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Refugee (Bio of a Space Tyrant #1)

3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 · rating details · 2,301 ratings · 78 reviews

Vol. 1 Refugee

CALIGULA OF THE STARS

Though he was later accused of every crime and sexual perversion in the galaxy, Hope Hubris began as an innocent. Because he defended his older sister against the violent lusts of a wealthy scion, Hope and his peasant family were forced to flee Callisto, one of the moons of Jupiter. Pursued by the bloodthirsty scions across the airless de...more

Paperback, 320 pages

Published August 20th 2000 by Xlibris Corporation (first published 1983)

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Apr 22, 2010 David rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, space-opera

I actually liked a lot of Piers Anthony's books when I was younger. This one, however, was one of those that made me realize just what a foul, hack writer he is.

One of Anthony's many flaws is his sexual hangups, and rather like Heinlein, sometimes he lets them all hang out in an ugly, ruinous way. The ending to Heinlein's Friday is justifiably viewed with revulsion by many fans -- I can't describe it without spoiling that novel. However, in Bio of a Space Tyrant, Anthony's ugliness comes to the...more

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Feb 15, 2013 A.G. Lindsay rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: I would NOT recommend this book to ANY ONE.

Shelves: don-t-finish-series, fantasy-sf

I usually give a fair reading to science fiction series, because I like science fiction.

And, for the most part, I've enjoyed most of the Piers Anthony books I've read (although most seem somewhat juvenile these days.)

I read this one years ago, and, quite frankly, it horrified me. It was not the subject matter which I've seen written about in science fiction, mystery and non-fiction genres, but the constant repetition of violence and pretty much everything offensive. Most of the characters are p...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Tom rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is the first book in Piers Anthony’s Bio of a Space Tyrant. It details Hope Hubris the eventual Tyrant of Jupiter in his younger days.

Hope and his sister are exiled from their home world and travel through the solar system on their way to Jupiter. Along the way they encounter pirates, again and again, who unleash violent horror on the travelers, again and again. The basic storyline is that people who have power over others will perpetrate horrific torture, rape, and murder upon those they c

...more

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May 02, 2012 David Sarkies rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi

Well, this is the last of the Piers Anthony series that I have read, though I have recently discovered that he has added a further book to this series which I have not read (and do not plan on reading simply because I have no interest in reading any more of these stories). In a way, this series also seems to demonstrate Anthony's treatment of women in that they seem to be incapable of resisting what he considers to be a sexually virile man. Okay, it is true that power and sex do go hand in hand...more Well, this is the last of the Piers Anthony series that I have read, though I have recently discovered that he has added a further book to this series which I have not read (and do not plan on reading simply because I have no interest in reading any more of these stories). In a way, this series also seems to demonstrate Anthony's treatment of women in that they seem to be incapable of resisting what he considers to be a sexually virile man. Okay, it is true that power and sex do go hand in hand, but in another sense, creating a character that, even as a refugee and a mercenary, seems to have every woman that he meets want to have sex with him is, to me, simply quite unrealistic.
The series is about how a man goes from being a refugee to the ruler of the Solar System, and in turn brings all of the warring powers together to make peace with each other. I found this to be quite idealistic and in another sense very unrealistic. In fact, as I came to the end of the stories I became quite annoyed with the idealism that it espoused. While I know a lot about history, I personally cannot say whether such an event has actually occurred on our world, and even then, Anthony is trying to pain the main character as a enlightened despot, in a way that is similar to Julius Ceaser, and from what I can remember, he also seemed to end in the same way as Ceaser did.
While the story is set in the future where Earth has gone out to colonise the Solar System, he is making an attempt at allegory in that each of the planets represents a country or continent that existed in the 80s (and I say this because Saturn is representative of the Soviet Union, which did not exist at the time I read these books, which was the early naughties). Once again I found that very annoying, particularly since Earth is always consigned to the trash heap, despite the fact that it is the only planet in our system that is capable of supporting life without artificial means. While the Solar System has advanced technologically to a point where people can survive on all of the planets, and in space, I simply found that his attempt at allegory with pitiful in the least.
In this story, Hope Hubris (the main character) is fleeing his world, which is representative of Latin America, to find a new life on Jupiter (which is representative of the United States). He travels with his family on a small spaceship which is very similar to the leaky boats that attempt to make dangerous journies in our world. It is another attempt at allegory, using a science-fiction setting to attempt to portray the danger and the difficulties that refugees face when attempting to cross to a promised land. There have been many stories like these on the news, the one sitting in my mind being the perilous journey that refugees make from Camaroon in Africa to the Canary Islands. In many cases the smugglers don't even go on the boats, they just load them up and set them adrift. They already have their money so they don't care whether they live or die.
This is a pretty shocking book and I won't go into the sexual deviances that Anthony dredges up. Personally, some of the scenes are so shocking that I myself wonder why I even decided to continue to read the series, but for some reason I did. Once again, as I have mentioned, like his other stories, he paints women as little more than sex objects, and this constant idea of Hope's, wondering what it is that attracts women to him, is, to me, simply pathetic. There is some truth about the state of our world in this book, but personally, I believe that there are much better books to read in that regard than this one.(less)

