Biography of a Space Tyrant: Statesman

This is not the first book (or even the first series) by Piers Anthony that has captured and held my interest. I have read this book multiple times over a very long period of time, and still find it enjoyable.

...but what happened to the older cover art? It isn't bad if you don't mind a stylized representation, but I preferred the ones that actually showed Hope's age progression and a bit more detail. These ones looked as if the artist had only roughly skimmed through them, or was given instruction by someone who read about as much. Beyond that, the series is well worth reading for science-fiction fans. It isn't quite as hardcore or technical as some can get, but easy to absorb. But if you can, I'd recommend older editions. Beyond this book, I haven't read Iron Maiden yet, but if you like the series it may be worth picking up for a summary. 5/5 for content.

In the last book of the seires, not counting the sixth book recently released that is basically a summation of these five but from the point of view of his sister Spirit, Hope has a tall order: Get the human race out of the Solar System. Raging politcal war, he drags the human race kicking and sreaming into the universe.

I've been recently reading novels from my past, especially those I recall enjoying. I felt like revisiting this series, seeing if I remember correctly. This is the only volume thus far that has the back cover text available under editorial review, however for the sake of consistency with my previous reviews I'll include it. Back cover of book: The Tyrant Falls... Child of flame and terror, born and bred to violence, Hope Hubris had ruled the solar system's most powerful empire with a fierce, uncompromising passion. His was a white-hot flame of justice that scarred friend and foe alike. Yet now he left Jupiter as an exile, his autocratic rule overthrown by the one person he could not oppose. Deposed, disgraced, but forever unbroken, the tyrant's greatest hour was still to come. For only he could shoulder the burden of humanity's boldest dream; to leave behind the confines of the solar system - and journey outward to the stars... The epic of Hope Hubris comes to a blazing climax! Statesman End back cover of book. Hope Hubris records his memoirs during exile following his tenure as Tyrant of Jupiter. I enjoyed this volume more than the last, on par with the first and third volumes. The overall dynamics of the solar system dealing with Hope's political fate and the new direction of his attention drive the story. Some surprises await the reader to tie up many loose ends; unfortunately some threads are left unsolved. You can almost sense his advanced age creeping into the writing, sometimes rushed and missing some elements. I will assume such was on purpose. Also the science fiction of space travel took an intriguing leap with an introduction to interesting technology. I found it overall a respectable ending to the Hope Hubris legacy with occasional slow moments. During the reviews of the series, I noticed a volume 6 listed as being available. I have not had good luck finding a copy at any local bookstore or library but hope to see what that volume entails. Sadly it is a $25 large paperback and I do not care to pay that price for a simple paperback. Thank you.

This is one of five books about the rise to power of the main character. It has a lot of violence, sex and politics in space, and is off the beaten path of the standard boy-to-saviour-of-the-universe plot lines. I recommend it if you are a sci-fi buff looking for something different.