Chalker, Jack L.

The Quintara Marathon 3: Ninety (Chalker, Jack L//Quintara Marathon)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Strong ending for a great trilogy
  • Fun read, but don't expect much depth
  • Excellent plot!
  • A v.good blend of science fiction and speculative theology.
 The Quintara Marathon 3: Ninety (Chalker, Jack L//Quintara Marathon)
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Ace Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:
  1. The Run To Chaos Keep (The Quintara Marathon , No 2)
  2. The Demons at Rainbow Bridge (The Quintara Marathon , No 1)
  3. The Cybernetic Walrus (The Wonderland Gambit, Book 1)
  4. Kaspar's Box (The Three Kings)
  5. Balshazzars Serpent

ASIN: 0441699936

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Strong ending for a great trilogy.......2006-08-22

Read "The Demons at Rainbow Bridge" and "The Run to Chaos Keep" first, or you won't understand what is going on.

The true threat and power of the Quintara are revealed, and the remnants of the teams running the Marathon must fight the devils or join them.

Chalker kept me turning pages constantly by throwing plot curveballs. If you as a reader feel weird about some of the revelations, you really identify with the characters who agree with you. Rarely I have identified as much with characters inside a science fiction novel.

Chalker spins religion into sci-fi in a way that suprised me. I hate being general, but I hate spoilers more. Unless you as a person are religiously intolerant, you'll like this book. You might even smile and say 'Wow!' at the ending, like I did.

4 out of 5 stars Fun read, but don't expect much depth.......2001-07-31

As the characters spiral their way down through the depths of hell and toward the ultimate destiny of a fragmented humanity, so we as readers spiral through revelation and enjoyable action sequences in an exciting mix of horror, sci-fi, and myth. It tells the tale of three teams from rival empires. Their quest is one of discovery- to uncover the secrets of a race of Demons. Their only clues along this journey are the myths and beliefs of their own cultures that must have experienced the Demons first hand thousands of years in the past. The twist of this story is it's challenge of religious beliefs by the standards of science fiction. While Chalker strips away shrouds of biblical dogma, he quickly replaces it with sci-fi rationale. While this does have the effect of revealing the wizard as an old man behind a curtain, it validates the underpinnings of religion by giving substance to human myths. Whether you are deeply religious, anti-religious or just plain neutral on the subject like me, I think you'll enjoy the author's attempt to create a fantasy world where the tensions between science and theology can be bridged with rational observation. As we grow up in a society whose cultural beliefs are constantly challenged by the rigor of science, this book gives us a chance to look back to Sunday School and ask, "What if science could validate and explain all that bible mumbo-jumbo?" Such questions are answered with the help of characters representing three distinct viewpoints- Theological fanatics (The Mizlaplan Team), Capitalist businessmen (Exchange), and amoral opportunists (Mychol). Each viewpoint is further enhanced by each team-member who give the extreme, moderate, and even doubter's mindsets to each philosophy. This spectrum of viewpoints gives the reader a whole set of opinions to take with the plotline.

Unfortunately, this book cannot survive on ideas alone. His Empires, though intriguing, are one dimensional and thus unbelievable. Would you believe a Theocracy *completely* devoid of greed? How about a true capitalist society where everything is bought and sold, and nothing given? Governments and societies exist in a Universe filled with duality and contradiction, and thus the believable society must adapt to, and in fact embody such contradictions. This shallowness permeates the book where the characters- though varied- remain flat and predictable once their "rules" have been learned. Even the "scientific" revelations about demons and the occult are so simple and unfounded that it is hard to pick the "truth" out of the endless speculation that each character engages in throughout the three books. The lack of depth is sad, because it turns this series from an exploration to merely an appealing story. Sure, we've learned that the demons are aliens, that the arcane is really technical mastery and that the Bible is really historical text. But when there is little else revealed, it just becomes another retelling of human myths by a scientist- all that was profound about Dante's Inferno instead becomes a technical manual- much like watching a magic show with the technician whispering mirror locations in your ear. Had Chalker understood this, we'd see still more mystery behind the explanations that stimulate our imagination. If only he'd known that the incomprehensible aliens briefly mentioned in the beginning were more exciting than the demons whose simplistic goals make us wonder how they ever developed the complexity to intrigue our ancestors.

