This SF story was written back in the day when it was considered certain that: 1) We are destined someday to explore intestellar space, and, 2) We will encounter intelligent life during our explorations.

Although neither supposition is a certainty anymore, the idea considered in this story is still interesting. What ethical issues arise if we discover a world with a dominant and technically advanced non-human species, with primitive humans living as animals?

This book is the sequel to "Prisoner of Zenda" and brings back many of the same characters as they continue with plots and counter-plots against each other. Although I enjoyed "Prisoner", I had trouble getting through "Rupert". Did every character in this book take an overdose of stupid pills? The plot is simply too contrived to be taken seriously.

This is a creative and clever tale in which schemes and counter-schemes abound. Rudolf, the rightful King of Ruritania, is held captive by the Duke of Streslau, his rival for the throne. Allies of King Rudolf turn to desperate measures as they attempt to secure the throne and effect a rescue. Although the pace lagged at times, overall this was a very enjoyable novel - highly recommended.

Buried within this two star crime novel is a four star short story. There are some interesting and intense plot lines. However I found it very slow going between points of interest. If you enjoy the brilliant detective / narrator sidekick genre your time is much better spent reading Sherlock Holmes.

A detective and his ex-pugilist assistant investigate the suicide of a failed businessman. Not great but worth a read if you have a few idle minutes.

The second of a two book series - read "Black Bartlemy's Treasure" first. (If you search for it by title - "Bartlemy", not "Bartelmy" as in the synopsis above.)

Martin Conisby's quest for vengeance continues as he contends with pirates, many perils, and some new characters that do not dissapoint. Highly recommended.

A former nobleman is obsessed with his quest for vengeance for having been unjustly sentenced to a term of slavery on a Spanish galleon. Circumstances lead him to take up with a band of pirates seeking hidden treasure, and although vengeance must be delayed his obsession continues to drive his every action.

The romantic interest is well written and enhances the story nicely. A downside to the novel is the protagonist's obsession and self-destructive behavior constantly being used as the vehicle to move the plot forward. This wears thin after awhile - but still a very good read.

Interstellar government corruption, scientific deception, experiments out of control, and space pirates all threaten Regency government stability. Small time independent space scout Rath Scampion lands in the wrong place at the wrong time and finds himself an unwilling participant. Don't expect a hero - he just wants to be left alone. A good SF read with some interesting concepts.

The initial story line sounded promising. Returning from a 30 year space voyage, the crew finds their home planet destroyed by plague. But the snail's pace of the plot and unconvincing characters were too much for me to overcome. I found the book disappointing considering the high reviews - as always, decide for yourself.

This is a brilliant tale of perseverance and development of inner strength. A gentleman-scholar is forcibly enlisted as a crew member on a seal hunting ship under a tyrannical captain. A great book in spite of a clumsy and cliched romantic interest.