AWARDS & REVIEWS
Author...
As you'll note below The Twins Above, Book I, was originally self-published in 2001 under the title Children of Orion Book I.
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
Feb 25, 2002 Reviewer: Nat
"Intreguing 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 hierarchal
space-faring society .. .a very fun read, quite a good book."
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Nov 27th, 2001, 2002 Reviewer: Leah Casner
"Fun & Fascinating..."
"Robert
Ipcar's 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!"
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