Legacy of Heorot

This is my very favorite SF book. It has been years since I first read it. It kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. It is such a well thought out book with such a believable scenario. It shows how that even the most innocent mistakes blossom with deadly consequences. I have yet to hear from anyone I've recommended this book to that it was not a good read. Not all of them think it's their favorite, but; I certainly do.

I can't believe that only one other person took time to review this book. I always think of this story as something to judge all others against. I don't think that the monsters in this story will ever be topped. And they will never be successfully captured on film. This story exceeds so well on so many levels. Buy it. Read it. Keep it because you will definitely read it again and again.

"The Legacy of Heorot" is the book that I always recommend to people who say that they don't like science fiction. I have yet to get one person say that they don't like this book. It reminds people of the movie "Alien", in fact whenever I picture a "Grendel", the monster from Alien always seems to pop in my head. Part Australian Outback colonization story, part monster movie, and part psychological profile, "The Legacy of Heorot" delivers on many levels. All of the major characters are well fleshed out and you can actually believe in them. All of the science fiction is rooted solidly in fact. And although the story line drags a bit at times, you can believe that another surprise is waiting on the very next page.

A definite must read for anyone who likes a fast-paced story with the kind of suspense that gets your own adrenaline running. This is the kind of book that you read in one long session, then to find out when you put it down that all your muscles have cramped up from the tension so much that you can hardly walk anymore. I can't summarise it without giving away the plot; all I'll say is that it surprised me. Very good read.

How rare it is to see another author take a a book thats been around for hundreds of years, and then make it better. Niven has taken the Beowulf saga, and has advanced it a thousand years in "Legacy of Herot." Easily my favourite Niven book, "Legacy" has all the things you come to expect in a fast paced, well descriptive book that leaves you thirsty for more. You become one of the colonists on Avalon and join the battle with them against the insidious Grendels. If you liked the original "Beowulf" works, or are interested in a good evenings worth of reading (Just *TRY* to put this one down, i dare you), this books for you