Gandalara Cycle #2

How would you feel if you were suddenly asked to live someone else's life? A life where you are being saught by the police, organised crime and an unwanted prospective bride. In The Gandalara Cycle novels, the old and dying Ricardo Carillo find's himself in the body of a young man, in an unfamiliar world, with a large lump on his head and a freakishly large cat stalking him.There are seven books in this series and each of them is a good read. I particularly like the first novel because Ricardo is seeing everything with fresh eyes. His unique way of dealing with things prompts some interesting reactions from all those who think they know him. In a sense, many believe the problems of others are minor in comparison with their own. This story allows us to explore that theory. Can a complete stranger untangle a young man's life?All seven novels are tied to a logical plot-line but this structure is only revealed a piece at a time. In this way the narrative is full of enough suspense and action to encourage some very quick reading. There is enough misdirection that we have to turn our personal theories upside-down, several times. This is good value, because each time that happens, you are forced to review everything that has already happened in the new light of new understanding.The society depicted is not overly different to reality, although the inclusion of a small minority, who posess extrasensory gifts, is pivotal. This concept has been well explored elsewhere but the author uses the subtle variations well, drawing the possibilities into new and interesting directions, both political and metaphysical. These books should interest those who enjoy traditional science fiction as well as the fantasy buffs. Although often out of print, I recommend you try to find secondhand copies somewhere.

I first read these books back in the 80's when the were still in paper-back singles. Let me tell you I pined and fretted until the next one would be released!! I would finish each book in about 20-30 hours of straight reading! These authors have the uncanny nack to make the story so tangible, you'll feel the heat off the desert foor. The mind link of the hero with his horse-sized ridable cat will have your brain in agony when their telepathy is severed during one of the books.You'll find yourself having a glass of water always at hand to deal with the arid and hostile enviroment described within. I just can't enough good things about this series. Positively the most impact ever made on me by fiction! If you find these gems, never ever lend them out as I so foolishly did.The best part of the whole series is the suprise ending that make you reasses your position on this fragile planet. Great outlining of story line is the key to this series success. Vikki did a great job of finishing for poor Randall, who deteriorated before the completion of the Gandalara Cycle. If you have luck of obtaining this series, you'll never regret the time and trouble incurred!

I have the fortune to own all seven of these books. I also own and have read some twenty other sci-fi series. This one is the best out of any of them. The fight scenes and travels of Rikardon suck you into the book. When I first got the first three books (purely by accident) I stayed up all night and read all three. If you can find all seven books, hold on to them. You wont regret reading and then re-reading them.