All that having been said, the series is a quick read sure to entertain you. If you go into it expecting depth, you'll be disappointed. But if you expect something to keep you turning pages while waiting for your flight to dock, it is right up your alley.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent plot!.......2001-02-25

I have always been a fan of Jack L. Chalker. Most of his books have a similar theme, that of advanced alien civilisations that used to rule the universe. This trilogy though is different in that it provides a new twist to the familiar theme. Also his characters are well written, the philosophy is interesting, the plot is excellent and fast paced. Each of the three books has a unique flavour. Definitely a good read.

5 out of 5 stars A v.good blend of science fiction and speculative theology........1998-06-05

The entire Quintara Marathon is one mind-bending, surreal escapade after another. The first book is devoted almost entirely to character development, the second to development of the plot... and the third is the big one. Although the climax is sometimes almost as hard to understand as the last ten minutes of the movie 2001, don't let that daunt you. This book has something for everyone. Space opera, science fiction, science occult, fantasy, and crisises of faith.... I thoroughly enjoy this sort of 'gestalt' and if you do as well, then I don't believe you will be disappointed. Some people might be squicked by some of the religious overtones (undertones?), or the Ultimate Nature of the universe (some of the characters are squicked, as well!) but taken in the light of the story, this concept adds greatly to the plotline. Besides, it's a rousing good read!
The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • FANTASTIC
  • Deja Vu
  • His Best In Years!
  • WELL WORLD!
  • Classic Well-World Novel, But...
 The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)
Jack L. Chalker
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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  1. Ghost of the Well of Souls (Well World)
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ASIN: 0345394860
Release Date: 1999-12-07

Book Description

This exciting, action-packed novel marks Jack Chalker's triumphant return to his celebrated multivolume saga: The Well World. The Sea Is Full of Stars explores an unknown interstellar civilization, stars an all-new cast of characters, and reveals fresh secrets. But of course, The Well remains . . .

After three passengers--Ming, Ari, and Angel--embark on an elite starship journey into the Realm, they unwittingly become ensnared in one man's bloodthirsty vendetta that will alter their very beings. That man is Jeremiah Wong Kincaid. He vows to destroy Josich Conqueror Hadun, the evil genius who has wreaked unspeakable havoc throughout the universe. It is an obsession that will take him to lands of demons and strange races--and into a deadly new cyberworld where humans are mere pawns of the godlike computers they have created.

But it is only after Kincaid and his unwitting fellow travelers enter Well World and discover the water hexes that he confronts the mad tyrant--and learns their universe is threatened by something far, far worse . . .

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC.......2005-08-05

Must read the other Well World Series by Jack Chalker to appreciate this book. I think this series is one of the greatest works in the Sci Fi field. Unfortunately, Jack Chalker has passed away so there will not be anymore books in this series. If you liked the Well World series you will enjoy this one also.

4 out of 5 stars Deja Vu.......2001-02-25

An interesting variation of the same original well world series. The first book is only an introduction to the second book. The characters are well disguised remakes of his previous characters. Almost all Well World series have Drug Lords with their planet fortresses, Evil Conquerors ( and their guilt ridden proteges ), body swapping and its psychological repercussions. But then thats what we all like about the well world series. So if you are a fan, go ahead and make your day.

5 out of 5 stars His Best In Years!.......2000-05-28

I have been Chalker fan since the publication of the first Well World novels, and have read every book he has ever written. That being said, I have found the recent attempts to revive the Well World to be sorely lacking. Until The Sea Is Full Of Stars, that is. I have found this to be the most enjoyable book that Chalker has written in years (I found Watchers At The Well to be less than satisfying). This book, however, seems to capture the spirit and adventure of the original novels. Which makes it all the more unfortunate that the second book does not live up to its potential

4 out of 5 stars WELL WORLD!.......2000-03-20

If for no other reason, Jack Chalker deserves his place in science fiction for having invented the Well World. [Side note: I'd never write a Star Wars or Star Trek novel, but if Chalker ever asked me to write a Well World novel, he wouldn't have to ask twice.] Every Well novel has been brilliant; the last three were superior, but read much like variations on the original theme. Now he has integrated new scientific & technological knowledge into the Well mythos AND done something completely new with the concept. Besides that, virtually no one besides Chalker of whom I know has done so well in making aliens both understandable to us and at the same time so clearly not like us at all. I am awaiting the sequel.

4 out of 5 stars Classic Well-World Novel, But..........2000-03-05

This is classic Chalker at his best. If you enjoyed the original Well World series then you have to read this.

