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agomes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tome15's review against another edition
4.0
I really admire the way she handles shifting third-person limited point of view. The technique allows her to round out more than one character, a limitation of first-person stories. It let's us know how one character is misconceiving another character's motives.
murraycampobianco's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first intro to the Alliance/Union universe and there was something peculiarly satisfying about this tale of a down-on-its-luck small merchant ship, slipping about the edges of an almost cold war, running ever closer to the edge of its ability to survive, even guided by the dead hand of the former captain (so to speak). It seemed like the perfect introduction to the macro-politics going on above the characters' heads. Once you've read this one the rest of the universe makes sense.
sleeping_while_awake's review against another edition
4.0
After reading Downbelow Station, I was surprised to see that my library had Merchanter's Luck, considering it is now out of print as of this review. Although there are references to what occurred in Downbelow, you don't need to have read that book to understand what is happening. In fact, I think this novel is much easier to follow, although Cherryh is a master at subtlety, so make sure you are paying attention!
Compared to the large cast of Downbelow, Merchanter's Luck is focued on two characters, Sandor and Allison. Their situations are polar opposites. Sandor is surviving alone on his ship Lucy. His family had been murdered by the Mazianni, and those who had survived are now no longer alive by the beginning of the story. He makes money any way he can, most times illegally, and is only a step away from being caught. He is isolated, depressed, and a bit crazed. Allison is from the famous merchanter family, the Reillys, and their ship, Dublin, is know everywhere. She has worked hard to get into a position of power in her large, wealthy family, but realizes that the line of succession is too long, and she probably will never be in charge.
The beginning of the story is focused on romance, but it completely takes a left turn, and I really liked that about this book. Allison, although privileged, is not shallow, but truly attempting to lead and be respected. Sandor's personality, influenced by his past experience, is very touching, and quite believable. I don't want to give away spoilers. The ending is a great twist. I am looking forward to reading more of the Company Wars books.
Compared to the large cast of Downbelow, Merchanter's Luck is focued on two characters, Sandor and Allison. Their situations are polar opposites. Sandor is surviving alone on his ship Lucy. His family had been murdered by the Mazianni, and those who had survived are now no longer alive by the beginning of the story. He makes money any way he can, most times illegally, and is only a step away from being caught. He is isolated, depressed, and a bit crazed. Allison is from the famous merchanter family, the Reillys, and their ship, Dublin, is know everywhere. She has worked hard to get into a position of power in her large, wealthy family, but realizes that the line of succession is too long, and she probably will never be in charge.
The beginning of the story is focused on romance, but it completely takes a left turn, and I really liked that about this book. Allison, although privileged, is not shallow, but truly attempting to lead and be respected. Sandor's personality, influenced by his past experience, is very touching, and quite believable. I don't want to give away spoilers. The ending is a great twist. I am looking forward to reading more of the Company Wars books.
olegx's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mark5327's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Man, Cherryh loves a found family. I'm not mad at it, the power of human connection as a motif is really powerful in her work. Super claustrophobic, and nice to see more of the dreaded Mallory. I might have to take a bit of a break from Cherryh so I don't burn out on her, this is the fifth book in the past two months I've read by her.
ladyofways's review against another edition
5.0
This book is good; really good. A very classic, tightly-written sf adventure, with plenty of character drama and a wonderfully human future. It suffers a little (of course) from a modern point of view, having been written in the early 80s, but the story shines through and I'm looking forward to reading more of Cherryh's works set in this world!
Also, I honestly don't think you need to read Downbelow Station before reading this one. There are some names and characters thrown around as references (Konstantin cargo...) but listen to the Signy Mallory song and you're pretty much good.
Also, I honestly don't think you need to read Downbelow Station before reading this one. There are some names and characters thrown around as references (Konstantin cargo...) but listen to the Signy Mallory song and you're pretty much good.