Lord of Janissaries (1) (BAEN)
J**L
Mamelukes is coming out June 2020
As a 13 year old kid in 1980 I read Janissaries after my local librarian recommended it. It literally changed my view on everything, and by that summer I was writing my own alternative history (a term I would later learn) novel. Forty years later I've never published any fiction, but upon hearing that Mamelukes was finally coming out having been finished by Jerry's son I decided it was time to re-read this series. Still love it after all these years. I may be stuck inside but in my head I'm going back to Tran.https://www.amazon.com/Mamelukes-Janissaries-Book-Jerry-Pournelle-ebook/dp/B086T5Y5FP
R**D
Excellent SF series.
I have the original editions of all three of the original novels included here. My first is an original paaperback with lots of illustrations. The second is a trade paaperback and the third is a hardback first edition. The original volume 1is a highly illustrated copy while the second book is also illustrated but less so. The third volume is not illustrated and all illustrations are dropped from the new 3 volume edition. It does appear to have all the text of the original stories. A interesting SF series and the last of the stories is due in July 2020, finished by one of Jerry Pournelle's sons, only 41 years after the original first story was published..
N**M
Great way to re-read the series when your original books are in a box somewhere...
I was planning on getting the Audible version of the three novels next month. and thought I might try to revisit the series first. The "omnibus" version (used) was about $6, and it will make an interesting re-read on the subway.As others have said, would be interested in a potential wrap up to the series, but looks like a conclusion may never be published. Perhaps someone else may finish the series someday, but if not - better three books than none at all.
I**Y
Finish the series Jerry
Janissaries, the first book in this trilogy, was a wonderful read. The next two in this compendium were not up to that level but are still worth reading. HOWEVER, finish the series Jerry! He has been writing the final volume (Mamelukes) according to his blog for the last twenty years and he is certainly not getting any younger. Please, please either finish it or let somebody else (such as Roland Green) take your draft and complete what should be the crowning achievement of his literary career (he has had several other careers)
B**E
Enjoyable mixed up melange.
An enjoyable read. Comprised of both of the original Tran stories in one volume, which saves having to look for the sequel after being pleasantly surprised by the first novel.That said, while this set of novel's reminded me strongly at times of H. Beam Piper's "Lord Calvan of Otherwhen" and John F. Carr & Roland Green's authorized sequel "The Great Kings' War", it still fell short in many places. The plotting and scene changes seemed abrupt. Then first novel ends with out resolution or link to the second book -- feeling like the author ran out of energy suddenly and shipped it to his editor or agent.While the second, longer novel answers many questions left hanging in the first novel, its ending also felt very truncated, almost as if turning a chapter page and reading "and they lived happily ever after."
A**O
Pournelle Great as Always
Really enjoyed this story. We have CIA mercenaries about to be wiped out by Cubans in Angola saved by aliens to go take over an alien world on behalf of the same aliens provided a lot of possibilities and outcomes. Intrigue, Romans, clans, politics, fighting, advancing the technology and its roadblocks were all there. Now the only real downside is this series is unfinished. Please Mr. Pournelle finish the last book.About the only thing I didn't like in the books was the Merc captain Lord Rick's wife taking part in battles as a leader of cavalry troop and actually fighting. Pretty unrealistic.
J**S
Excellent (3) novels by Pournelle
Excellent (3) novels by Pournelle, now sadly to (probably) have no more in the series except the 4th one now in print or on the way. It has all the best of Pournelle's writing. Quick-paced, well-drawn characters, reasonable plot lines, and the historical and military parts (where I am familiar) are very accurate. Highly recommended.
M**L
Magnificent
I first read this series before there was an internet to post ratings & comments. This was a joy to reread. I heard this series will finally be concluded in June (posthumously by the author, with help from David Weber & others) and I can't wait to read it.
A**R
Amazing Series by far
Best novel that I could read, simply amazing I would re-edit this post for more in depth but later on. It is rare to use Janissaries as a doctrine inspiration from the author normally both western and anime novels, anime/animation etc... mainly I find the usage of Knights in shining armor a lot. Smart name chosen here typically Janissaries stands for New Army/Soldier which you can refer as to why.I'm in love with the series by huge margin glad I found and picked this up.[Full post later to lazy]
O**E
What to be expected
A great fan of JP, wonder why it took me so long to discover this book, but the wait was worth it. Lovely book, and very good fighting scene.
K**R
Better than u hink
This is one of the best military sci fi or i deed any sci fi novels and ranks with the all time bests. Although the last part never got published each book is complete works at multiple levels not just military stuff.
P**E
Great collection
Forgot how much I enjoyed Jerry Pournelle's writing. Great military/Sci fi stories. Just read the fourth book in the series (finished posthumously) and found myself wanting more. Good stuff.
B**L
Beware ; Compilation
That is Ioved it the first time around ! I rarely get sucked in to reprint compilations , but that is all this is ; the previous books in one volume , nothing new at all. It was so cleverly marketed that I thought it was a new novel , money wasted , I'm now totally avoiding that publisher !
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