My only disappointments are that it takes the whole book to get to know the characters and to get to the Well World, and the final couple of chapters are all that's left to wind up the novel -- a bit of an anti-climax. In fact, you will have to buy the next one to find out how the story really ends as this is just an episode in a bigger plot. So, it is not really a stand alone novel at all.
Songs of the Dancing Gods: (#4)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Songs of the Dancing Gods: (#4)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    1. Vengeance of the Dancing Gods
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    4. The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)

    ASIN: 0345347994
    Release Date: 1990-07-14

    Book Description

    The evil Dark Baron has escaped and joined forces in the far North with the Master of the Dead to theaten all of Husaquahr with enslavement. Only Joe can stop them -- but Joe is no longer quite himself. In fact, he's not sure who he is!
    Echoes of the Well of Souls (Watchers at the Well, Book 1)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • The New Watchers at the Well Trilogy Almost Lives Up to the Original Series
    • Fantastic!
    • The best of the best...a must for all sci-fi fans.
    • WOW!
    • Read this book with an open mind, and you may never return.
    		 Echoes of the Well of Souls (Watchers at the Well, Book 1)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    1. Shadow of the Well of Souls (The Watchers at the Well, Book 2)
    2. The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)
    3. The Return of Nathan Brazil (The Well World)
    4. Exiles at the Well of Souls
    5. Midnight at the Well of Souls

    ASIN: 0345386868
    Release Date: 1993-12-29

    Book Description

    Nathan Brazil had been the guardian of the Well of Souls, where the Well World's master control lay. But now the universe faced a threat more grave than mere destruction: An unnamed and utterly alien entity had somehow been released from its ancient prison and was bent on the corruption of the Well World itself. If successful, it would cause chaos beyond mortal understanding....

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The New Watchers at the Well Trilogy Almost Lives Up to the Original Series.......2007-02-03

    Jack L. Chalker's return to the Well World universe was much anticipated, and in the end pretty good. This new trilogy, Watchers at the Well, starts with Echoes of the Well of Souls, continues with Shadow of the Well of Souls, and concludes with Gods of the Well of Souls.

    Long locked away in an ancient prison, a completely alien force found a chink in its prison cell the last time Nathan Brazil, the immortal keeper of the Well World where control of the universe lies, reset the universe. Now it wants out so it can have free reign of the universe and control of the Well World itself.

    Alerted to the danger at hand, the Well World summons Nathan Brazil and Mavra Chang, his new co-Keeper of the Well, but will they answer the call? Brazil is weary, very weary; keeping watch over the universe for all eternity has taken its toll on him and his is just too tired to deal with it anymore. And Chang, who is now estranged from Brazil, never wanted the responsibility that forced upon her.

    As the threat to the safety of the universe and the Well World grows and Brazil and Chang ignore the call, the alien entity grows stronger; and, the computer at the heart of the Well World must stop at nothing to get the undivided attention of its keepers before it is too late!

    If you loved the original Well World series (and who wouldn't?!?), you will want to read this series; if you haven't, then stop and read it immediately. Then pick up this second series and devour it as well.

    5 out of 5 stars Fantastic!.......2003-06-26

    Very fast and clean read. The author has taken an old story concept and expanded upon it to create an incredable world. Very fascinating. I never once thought to put the book down, I was hooked! Very good discriptive power.

    5 out of 5 stars The best of the best...a must for all sci-fi fans........1997-08-13

    When I think of science fiction/fantasy there is one author and series that comes to mind. Jack L. Chalker and the Well of Souls were the beginning of my infatuation with science fiction. When I read that first book as a teenager almost 20 years ago, little did I know the hours and hours of enjoyment that I would have. This series has been in my collection since that time, and with each re-reading it grows more enjoyable. The wonderful plot twists, the mystery, the fabulously rich description and characters grabs your imagination and draws you into a very unusual world filled with sorcery, science and awe. A must read for anyone who wants to get lost in a book of riches of the imagination

    5 out of 5 stars WOW!.......1996-11-19

    I highly reccomend this book, and the rest of the books in this series! It was a wonderfull journey from earth to a fantasy world where many have gone before

    5 out of 5 stars Read this book with an open mind, and you may never return........1996-06-18

