Children Of Orion
by Robert Ipcar

Award - Certificate of Merit
2001 Writer's Digest Self Published Book Awards

"CHILDREN OF ORION is easily the best science fiction in this stack of contest entries. It's a crackling good read that reminded me positively of the best of Nivin, Poul, and sometimes even Silverberg. Probably Marion Zimmer Bradley's better Darkover novels are what CHILDREN OF ORION reminds me of most. No matter what, it's clear that the author has read deeply and well in the science fiction genre, so his novel isn't just another rehash of well-worn plot conventions and character types. Thank heaven Mr. Ipcar knows what a light year is, what neutron stars and binary systems are all about, and he even adds the enormous swath of galaxies known as the Great Wall. The very nature of the planet N'ayu makes a terrific setting.

The prose is smooth and strong, and the story has obviously been well polished. CHILDREN OF ORION is peopled with cultures and characters that are believable within their context of alien and human-descended races more than 20,000 years (!) hence. For a while there I was concerned that the novel's story would reduce itself to yet another "medieval Europe thinly disguised as an alien planet" trope, but fortunately the author avoids the easy pitfalls and keeps the Mateek and Wai'min, and even the Majiskalas, fresh and believable.

With all that, though, I think what impressed me most about CHILDREN OF ORION was its well-drawn women characters. Captain Kerry, T'Nahlia, Zyaina, and T'Laradayh are all refreshing presence in a genre still more than a bit too male-centric - and not just because they are lovingly fleshed out individuals well presented in a good story.

I'm certain that CHILDREN OF ORION will find a good audience within the science fiction community. It's at least as good as most interstellar planetfall adventures out there on the shelves. Here's wishing the author luck with the continuing saga...."

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From Amazon.com

February 25, 2002 Reviewer: Nat
An intruging new style of sci-fi novel...

"How many times have we heard of the story: sailors, astronauts, passengers of some kind, are stranded in some foreign place, and they have to fight against the odds to survive. Well, this book may have that idea for a basis, but the background and concepts of it all are far more intriguing than any sci-fi books I have read before.... you are presented with concepts that create a perfect image in your mind of a hierarchial spacefaring society .. .a very fun read, quite a good book."

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November 27, 2001
leah d casner
Fun and fascinating,

"Robert Ipcars' sci fi novel, Children of Orion, is an intriguing and thought provoking read, describing the encounter of a mythical-based culture with a space traveling civilization - a SCI Fi version of western Europe meeting native American, perhaps. The story is fast moving and unexpected - I really enjoyed it heartily. This book promises to be the first of trilogy - I can hardly wait for the next. Keep 'em coming!"

Book One
Children Of Orion