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Jun 06, 2012 Jack rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Those with an interest in History and/or Political Science

I am trying to add books to my list that are on my bookshelves and that I've read years ago. This is one of them.

What I remember was that it held my interest through the first two books and then became a little repetative in the third.

I first picked this up because I found the idea intriguing as well as loving the character's conflicting name; "Hope Hubris." Piers Anthony also took the political, geographical and resource divisions on Earth and expanded them throughout the universe.

Hope and his...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Ryan Barton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Ryan by: Shadimar

Many who have read this have had to make the obligatory "This is not your Xanthianish Piers Anthony type of novel" comment. You should know that by now, so I won't bore you with that. With that out of the way, I will say that this is not your Xanthianish Piers Anthony type of novel. Certainly a bit darker, but in its darkness is it's weakness.

I have read a number of other "dark" sci-fi stories -- Donaldson's "Gap" series among the best -- and "Refugee" compares somewhat ill-favorably. Now, I am...more Many who have read this have had to make the obligatory "This is not your Xanthianish Piers Anthony type of novel" comment. You should know that by now, so I won't bore you with that. With that out of the way, I will say that this is not your Xanthianish Piers Anthony type of novel. Certainly a bit darker, but in its darkness is it's weakness.

I have read a number of other "dark" sci-fi stories -- Donaldson's "Gap" series among the best -- and "Refugee" compares somewhat ill-favorably. Now, I am fully aware that "Refugee" is but the first of this series, and I will say that it is certainly good enough to continue reading onward, but I will say that it was somewhat predictable and (dare I say) repetitive. Imagine the worst possible thing to happen at the worst possible moment. You may get it wrong the first couple of times, but Mr. Anthony will graciously show you the way by the time you're mid-way through, and you'll be able to safely navigate the waters of this novel with a healthy dose of: "Oh yeah, and here's where (insert appropriate bad person reference here) will (insert appropriately bad thing for aforementioned bad person to do here) and (concoct entirely unrealistic outcome here)."

You are supposed to be able to suspend your disbelief in novels, yes. But in order to do that, there must be some semblance of "reality" for you to lull your disbelief into suspension. This novel was leading me to that promised land, but it never got me there. The final straw for me came at the end, when it is revealed "when" the pages you've just read where composed. That was just a bit too much, and wholly inconsistent with the tone and tenor of the work itself. It was the catalyst that kept my disbelief epoxied in the fore, as it were.

All of that said, it was a good read, actually. And given that it only cost me a couple of bucks on my Kindle, and was done in three sittings, I have already picked up the second book and added it to my queue.

I'm looking forward to seeing the transformation of a "Refugee" to a Space Tyrant. I just hope I can disbelieve my way through it...

...don't we all?
(less)

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Jun 25, 2011 Zohaib Altaf rated it 5 of 5 stars

this book is about,Hope Hubris began as an innocent. Because he defended his older sister against the violent lusts of a wealthy scion, Hope and his peasant family were forced to flee Callisto, one of the moons of Jupiter. Pursued by the bloodthirsty scions across the airless desert, they barely escaped with their lives. The illegal space bubble was overcrowded with refugees, all hoping to reach Jupiter for asylum.

But the space travelers had not reckoned on the terrible threat of high space-the...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Dave rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started collecting the books in this series about 20 years ago and yesterday finally found book 1 in a second hand bookshop and so, finally, have started to read them.

This is act one of a classic space opera. Our (anti?)hero is a boy. He loses everything and is tested repeatedly. He suffers horribly as does pretty much everyone he encounters. The brutal rape of his sister at the very start sets the scene for the horrors that unfold.