    I read this book 19 years ago, and the impression was so strong that this is the only book I've ever reviewed(of my own volition)! Mr. Chalker finds the perfect balance between his mesmerizing setting desriptions and his nail-biting action. After 19 years, I still get a familiar "feeling" when I think or hear about the author or his work. This book has the quirky subtleties of Detective Columbo, the relentless action of The Terminator, and, creates and fosters the need to know "why" as manifested by the success of the British TV cult classic - The Prisoner. No amount of plot description seems appropriate for The Well of Souls series. Suffice it to say that if you have a good imagination, you like to read, and you love adventure with a wonderfully developed protagonist, you'll be sending me a thank you letter. (That is, if you'll make the time from reading all the Jack Chalker Well of Souls' books you can find.) Brian D. Allen, M.D.
    The Cybernetic Walrus (The Wonderland Gambit, Book 1)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Not much like "The Matrix" at all
    • I Guarantee You Will Love This Book
    • First get a good grip on Reality
    • Good 13th Floory Fun
    • One of the best cyberspace series yet!
    		 The Cybernetic Walrus (The Wonderland Gambit, Book 1)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    1. March Hare Network (#2) (The Wonderland Gambit , No 2)
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    ASIN: 0345386906
    Release Date: 1995-11-14

    Book Description

    Everything you think you know is wrong... That was the strange message left on Cory Maddox's E-mail - just at the moment when years of work on a revolutionary subspace computer system was about to pay off. Nothing would be the same for Cory again. Suddenly his life was thrown into chaos when the company that controlled his patent was sold out from under him, and instead of imminent wealth, Cory was facing immediate poverty. Then along came Alan Stark, who wanted to recruit Cory for a special research project on virtual reality.

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars Not much like "The Matrix" at all.......2004-05-13

    I tracked down a copy of this book after reading the comments suggesting that "The Matrix" appropriated some of Chalker's ideas.

    Although "The Matrix" does begin in a way that is superficially similar to Chalker's novel -- a mysterious woman prods a computer programmer to realize his world is a virtual-reality illusion -- it quickly diverges into a wildly different story.

    I'd be more sympathetic if Chalker wasn't such a mediocre writer. His prose is cliche-ridden and meandering, and his narrative is completely devoid of any tension or momentum; he takes 50 tedious pages just to get the story rolling. Characterization ranges from minimal to nonexistent. It's hard to believe that the Wachowskis would even bother to slog through this.

    In his self-indulgent introduction, Chalker says this is an homage to Philip K. Dick. Too bad he didn't emulate Dick's crisp, clear prose style.

    5 out of 5 stars I Guarantee You Will Love This Book.......2004-04-18

    If you are naturally curious, like interesting plot twists and rich environments, then you are going to love this book.

    I tend to agree with other reviewers that this work is the inspiration for the movie "The Matrix" and in many ways is a superior work. The ideas in Chalker's work are much more developed than in The Matrix and does a much better job of keeping it's integrity throughout.

    5 out of 5 stars First get a good grip on Reality.......2002-09-11

    Jack L. Chalker's theory of existence was spelled out in Book I, P. 223: "... Sometime, somebody, in a world we otherwise know nothing about but which has to be far more advanced than the one we now knew, built a vast computer for some reason and put tremendous knowledge and capability into it. Something went wrong, or so it seemed. A group, a small group, of people from that original place, that true universe, had come into the system and gotten lost, then trapped, in an ever-increasing series of exquisitely detailed virtual universes.. [Brand] was the only hope of getting everybody together again and back to reality. ..."
    Chalker wrote, "All reality is programming. We cannot know the real: we are trapped in an endless series of simulations, all of us, and some, like myself, in simulations within simulations. ...." He uses an IT, a thing, a faceless one or a gray ancient to speak these lines, rather than a flesh and blood character. This device implied a para-programmer, one outside the mind of man. This invented God is in control not only of the author outside the story's pages but in control of all the characters within the pages of the book.
    Reality now has a counterpart, virtual reality. The characters, en mass, stare into the mirror of their own minds and realize that they had no measuring rod with which to gauge their own realities. The mind is self reflective. The mind has no outer objective way to measure either its input or output. The characters reveal the dead end of human thought. The fact that the tactile nerves register solidity reveals little regarding production or projection of such solidity. There is no way to distinguish whether the neurons fire due to sensory input rather than from say drugs or computer generated inputs. Reality, thus loses its previous foundation.
    Chalker posits an Existence Computer with limitless memory able to fill in a separate reality for each and every mind. Everyone gets their own set of individual mental constructs. With this god-like computer unlimited universes to surround each person's set of ideas could be created. (P. 211 BK II). Taking this idea one step further, each person is a circuit on the mother board of the universe. Every solid item that surrounds a person is created within another little circuit. The whole universe is the giant circuitry, the mother board of existence. We are all but chips, powered from this hidden source of energy that we call existence. Chalker names his god character Matthew Brand. Brand understands the circuitry and power of the Existence Computer enough to become part of it. Brand was able to join with the energy reactor in order to control the energy flow into the mother board of the Existence Computer.

