Stars and Gods [Hardcover]

This is an unusual book, an eclectic mix of excerpt teases from his novels, short stories, bits of nonfiction work, collaborations and even correspondance. The collection gives a wide variety of samplings of his work, but the value here is more a fannish one of the backstory he gives for past items and the collection of such variety. Not recomended for a new reader as there is no overall theme and the fragmentary parts are not really a full plot or understandable on their own. The Niven fan will see many things you've not read read before, and some explanations about old favorites, just don't go in expecting all new material or a full length book.

CONTENTS:

1. Excerpts from novels
- Ringworlds Children chapter 1
- Rainbow Mars chapter 18
- Escape from Hell 7th circle 3rd round
- Burning Tower chapter 2
- Building Harlequin's Moon chapter 12
- Juggler of Worlds chapter 59

2. Stories
"Choosing Names", "Fly-by-Night", "The Hunting Park", "After Mecca",
"Cadet Amelia", "Cat Toy", "Chicxulub", "The Gatherers Guild",
"The Solipsist at Dinner", "Boys and Girls Together"

3. Nonfiction for Space.Com
"Traveler" "Rocket Men" "Wet Mars"

4/5/6/7 Collaborations
- Beowulf's Children
- "Where Next, Columbus?"
- Achilles' Choice chapter 15
- "Choosing Life", "Free Floaters", "Finding Myself"

8. Draco Tavern Stories
"The Missing Mass", "Safe Harbor"

9. Miscellaneous Nonfiction
Hooking the Reader, Interview by Brenda Cooper in 2000,
Food Story for Con Jose Program book, "Inconstant Moon Has Passed"

Larry Niven's "Stars and Gods" is a collection of excerpts from his novels, short stories, blog posts and essays. Most certainly a treasure trove for Niven fans, but also plenty of interest for readers new to his work. As an avid Sci-Fi fan, I have certainly heard of Larry Niven, but have somehow never gotten around to reading any of his work. I was so excited to win this advance copy of "Stars and Gods" from GoodReads - it was a wonderful introduction to the writing and thought processes of Larry Niven.

Part One "Excerpts from the Novels" reminded me of the Coming Attractions teasers at the beginning of a DVD. These excerpts provide a 1-2 chapter preview of Niven's most recent novels. It had the intended effect, as I will definitely be checking out the Ringworld series. However, I am especially fond of short story collections and consider these to be the Main Feature of "Stars and Gods" with the essays and other offerings being the Bonus Features.

Niven certainly knows his science, but he also has an extraordinary understanding of human psychology which he uses to add depth to his characters - even the non-human sentient beings. His stories are populated with real people dealing with the realistic struggles of being human - usually in alien environments. There are a few stories that are quite cerebral, but there is also plenty of action, drama, and occasionally a little comic relief.

When I truly enjoy a story or a novel, I often wonder what inspired the author to write it. That is why I personally found the author's introductions to many of the pieces to be the most appealing bonus of this collection.

Even if you are not interested in essays, excerpts of larger works, or what inspired the author when he was working on a particular piece, anyone who appreciates good Sci-Fi will find the short stories make this collection worth the price of the book.

Stars and Gods (2010) is a collection of recent SF works, including extracts from several novels. It also contains fantasy and non-fiction pieces and provides introductions to the various selections. This book is divided into nine parts.

Preface - comments on this book, writing and a few other topics.

Part One: Excerpts

- Ringworld's Children extract - trapped by a Protector.

- Rainbow Mars extract - captured on Mars.

- Escape from Hell extract - better dining in hell.

- Burning Tower extract - among the oarsmen.

- Building Harlequin's Moon extract - seeing the works from space.

- Fleet of Worlds extract - frustrated by the Gw'oth.

- Juggler of Worlds extract - caught on New Terra.

Part Two: Stories

- "Choosing Names" - negotiating with the enemy.

- "Fly-by-Night" - held hostage among Kzinti.

- "The Hunting Park" - Kzinti hunting in Africa.

- "After Mecca" - the inside story,

- "Cadet Amelia" - cats in space.

- "Cat Toy" - the talking cat and the dead mouse.

- "Chicxulub" - talking with dragons.

- "The Gathers' Guild" - the real tax conspiracy.

- "The Solipsist at Dinner" - an imagination at work.

- "Boys and Girls Together" - the oldest children.

Part Three: Nonfiction for Space.com

- "Traveler" - networking versus traveling.

- "Rocket Men" - the eighth "Access to Space" convention.

- "Wet Mars" - water on Mars.

Part Four: Collaborations with Jerry Pournelle and Steven Barnes

- "Beowulf's Children" - the very large scribe.

Part Five: Collaborations with Jerry Pournelle

- "Where Next, Columbus?" - profits and getting into space.

Part Six: Collaborations with Steven Barnes

- "Achilles' Choice" - the Olympian and the nerd.

Part Seven: Collaborations with Brenda Cooper

- "Choosing Life" - going digital.

- "Free Floaters" - the female who dared.

- "Finding Myself" - a backup was released.

Part Eight: Draco Tavern Stories

- "The Missing Mass" - the forerunners did it.

- "Safe Harbor" - invading the bar.

Part Nine: Miscellaneous Nonfiction

- Hooking the Reader - getting their attention.

- Larry Niven Interview by Brenda Cooper in 2000 AD - a few thoughts.

- Food Story for the Con Jose Program Book - quit smoking and start writing about food.

- "Inconstant Moon Has Passed" - watching the Moon with a friend and a dog.

According to the Preface, the above selections are everything that has been going on within the author's literary life since Scatterbrain. The cutoff date would be a year or so ago, before Destroyer of Worlds. In any case, his writing seems to have slowed down lately, even with the collaborations.

Larry Niven has been on the forefront of SF -- and Fantasy -- for many years. One hopes that the author will publish another collection five or six years from now. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Niven fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales and articles about science and other way out ideas.

-Arthur W. Jordin

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