"Interesting military science fiction"
Dorsai. Among the fourteen worlds, Dorsai provides
one export that is in great demand. The planet consists of
the best military mercenaries known in the cosmos. Donal
Graeme is about to go off planet with abilities never seen
before as humanity has taken a quantum leap up on the
evolutionary path. This reviewer read "Dorsai" in the
sixties and found it to be a fascinating tale. Though a
powerful introduction to the Dorsai culture, the military
tactics seem weak in a post Star Wars world. Still Donal
is a great character struggling between his differences and
his human frailty. Spirit of Dorsai: "Amanda Morgan". While the men
go off planet to fight, women remain behind to defend
Dorsai. Amanda Morgan faces an enemy with one goal in
mind, the destruction of the Dorsai culture. "Brothers".
Ian Graeme feels guilt for living, grief for his dead
sibling, and anger for not being able to keep his brother
alive. Preferring to avenge his brother's murder, Ian must
first prevent a major catastrophe from occurring. This
novella ("Amanda Morgan") and short story ("Brothers")
provide more of a historical perspective to the Dorsai,
especially Amanda's story furnishing insight into the role
of women in the culture. DORSAI SPIRIT is a compilation of two previous Gordon R.
Dickson's books from his Childe Cycle. The stories remain
interesting and old fans will rejoice to read them while
newcomers will find the tales entertaining. Yet this
reviewer wonders why the memories of Mr. Dickson as one of
the standard bearers of military science fiction seem
weakened at least from re-reading this part of the saga. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 2, 2002
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