    4 out of 5 stars Good 13th Floory Fun.......2001-05-12

    I know! Thirteenth Floor wasn't based on this novel (or the series, either), but that movie kept coming to mind as I read the first part of Cybernetic Walrus. Chalker is original and creative in this book, though, and it's much more satisfying than the "What Is Real?" movies out there. A thoroughly enjoyable book, stands as an adventure in its own right, but also beckons the reader on to the rest of the trilogy.

    The protagonist, Cory Maddox undergoes plenty of transformation in this story, running through several life "phases" while trying to sort out who to trust. One of the enjoyable features of this series is that the reader is never quite certain who he should trust, either. Often, I found myself wanting to urge Cory & Riki to trust the wrong (in hindsight) characters.

    Plenty here for either the SF or fantasy fan. Thoroughly enjoyable--Chalker knows how to entertain while stretching the mind and imagination. Perhaps the worst feature of this book is that the 3rd book of the trilogy is so difficult to obtain.

    A solid four-star rating: great fun, but not absolute genius.

    5 out of 5 stars One of the best cyberspace series yet!.......1999-12-20

    Jack Chalker continues his tradition of unique ideas and perspectives in the Wonderland series. What starts out as a classic cyberspace story quickly turns in unexpected directions. This book will definitely get you thinking about the true nature of reality. If you liked the movie, "The Matrix," get this book! The movie stole Chalker's ideas without giving credit, and the book explores the ideas to a greater depth. Too bad Del Rey is so short-sighted and has not reprinted the 3rd book in this series.
    March Hare Network (#2) (The Wonderland Gambit , No 2)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Solid Middle Book
    • Interesting but Auk-ward
    • Fun, Quick and Thought Provoking Read
    • A fun to read fast story.
    		 March Hare Network (#2) (The Wonderland Gambit , No 2)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    Similar Items:
    1. The Cybernetic Walrus (The Wonderland Gambit, Book 1)
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    4. The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)
    5. Balshazzars Serpent

    ASIN: 0345388488
    Release Date: 1996-10-30

    Book Description

    GO ASK ALICE
    Time after time, life after life, Cory Maddox was being incarnated into worlds he found both familiar and strangely different. And only in this latest incarnation did Cory bring along knowledge, skills, and memories of his previous existence--memories of cold betrayal that promised nothing he saw or felt could be trusted. Nor could he trust his companions who, like himself, kept moving from life to life trying to escape the endless cycle.
    But it was only with the help of those companions that Cory could develop the technological means to peer beyond the veil of reality--to the shadowy figures whom he was sure were manipulating reality . . . if what he was experiencing actually was reality.
    Time was running out. His memories gave him an advantage over the others, but he would have to act quickly and surely if he were to discover the truth--before truth itself could no longer be trusted . . .
    "A damn fine storyteller . . . Chalker is a master."
    --Orson Scott Card

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Solid Middle Book.......2001-05-16

    In this second book of the Wonderland Gambit, Chalker carries the Cybernetic Walrus tale into wonderful new territories. Cory Maddox undergoes several major life changes. We begin to learn more and wonder even more about the conspiracies surrounding the Brand Box technologies. Maddox (well, sorta Maddox) discovers that he has access to unexpected resources--which he needs, given some of the bizarre twists in this novel.

    Four stars for a good solid, middle-of-the-trilogy reality-shifting/questioning book. Well worth the money--provides an enjoyable read.

    3 out of 5 stars Interesting but Auk-ward.......2000-02-28

    This book was a good continuation of the previous story, and certainly made me think. But while I applaud Chalker's work, I have to point out that there were several editing problems that should've been resolved and weren't--such as confusing switches back and forth between names (Maddox/Maddux, for instance) without explanation.

    4 out of 5 stars Fun, Quick and Thought Provoking Read.......1998-02-01

    Chalker deals with a lot of interesting issues (the nature of reality, sex roles and biases, theology, good and evil, etc.) in a highly accessible and entertaining manner. Worth reading and worth recommending to your friends.