It's interesting to read this book, written as it was in the...more

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May 01, 2013 George Irwin rated it 2 of 5 stars

I definitely see this as old Piers Anthony - a lot of the building blocks that make him and interesting writer are here - scandal, interesting physics and moral dilemmas, and weirdly humorous characters. I will say that while individual moments in the book interested me, overall I didn't like this book all that much. There were a lot of dead moments in the book to me where the story just died amidst either a repetitive moral discussion, or weird problem solving. Occasionally it feels like the au...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Cyberpope rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review of the whole series

Hope Hubris' journey from humble beginnings to Tyrant over all the Solar System.

Earth was divided, after the wars, & redistributed throughout the solar system with each major group getting a planet.

The series dilienates Anthony's views of how true & good leaders evolve.

The conclusion I come to is that if one is truly good(honest, upright, other-focused) then ALL the reins of power are best vested in him.

Hope Hubris solves the major issues, such as drug abuse,...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Geoffrey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: space-opera, science-fiction

I loved this series as a teen and they hold up just a well for 45yo me as well. ITs pure space Opera and 1980's geo-politics on a solar system wide scale - but that's just backdrop for a well-written, engrossing story.

Refugee can be a harsh read. The story of Hope Hubris and his family's journey to the Land of the Free on Jupiter is not that of a pleasure cruise. There are rapes, murders, sacrifice and heartbreak ... it is not your usual sci-fi thriller - butt its also not a ponderous, difficult...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Stephen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I guess that on the whole I liked this introductory chapter into the Space Tyrant saga. The biographical style of writing worked, the characters were easy to relate to and understand and the story enjoyable to read. It almost got a little repetitive towards the end but overall I'm left wanting to read the next instalment.

I say "I guess" I liked as some of the story was a little too gory in places for my taste. No, not gory...just probably a true depiction of what a harsh environment a space refu...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Jon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Refugee is a little tough to keep reading. Not because of any particular not-to-be-understood genius on the part of the author, but rather because of his insistence in painting the most horrendous sexual scenes he can feasibly manage and still trying to defend them.

The characters, while likable, are a bit far fetched in their reactions to things. Namely, that Hope Hubris is the sexual desire of all women. And of course by saying "all", Anthony certainly includes Hope's younger sister.

An interest...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Terri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-52-in-52

I had the complete Bio of a Space Tyrant series as a college student and I was thrilled to discover that they were available on Kindle. As a young college student I didn't pick up on the political subtext to the story...the parallel to the plight of the "boat people" under the policies of Reagan...I was just caught up in the tragic adventure of young Hope Hubris and his family. While the Space Tyrant series is quite dark, especially compared to Piers Anthony's other series, it remains a great re...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Jeremy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Piers Anthony, particularly the Incarnations of Immortality series. I picked up Refugee hoping to get into another series of his, but I honestly can't bring myself to continue with this series. It's like watching a really good, but really depressing, movie. I came away from it impressed, and I don't regret having read it, but there was difficult material in here. I just don't think I want to live in this series' world any longer. Five star writing, minus one for being so depressing that I...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Fred Malpass rated it 2 of 5 stars

This series is so mind boggling in its badness. The hero is named Hope Hubris.... HOPE HUBRIS! It is the usual weird male dominated immature sex romp kinda sleaze he is known for, but somehow amplified and in space. All this being said, I read the book, then the next, then the next. I stopped at three, because I couldn't find a used copy in the usual cheap book store I went to. I do have a sneaking feeling that if I do see the 4th for under a buck I will subject myself to the series again, glutt...more

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Jun 04, 2010 William Bentrim rated it 1 of 5 stars

Bio of a Space Tyrant Refugee Vol.1 and Mercenary Vol. 2 by Pierce Anthony

Volume 1 details how Hope Hubris reaches Jupiter and the horrific conditions he faced on getting there. Volume 2 details the rise of Hope Hubris in the Jupiter Navy and his campaign against the asteroid belt pirates. The books purpose to be the biography of the tyrant of Jupiter. It is written in almost a text book style.

I have mixed feelings about the book. Anthony seemed intent on providing a sense of normalcy for all...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Lynn Mccorry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: past-books-i-have-loved

I absolutely loved the entire series of "Bio of a Space Tyrant". A wonderful sci-fi series by the great and prolific Piers Anthony. Unlike many of his other books which are more fantasy related, this one is all science fiction. It follows the story of Hope, a refugee who (as the books progress) becomes a galactic leader. There are a lot of political themes in these books and you not only get to know Hope, the politician but also Hope, the man behind the politician. Wonderful read!

