Requiem for the Conqueror

I first discovered W. Michael Gear when I picked up a copy of "The Artifact" off a grocery store shelf in 1990. Impressed with Gear's ability to draw engaging characters against an extensive future-SF backdrop, I was delighted to stumble across "Requiem for the Conqueror" on yet another grocery store shelf in 1992. I was a senior in highschool at that time, and devoured this book, eagerly seeking out its sequels. The character named Sinklar Fist reminded me a lot of myself at that time: not yet an adult but no longer a boy, bright, nerdy, a virgin, with no clue where he was going in life, but with plenty of energy and seeking some kind of big project into which he could channel himself. I relished Sink's exploits, felt his pain, cheered his victories, and very much enjoyed the overall drama and panache of this somewhat-over-the-top SF spectacle. That was 14 years ago. Having re-read this book again for the first time since 1992, I couldn't give it the same stellar marks I would have given it as a teen. Certain things grated. Namely because I'm a grown man, with wife and child and a career, both civilian and military, and certain aspects of the story ring as cliché. (NOTE: the paragraphs below contain spoilers!) For one thing, Sinklar's meteor rise through the ranks, regardless of his intelligence, is both improbable and contrived. Nobody goes from being a Private to a General in such a short timeframe, and certainly nobody that young would be allowed to retain his battlefield commission without first passing through the bowels of various officer schools; no matter how heroic he had proven himself in war. Also, in terms of dialogue, Sinklar and his supposedly "green" buddies turn into cigar-chomping Clint Eastwood veterans way, waaaaaaay before such evolution seems warranted; even with heavy combat. Then there is the problem of Sinklar's open romance with fellow soldier Gretta Artina, right there on the battlefield, a situation which will read as ludicrous to anyone who has ever served in the real military; especially in an active infantry unit. Finally, this book contains an overabundance of pulp-era pulchritude. Does every main female character have to have a supernaturally perfect body and face? Maybe when I was a youngster I salivated at all the overdone description of large, firm, heaving breasts pressed tightly into too-tight uniforms, sensual eyes casting alluring gazes, saucily swaying hips attached to tight, round buttocks, which in turn are attached to long, shapely legs, and so on and so forth. But now? Now I grew tired of the soft porn. Not every woman can be a beauty queen, and even if she is, it won't come out in a military setting; to say nothing of all the romance novel antics that go along with that kind of characterization. Having said all this, I still give the book four stars, on account of the Big Ideas which underpin the story. This isn't just about a young man gone off to war and adventure, seeking fame

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.

This book is everything that the Star Wars books should be and aren't. The characters are vivid; they are not wimps. Some of them are types, but others have very human problems that relate very clearly to the plot. The story line carries the reader on and has a logic and purpose much stronger than any in those juvenile fantasies. Briefly, anyone looking for an excellent reading experience should investigate this one. This series ranks with those of Simmons and Hamilton.

I stumbled upon this book by chance and was totally wrapped up by the story line. If you are into serious character action, this is the book for you. With some science fiction for me there tends to be slow sub-plots within the story frame. The mag-com tends to drag a bit, but for overall enjoyment, this book (trilogy) really works for me. I have reread the books so much i'm on my 3rd edition. Gear is hands down my favorite science fiction writer. Wish he would go back to it!!!!

Gear is a master storyteller. This and the other two books in the trilogy are some of the best science fiction I've read. The characters are rich and worlds are fascinating. The Forbidden Borders Trilogy is a MUST READ for any science fiction lover