    4 out of 5 stars A fun to read fast story........1997-08-14

    Jack has developed a wonderful bizarre world with twists and turns that are truly unexpected. The author stretches your imagination by sending the characters off in weird and unusual directions. This is a fun book to read
    Dancing Gods: Part One (Dancing Gods Part 1)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • a favorite fantasy novel from a great author
    • Are we living someone else's dream?
    • My second favorite series.
    		 Dancing Gods: Part One (Dancing Gods Part 1)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    1. Songs of the Dancing Gods: (#4)
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    ASIN: 0345402464
    Release Date: 1995-10-30

    Book Description

    BEYOND THE SEA OF DREAMS
    Life had never been kind to Joe and Marge. Now, according to Throckmorton P. Ruddygore--a stranger who met them on a road that wasn't there--they were due to die in nineteen minutes. But across the Sea of Dreams lay a new and perhaps better life, in a place where fairies danced by moonlight. Joe could become a mighty-thewed barbarian warrior. Marge could be beautiful and find her magical self.
    It was just as Ruddygore had promised, plus a great deal more. For this was a world where Hell still strove to win its ancient war, where demon princes sent men into battles of dark magic, and where Joe and Marge must somehow help prevent the coming of Armageddon!

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars a favorite fantasy novel from a great author.......2006-08-15

    Jack L. Chalker is best known for his "Lost Souls," series but "River of the Dancing Gods," is one of my favorite fantasy novels. Imagine on your worst day finding a new world full of adventure. That's how the story begins for Joe and Marge.

    4 out of 5 stars Are we living someone else's dream?.......2004-07-04

    Have you ever wanted to just BE in another world or universe? All the wonderful fantasy books have to come from somewhere. What if they actually happened somewhere. That is what this book is about. This is the first book in a wonderful series. Maybe we can just get away from it all even if it is by reading this book. This is an easy feel good book. It is a little predictable in the main plot twists but it is the little things that keep you on your toes. This book is easily read in one or two sittings on a weekend. When you need an outlet to a new land pick this up and continue with the rest of the series.

    4 out of 5 stars My second favorite series........1998-07-28

    The is my second favorite series by Jack L. Chalker. My first favorite series is the "Well of Souls." Whether you are a Jack L. Chalker reader or not, you will enjoy these series. His character development and vivid descriptions are a great read.
    The Return of Nathan Brazil (The Well World)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Great pulp Sci-Fi.
    • Book four of the Saga of the Well World
    		 The Return of Nathan Brazil (The Well World)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Baen
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    Similar Items:
    1. Exiles at the Well of Souls
    2. Midnight at the Well of Souls
    3. Twilight at the Well of Souls (The Well World)
    4. The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)
    5. Echoes of the Well of Souls (Watchers at the Well, Book 1)

    ASIN: 0743499018

    Book Description

    The Dreel was a hive-mind, composed of trillions upon trillions of virus-sized units, which infected intelligent beings like a disease and took over the mind of an occupied being, utterly. It had occupied planets throughout the galaxy, making their entire population its mind-slaves, and was on its way to conquering the entire galaxy-until a cop on the frontier planet of Parkatin discovered the truth. Those whose minds were still free fought back, using a weapon so powerful that it wrought havoc with the control of the Well World, the ancient planet-sized supercomputer that a vanished super-race called the Markovians built to recreate the entire universe, and maintain it in its present form. If the Well World's control of time and space could not be restored, the universe could vanish like a blown-out candle flame. Only a Markovian could go to the Well World and repair the damage, but only one Markovian was still known to survive. He had last been seen in human form, going by the name of Nathan Brazil. No one knew where he was now, what name he was using, or even if he still appeared human. Finding him, somewhere in the immensity of the galaxy, seemed an impossible task. So the task fell to someone who had done the impossible over and over: Mavra Chang, one of the few beings ever to escape from the Well World. And on that occasion, she had brought back with her a computer named Obie, who just might be the second most powerful computer in the universe, after the Well World itself. With those two on his trail, Nathan Brazil could run-but could he hide?

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great pulp Sci-Fi........2005-02-19

    Just to be clear, this is not Don Quixote. This is solid, fun, satisfying science-fiction/fantasy.

    Also to be clear, do not read any of the "recent" Well World novels, they have little to redeem themselves. They are neither solid, fun or satisfying.

    As noted by the other reviews this is the fourth of the original five part series. I say five part series, but really the series is a trilogy with both the second and third novels (Exiles/Quest) and this novel and the last novel (Twilight) counting as just one book each.

    Of the series, the last part of the trilogy (this book and Twilight) remains my favorite.

    I will not spoil any plot points, but I will say that if you like the genre, you will enjoy this book.

    5 out of 5 stars Book four of the Saga of the Well World.......1998-06-04

    As a general warning, this is the fourth book of a tightly knit series. While the book is written to stand on its own, greater enjoyment can be found be reading the previous three novels: Midnight at the Well of Soul, Exiles at the Well of Souls, and Quest for the Well of Souls; before reading this one.

