 Subcycles in the Darkover novels
Introduction
There are now 21 Darkover novels. They can be
ordered thanks to Darkover history, but, for many new
readers, this is not enough. The main question new readers ask is the
following: I don't want to read everything right now. Where should I
start?
Fortunately for them, Darkover novels are organized into small subcycles which
are quite independent from each other. The goal is this page is to describe
them.
Pure subscycles
Description
This is one of the most important subcycles on the point of view of Darkover
history. Consequences of the events described in this subcycle have been
huge. It is constituted by the following novels (in reading order):
Novels follow each other directly.
Interaction with other novels
As I said before, this subcycle is so important that is as relationship with
many following novels. First of all, the end of the story of the Forbidden
Tower is narrated in The Bloody Sun. Failing to
read this sequel is not really a good idea. The books is great and events
described are also bery important in the Darkover history.
The subcycle is related to the Renunciates
subcycle, especially to Thendara House. It
is therefore worth reading this cycle after the Forbidden Tower one.
My opinion
The Spell Sword is a small interesting novel. It
is not as good as its sequel but the plot is very good and there are quite
interesting idea.
The Forbidden Tower is a major part of the
Darkover cycle. It has a very good plot and is very well written. There is a
good balance between pure action and interaction between characters. I think
it is the more original Darkover novel. It can be quite difficult to
appreciate for young readers: sexuality is a central topic and I think real
life experience is needed in order to fully understand and appreciate the way
Marion Zimmer Bradley writes about sexuality.
Description
This is one of the most appreciated subcycles. It is constituted by the
following novels (in reading order):
Novels follow each other directly. There is only a quite short time gap
between each of them (a few years). Novels are based on similar characters
(mainly Magda Lorne and Jaelle n'ha Melora). The subcycle describe quite
precisely the Renunciates' life.
Interaction with other novels
Unfortunately, this subcycle is strongly related to the Forbidden Tower
subcycle. In order to really appreciate Thendara
House (and in a more limited way City of
Sorcery) one should have read before the Forbidden Tower
subcycle.
My opinion
Everybody agrees on the fact that The Shattered
Chain is one of the best Darkover novels. In my personal opinion, Thendara House is far from being as good and City of Sorcery is not worth reading.
In order to be fair, I have to say that many people don't share my opinion and
think Thendara House is an excellent novel.
Description
The modern subcycle which describes current Darkover. It is constituted by the
following novels (in reading order):
Novels follow each other directly.
Interaction with other novels
Both novels include a lot of references to other novels but they remain quite
standalone. Readers interested in Kennard Alton should read Star of Danger and The Bloody
Sun. Those who care about Regis Astur can read The Planet Savers and The
world wreckers (bevare of inconsistencies between those early works and
more recent ones). Sharra was previously described in The Winds of Darkover.
In order to know what happens to young characters such as Marja Alton, readers
need to read recent Darkover novels: Exile's song,
The Shadow Matrix and Traitor's Sun.
My opinion
If you read only two Darkover novels, go for this subcycle. To my mind, this
is the best one and that's all!
The modern subcycle (a.k.a. Margarida Alton's subcycle)
Description
Marion Zimmer Bradley is still writing new Darkover novels. She decided to
write modern period novels, taking place after The
world wreckers. She seems to have started a new subcycle, which can be
called the Marja Alton subcycle. It is more or less a direct sequel of the Sharra's subcycle and brings alive again the most
interesting characters of this subcycle. It is presently constituted of the
following novels:
Novels follow each other directly (there is a fifteen years gap between The Shadow Matrix and Traitor's Sun).
Interaction with other novels
It seems difficult to read books of this subcycle (especially Exile's song) without reading before the Sharra's subcycle and perhaps The
world wreckers.
My opinion
Exile's Song is to my mind
rather disappointing. The first part is really good, but the book seems to
reach its conclusion around the middle of it. Then the last part seems
artificial and a bit boring. The Shadow Matrix is much better, but is not as good
as major novel such as The Forbidden Tower. Traitor's Sun is for me the best of
the series. I would say it must be read to have a rather fresh look on
Darkover.
Pseudo subcycles
Why pseudo subcycles?
There are many interaction netween novels that take place after the
rediscovery. I think it is worth trying to group them in order to give
interested readers additional ways to understand the Darkover Cycle.
Damon Ridenow's subcycle
Damon Ridenow is one of the most important character of the Forbidden Tower subcycle and more generally of
Darkover modern history. In order to understand his life, one should read the
following novels:
Kennard Alton's subcycle
Kennard Alton is also a very
important character of modern Darkover history. In order to understand his
life, one should read the following novels:
Lew Alton's subcycle
Lew Alton is also a very
important character of modern Darkover history. In order to understand his
life, one should read the following novels:
Regis Hastur's subcycle
Regis Hastur is also a very
important character of modern Darkover history. In order to understand his
life, one should read the following novels:
source file (Last modification: Wed Apr 21 17:21:45 1999)
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