Reviews

The Rings of Ganymede by Kendall Evans

mary_soon_lee's review

There are several things to admire about "The Rings of Ganymede," first and foremost, its form. In the author's note, Kendall Evans says the book "was written to be read." And, reading it, that comes across clearly, yet the book is presented in the form of a play, and much of the dialogue is poetic. At the same time, the scene-setting passages are lengthier and more elaborate than in any play I've read. I like the form. I also like the exuberance of the story. This is a work of drama that is full of drama--aliens, gods, multiple alternate realities, love, betrayal, battle. The more I read, the more I enjoyed it ... but never as much as I would have liked. And that was largely because I didn't care for the characters, some of whom were inherently unlikable to me, and some of whom never seemed real to me. I note that the book is in part inspired by Wagner's Ring Cycle, with which I am unfamiliar, and the characters may well be based on those in Wagner's work. In summary: while there is much to admire here, I liked the ideas and the form more than the characters.

Spoiler

Mild spoiler alert: this is the third book I've read recently that features incest. Alas.

divadiane's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book very much. I'm looking forward to reviewing it in full, complete with a couple of scenes in audio.

This is an entertaining read. Surprisingly easy considering it's a play in verse.

I have reviewed this book in full, including a collaborative reading in audio with Robert Neufeld. http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2015/01/poetry-review-rings-ganymede-kendall-evans/