    This book begins back at the same interstellar community where the previous novels begin (it's know as the Comworlds, or the Com for short). An alien race has arrived from another galaxy and is bent on conquest of ours, and since they're more advanced than the Com, they're winning.

    Mavra Chang, survivor of the War of the Well World, has just returned to the Comworlds.

    The true reality of the situation is far grimmer than they realize, and when they do catch up with Brazil, they regret it.

    Overall, the series really starts to pick up steam here, and that after admitting that the previous novels are already good to begin with.

    Vol. 1: Midnight at the Well of Souls
    Vol. 2: Exiles at the Well of Souls (Part 1: War of the Well World)
    Vol. 3: Quest for the Well of Souls (Part 2: War of the Well World)
    Vol. 4: The Return of Nathan Brazil
    Vol. 5: Twilight at the Well of Souls
    Horrors of the Dancing Gods
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • The storyline was one of the best I ever read!
    		 Horrors of the Dancing Gods
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    Similar Items:
    1. Songs of the Dancing Gods: (#4)
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    ASIN: 0345376927
    Release Date: 1995-10-30

    Book Description

    MORTAL DILEMMA
    An ancient evil was seeping forth from the Sea of Dreams: the Old Ones were rising from the depths to challenge both Heaven and Hell. Their assault boded ill for Earth, and worse for the magical land of Husaquahr, where magic was played by the Book. Under the Rules, only the Great McGuffin could stop that looming menace.
    But the McGuffin was lost, somewhere in Hell....
    Master wizard Throckmorton P. Ruddygore once again summoned a handful of heroes to stave off disaster. But Joe, the truck-driver-barbarian-turned-wood-nymph, was busy with his--or her?--own problems, so Ruddygore had to assign Marge, the changeling nymph, to shepherd an untried youngster on his first quest. Her new protégé was none other than Irving, Joe's human son: estranged, bitter--and irresistibly attractive!
    Marge wanted to turn down the mission, but too much depended on it! Once in the dark realm, though, her good intentions began to erode. Could any nymph just say "no" to a son of Joe?

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars The storyline was one of the best I ever read!.......1997-06-06

    I loved the plot, about a great hero who is stuck in the body of a luscious immortal wood nymph. And his son,Irwin, was very cool. I wish he had more magic, though! And we didn't hear much of Ruddigore, either. Why does he only show up at the beginning and end of every story to lick wounds and solve problems? And the Old Ones! I was all 'hyped' up for a confrontation, but they don't even find the real McGoo (or whatever), let alone a confrontation with evil. The whole Joe/immortal thing was too much like the second Well World saga. I still liked the book, though
    Ghost of the Well of Souls (Well World)
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • The Best of the Well World Series
    • Not as good as the rest of the Well World Saga
    • Something Else?
    • The five-minute fix invades the Well World
    • Well oh Well
    		 Ghost of the Well of Souls (Well World)
    Jack L. Chalker
    Manufacturer: Del Rey
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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    ASIN: 0345394852
    Release Date: 2000-04-04

    Book Description

    Jack Chalker's Well World epic occupies an honored place among the classics of science fiction. Now this boldly imagined, intricately plotted new novel takes us deeper into the Well World than ever before . . .

    On the mysterious Well World, the evil tyrant Josich and his dark agents search desperately for the eight scattered pieces of the fabled Straight Gate. Whoever possesses the Gate will wield enormous power, travelling between universes at the speed of light and wreaking havoc across galaxies.

    Opposing Josich is a small band of travelers new to the Well World. There is Core, once a machine, now flesh and blood; Ming and Ari, two minds sharing a single body; Jaysu, an angel; and Genghis O'Leary, a lizard being. Unbeknownst to them, they have an unlikely ally: a vengeful entity who is able to clone any person or object with a single touch--and mete out death just as swift . . .

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The Best of the Well World Series.......2005-04-29

    Along with the Sea is Full of Stars, I found these two books the best of all the books. Perhaps it was because there was no Nathan Brazil or Mavra Chang who can not lose due to the Well World itself aiding them. Having Kincaid as a "bogey-man" in the background actually fit his personality and characterization. Each major character had their purpose and part and if one looks at the theme of these books with some detachment from the earlier books, the story is actually very different.

    3 out of 5 stars Not as good as the rest of the Well World Saga.......2002-11-19

    I read the reviews before I bought and figured that the negatives were "I miss Nathan Brazil". I was wrong.

