Mogo (first appearance 1985).
Strangely, I've never been bothered by the portrayal of women in these books, but one female character suggesting that the others made sure the men had soft beds and food ready for them while they worked to repair the ship felt wrong.
peterseanesq's review
4.0
Please give my Amazon review a helpful vote - https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/RCF60PFPCFZ9V?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
Mayenne: The Dumarest Saga Book 9
This story starts in a different setting than the last eight books. Normally, we find Dumarest on some cr*p hole of a planet planning how to get off so he can continue his search for his lost birth planet of Earth. Dumarest plans usually intersect with the decadent wealthy and the conniving Cyclan.
In this story, we find Dumarest on board a ship heading to another planet. On this ship, there is the usual assortment of types that Dumarest is used to dealing with: the decadent rich, the unscrupulous merchant, a card shark, and there is Mayenne, a Ghenka singer, but no Cyclan, as near as we can tell. Naturally, all the men agree that Dumarest is the epitome of masculine competence and all the women lust for his attention.
Then, a beast gets loose on board ship, the engines are disabled, and the ship is adrift, until it attracts the attention of a sentient planet, named Tormyle, with a unique transportation system.
Dumarest forms a relationship with Mayenne, who is the typically cooing and purring female common to the Dumarestiverse. Unfortunately, the sentient planet is bored and wants to learn about human emotions and this thing called love. Tormyle starts to experiment with Dumarest and his companions and eventually comes to desire Dumarest in an all-too-human way.
It's a weird kind of a story for Dumarest, but the ending is surprising in a typically Dumarest way. We don't get any closer to solving any of Dumarest's mysteries, although we are spared the usual Cyclan mind-orgasm scene. We do get one scene where Dumarest's speed - "You're fast, etc." - are mentioned. Finally, be it noted that Dumarest is tricked into revealing the secret of the affinity twin, but that works out in the end.
Mayenne: The Dumarest Saga Book 9
This story starts in a different setting than the last eight books. Normally, we find Dumarest on some cr*p hole of a planet planning how to get off so he can continue his search for his lost birth planet of Earth. Dumarest plans usually intersect with the decadent wealthy and the conniving Cyclan.
In this story, we find Dumarest on board a ship heading to another planet. On this ship, there is the usual assortment of types that Dumarest is used to dealing with: the decadent rich, the unscrupulous merchant, a card shark, and there is Mayenne, a Ghenka singer, but no Cyclan, as near as we can tell. Naturally, all the men agree that Dumarest is the epitome of masculine competence and all the women lust for his attention.
Then, a beast gets loose on board ship, the engines are disabled, and the ship is adrift, until it attracts the attention of a sentient planet, named Tormyle, with a unique transportation system.
Dumarest forms a relationship with Mayenne, who is the typically cooing and purring female common to the Dumarestiverse. Unfortunately, the sentient planet is bored and wants to learn about human emotions and this thing called love. Tormyle starts to experiment with Dumarest and his companions and eventually comes to desire Dumarest in an all-too-human way.
It's a weird kind of a story for Dumarest, but the ending is surprising in a typically Dumarest way. We don't get any closer to solving any of Dumarest's mysteries, although we are spared the usual Cyclan mind-orgasm scene. We do get one scene where Dumarest's speed - "You're fast, etc." - are mentioned. Finally, be it noted that Dumarest is tricked into revealing the secret of the affinity twin, but that works out in the end.
bzedan's review
3.0
Comforting fluff. Although Dumarest is your typical manly hero who the ladies just adore, there are some interesting things going on. There's living planet that is bored—a classic but enjoyable foe—and there is the Cyclan, a church of sorts that is surgically altered to have no emotions, so they can think all logically, etc. The Cyclan hates Dumarest because of something he knows, he's looking for Earth/Terra, etc.
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