Ancient Light

I read the prequel Golden Witchbreed way back in the 80's. On first reading I found it kind of hard work, entertaining but not very fulfilling. I read it again a few years later and got a lot more out of it. Its scope, structure and twists, turns and intrigue neatly mirrored the embedded game of Ochmir. The ending, however, left me wanting and, above all, wondering. Just this year, I discovered there was a sequel. Within five minutes of that realization I had it ordered... with expedited delivery, no less. I actually ordered the book Orthe that contains both titles so that I could re-read Witchbreed and enjoy Ancient Light fresh from the experience. I anticipated a short read and I think I got through Witchbreed in a matter of days (no small feat with four small children and a full-time job to deal with). It took me about six months to get through Ancient Light! Why so long? I think one part of me wanted to savour the moment, while another was turned off by the story and the seeming lack of respect for Christie's condition and role by Ms. Gentle. Whatever the reason, this book and its message has been living with and haunting me for six months now. I finished it last night after my single largest reading session (couple of hundred pages) since picking the damn thing up. To those who have read the book, you'll understand the mixture of contradictory feelings I'm subject to right now... how utterly disappointed, awed, empty and complete I feel. After 24 hours to deal with it, I'm pretty sure the ending is perfect. This book will make you think. It will annoy you. It will suck you in. It will hurt you in ways you don't expect. It will not disappoint. After this book, there is no wondering, just wonder.

It's hard, if not impossible, for any sequel to live up to a really good book, but this one succeeds wonderfully. In this book, the human Lynne Christie returns to Orthe as an employee of an exploitative multinational company looking to make Orthe it's new market. Christie is hoping to minimize cultural disruptions to a people she came to love. The book is darker than the first, with a much different pace. It's a serious look at how destructive culture clash can be, and in this case the results are total. Be warned : if you like happy endings, this one's not for you. But it's a remarkable book, and it deserves a spot on your shelf.

What a terrific book! In fact, I'm sorry I read it because I can find no other works like it, and I would so enjoy repeating the discovery. Gentle's alien world is spellbinding and her prose is solid. You won't be disappointed.

This is a big novel of human disruption of an alien culture that they don't really understand. At one level it can be read as a political parable of First World interference in other cultures on our own planet, but it has many levels, and many complex engaging characters both Orthean and human. There are minor problems with it especially in small inconsistencies that get lost in the twists and turns of the poltical intrigue in the plot. The influence of Frank Herbert's Dune sequence seems clear as is that of Ursula Le Guin, but the book is all the better for that. Overall, definitely worth reading, but not quite entirely satisfying.

I found this book to be topped only by it's predecessor, Golden Witchbreed. Mary Gentle has brought Orthe to life in these books. I find myself wishing I could visit for real. I recommend both books, Golden Witchbreed and Ancient Light to all Sci-Fi fans. They are well worth the price. A hint of caution to those taking classes: make sure your assignments are done before you pick up this book.