    The only character I grew to like had her mind wiped pretty much right away, so I didn't really care about her later.

    The plot was so convoluted and confusing, and by the end the threat so unclear, that by the end of the second book I hardly cared who won.

    You know, if you read this Jack, I cared about Renard, Nicki, Wu Julie, Asam, Marquoz, Serge Ortega, Gypsy and Prof. Zinder, every one of them more than I cared about any of these characters. What made the previous books great was caring about the characters.

    Also, the underwater people were just wet land people. They thought and acted like they were just land people trying to dom the things that land people do with the "problem" of all that water being in the way. A water people would LIKE being in the water, and their entire culture would reflect that.

    1 out of 5 stars Something Else?.......2001-06-07

    As soon as I read Chalker's introduction to this duology - the newest addition to the increasingly large Well World series - I decided to give it a try. So it wasn't a part of the normal canon, as he put it, but instead a book about Something Else. Well and good, I'm always ready to try something new from an established story teller.

    Two books and about 700 pages later, I still don't know what he was talking about. I'm also extremely perplexed: just what happened to Chalker's writing? His prose, plotting, character development - even his humor - don't match up with the previous work that bears his name. This duology provided such a lackluster story that I am at a complete loss to explain its existence in print. I'm tempted to visit Chalker's web site and write him an email asking, "Why?" The only possible answer I can derive comes from Chalker's shameless introductory statement that he didn't plan to return to the Well World until someone fronted a sizeable sum. Apparently, this offer didn't provide enough impetus for Chalker to return to form.

    Page 1 of the first novel, "The Sea is Full of Stars," starts with the strong, confident narrative voice I remember from Chalker's earlier novels. Unfortunately, this turns out to be the sole shining moment for the entire series. I almost wish that Delrey hadn't plugged these into the original Well World saga as books 6 and 7. They don't belong in the same category as the originals.

    3 out of 5 stars The five-minute fix invades the Well World.......2001-04-21

    Well, hmmm. I would have liked to have liked this book -- I've always enjoyed the Well World books -- but this one was somewhat disappointing. It seemed very rushed, and plotlines that were introduced in the previous book were downplayed or ignored entirely. For instance, the whole "The Avenger must triumph not for revenge" plotline suggested in first book was never really used, and Kincaid's role throughout both books is reduced to that of a rarely-seen bogey-man -- in fact, he turns out to be a totally unimportant character, whose role could have been filled by any other character. The other "pivotal" character, Angel, gains extraordinary powers in order to ultimately become -- the world's most powerful librarian. Josich is present only in the last 20-pages or so of the book, and this makes the whole ending seem rather rushed. None of the actions of the characters preceding the denoument actually has any meaningful impact on the climax of the story, and the only unpredictable parts come when Chalker changes the rules on us (with hand-waving as to why Brazil & Chang might have not been called, and glossing over why the Well World didn't take more action to protect itself earlier on). Furthermore, it's as if I've seen these characters before. Granted, even in the non-Well books, the signature of all of Chalker's writing is to take characters and mangle them physically and emotionally, but even beyond that, Core is largely synonymous with Obie, Kincaid is Brazil without the screen time, Angel is a weird mix of Wuju and Vardia, and Jules is a near dead-ringer for Hain. (I will admit, however, to getting a real chuckle when O'Leary and his group actually swallow some of the bad guys... :-)

    Twenty pages from the end, it appeared to me like we'd need a whole other book to finish this story, which I was thoroughly engrossed in. Instead, we get a 5-minute fix as if it were some Star Trek cliffhanger, and I was left saying, "What....?"

    5 out of 5 stars Well oh Well.......2001-01-10

    I have followed and reread all of the Well's 10 books several times. I find this series as well as the Flux and Diamond series to be the best works of scifi written since Asimov. Some readers have written their displeasure due to the limited use of the most interesting character; however, even in the original Well series, Nathan (God) only dominated a portion of the series (including the book with his name on the cover). Sometimes, less is more. The ending of this book leaves a huge door open to sequals and a new possible mixture of the foundling empires of the "real" galaxy with a mixture of the Well and it's inhabitants. I guess the other readers just miss Obie (or were overly hot for Mavra).

    Authors:

    1. Chambers, Joy
    2. Chambers, Robert W.
    3. Chandler, Raymond
    4. Chandra, Anil
    5. Chang, Leonard
    6. René Char
    7. Char, René
    8. Charteris, Leslie
    9. Charyn, Jerome
    10. Chase, Gillean

    Authors

    Authors