I like Cherryh's books that are in this universe, but I'd say that this is one of the weaker ones. I think it felt to me that it was all theme no story (goodness knows if those are appropriate words, it's just the way I think of it - the damaged protagonist who's in over his head is definitely a common flavour in the Alliance/Union stories, but I think she pulls it off better in other stories). If you do go back and read more Cherryh of this sort then I'd recommend Cyteen or Heavy Time.
Most of the Alliance/Union books are standalone, they're in the same universe, but different characters and different stories - so except in a few cases you never do find out about the loose ends. It's interesting that you don't think that that's acceptable in modern books, as it's one of the things that I like a lot about these books - it feels realer than having stuff neatly tied up. But again, I did feel that this wasn't one of the showcase stories from the series and possibly the others tie off more loose ends than Merchanter's Luck (it's been a while since I read them).
I've not actually read any other Cherryh, which is something I need to rectify someday, as I do like these books :)
I don't think modern SF has to tie up EVERYTHING (there's always a chance for a sequel), but main plot points, especially ones that were given tremendous weight towards the beginning, definitely need to come full-circle. It's my preference as a reader, but I've also seen some critics (good ones too, not the run of the mill ones) come down REALLY hard on writers who leave stuff in the air.
But I'm glad to hear this was one of her weaker books. I'll definitely check something else of hers out one day, but I don't know what.
I agree with you, mostly, although I really value mystery in my writing .. particularly in horror, but also to an extent in science fiction. There's mystery, though, and then there's mere sloppyness.
I just watched David Lynch's "Lost Highway" for the first time and I have no idea what it was *really* about, but I'm intrigued and my mind is full of questions; I think that's pretty great. I'll definitely be watching it again.
I like Cherryh's books that are in this universe, but I'd say that this is one of the weaker ones. I think it felt to me that it was all theme no story (goodness knows if those are appropriate words, it's just the way I think of it - the damaged protagonist who's in over his head is definitely a common flavour in the Alliance/Union stories, but I think she pulls it off better in other stories). If you do go back and read more Cherryh of this sort then I'd recommend Cyteen or Heavy Time.
Most of the Alliance/Union books are standalone, they're in the same universe, but different characters and different stories - so except in a few cases you never do find out about the loose ends. It's interesting that you don't think that that's acceptable in modern books, as it's one of the things that I like a lot about these books - it feels realer than having stuff neatly tied up. But again, I did feel that this wasn't one of the showcase stories from the series and possibly the others tie off more loose ends than Merchanter's Luck (it's been a while since I read them).
I've not actually read any other Cherryh, which is something I need to rectify someday, as I do like these books :)
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But I'm glad to hear this was one of her weaker books. I'll definitely check something else of hers out one day, but I don't know what.
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I just watched David Lynch's "Lost Highway" for the first time and I have no idea what it was *really* about, but I'm intrigued and my mind is full of questions; I think that's pretty great. I'll definitely be watching it again.
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