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May 20, 2012 Mont'ster rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: got-it, science-fiction

At the outset I'll say that I've enjoyed many of Piers Anthony's books. While I did enjoy this book (and I'm continuing on with the series) it is VERY important for a reader to realize that this is NOT in the vein of the Xanth novels. In my opinion, this series is shaping up to be much darker than either the Xanth or Incarnations of Immortality series. Be warned that Anthony is not writing here for kids or for a "light read".

I originally started this as a paperback but (as often happens to me)...more

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Nov 05, 2009 Dave rated it 4 of 5 stars

The start of my favorite series by Piers Anthony. Much grittier and more graphic than his other fantasy novels. Bio of a Space Tyrant follows the life of Hope Hubris as he goes from refugee to the leader of Jupiter. The story and characters are great. The scope of the series is incredibly epic and following the main character through is very rewarding. I would definitely recommend this series as long as you're not offended by more adult material.

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Jan 19, 2013 Sharen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book after reading book #2 in the series. I passed it by several times because I didn't like the cover art. I learned my lesson about judging a book by it's cover. This book and all the others in the series has been an integral part of my personal development since I first read it 30 years ago. Whenever things get tough I think of the strength and patience that Hope displayed and I know I will endure and eventually triumph.

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Oct 23, 2012 Michael rated it 3 of 5 stars

I first -- and last -- read this series when it was published, and was curious to see whether it holds up. The first volume, at least, is still pretty good. A mix of high space adventure, political allegory and an attempt at an epic fictional biography (spread over five thick volumes) of a man's rise from refugee to dictator of an empire.

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Jun 26, 2012 Walter Foddis is currently reading it

Shelves: fantasy-science-fiction-horror

I've read most of Anthony's light-hearted, fantasy Xanth novels, as well as his serious and philosophical/metaphysical series, "Incarnations of Immortality." I'm about three chapters into this one, which looks to be a series steeped in socio-political and psychological themes, and I'm enjoying the journey so far.

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May 28, 2010 Bryan457 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: do-not-reread, science-fiction, pirates

I don't really know how to rate this one. I loved it when I was younger' and read it probably more than 10 time, but the thought of reading it today with the rape, death, cannibalism, etc. that is in it. It kind of makes me cringe uncomfortably, and feel like I'm contemplating dipping my brain in slime.

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Feb 17, 2012 Dwayne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

The only thing keeping me from giving this 5 stars is the fact that it's a space opera. However, Star Trek is a space opera, and I really like Star Trek, but I will probably never put a Star Trek novel on this list. Not because many of them aren't well written, but because they are toothpaste on the gums of literature; the Bio of a Space Tyrant series, despite being space opera, is nonetheless made of sterner stuff. It is harsh; several scenes of murder and rape are described--not in luridly gra...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Sam Nerby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

On a whim, and having read his Xanth stuff, I picked this up. Read it back-to-back with Ender's Game, and was very satisfied with the story. Definitely not a Xanth novel, but every bit as enjoyable. Seriously depressing at points, but looking forward to see what comes next for Hope Hubris.

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Mar 06, 2012 Mykl rated it 3 of 5 stars

The series gets off to a bit of a rough start as the reader is beaten over the head with the message thatthe main character has had a rough life/much trauma. Yes everyone DIES!!!!!!
The series does greatly improve after book one but I am concerned that many readers will bail after this volume.

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Jun 11, 2011 Tim Greaton rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this entire series and reread it several times, though not in the last decade. My next reread, I will provide a detailed review. The evolution of the character and of the political changes he accomplishes are so beautifully modeled after the very problems we wrestle with on Earth each day.

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Jul 24, 2012 Peter Coad rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is a pathetic sexualy depraved piece of crap. Sure he can write but what he writes here is enough to make a timid person never to read again.
Picture a teenager on sex drugs and acid with a pen and paper. Piers Anthony should have his hands cut off for writing such rubish.

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Feb 18, 2012 Nicole rated it 2 of 5 stars

Not one of his best pieces. The tone and content are quite disturbing for the gentle minded. Several rapes, one in particular though implied leads to the death of a baby boy which I found to be rather disturbing.

Probably not suited to anyone who is disturbed by that sort of thing.

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About Piers Anthony

Though he spent the first four years of his life in England, Piers never returned to live in his country of birth after moving to Spain and immigrated to America at age six. After graduating with a B.A. from Goddard College, he married one of his fellow students and and spent fifteen years in an assortment of professions before he began writing fiction full-time.

Piers is a self-proclaimed environm...more

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Books by Piers Anthony

On A Pale Horse (Incarnations of Immortality, #1)

Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, #2)

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