Before Man and insectlike Thranx had become allies, when the reptilian AAnn were just occasional raiders of Thranx colony worlds, one young Thranx ...
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Nov 12, 2011
Fred D
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This was the first book I ever read by Alan Dean Foster. I had perhaps an unusual reaction to this book. I really, really loved this book. Perhaps he didn't mean to be that powerful, but I was really touched by it. It is the story of the First Contact between two sentient races, the Thranx and the Humans. It is told from the point of view of the Thranx, an insect-like race resembling praying mantises. The main character is a Thranx agricultural engineer named Ryo. I quickly and very strongly ide
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Dec 20, 2011
Kelley
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Sep 05, 2010
David C.
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This novel is an engaging first contact story set some centuries from now and told from an alien's point of view. The alien here is a Thranx; the Thranx are a race of sentient beings reminiscent of giant praying mantises. While the alien's appearance is definitely non-human, his thoughts and feelings are quite akin to those expressed by humans. In the best tradition of first contact stories, this novel makes keen observations about humanity by comparing it to a sentient race equal in technology
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Sep 27, 2011
Banner
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Written from the POV of the alien (humans are the monsters in this story) we learn a great deal about the culture of the Thranx. I love the first chapter which introduces us to Ryo (the protagonist). He is cunning, resourceful and drawn to the humans for some unexplainable reason.
I've not read any other books in the Humanx Commonwealth series and I don't think I missed anything by starting here. I am interested to see where this series goes with the human & Thranx relationship now More...
I've not read any other books in the Humanx Commonwealth series and I don't think I missed anything by starting here. I am interested to see where this series goes with the human & Thranx relationship now More...
Dec 13, 2011
Michelle
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Absolutely amazing book about the problems alien races have with first contact.
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Sep 25, 2011
Bradley
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This is one of those books which opens its arms and welcomes you home. So much more than a page-turner, this book is a prime example of why I love science fiction and fantasy. I lost myself in this world and read it all in one sitting in the middle of the night. This is one of those rare books that is a must-have. I wildly recommend it. My dreams after reading were almost as good. My imagination raged about how *I* would have continued the story. Great book. All I have is sleepy and determined p
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Aug 19, 2010
Max
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Awesome book that in my opinion realistically describes the strains between alien races in achieving an alliance. Author is especially clever in devising the plan the protagonist carries out unify the races,
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Jun 14, 2011
Shanna
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This is the first meeting between man and thranx. It was a wonderful portrayal of how two completely alien species would view each other.
Jun 24, 2008
B. Zedan
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This is one of the books I totally stole from my mom when I moved out because I couldn't imagine not having it around. Fascinating insectoid space-faring race! They smell like flowers! First contact with humans!
And, as usual, Foster is kind of a bio nerd, which is endlessly enjoyable when applied to world building.
And, as usual, Foster is kind of a bio nerd, which is endlessly enjoyable when applied to world building.
May 15, 2008
Deirdre
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This book has, in my mind, the best starting line ever...
"It's hard to be a larva." Beyond that I don't think it's the strongest book in Foster's Commonwealth series, but it sets the perfect tone.
"It's hard to be a larva." Beyond that I don't think it's the strongest book in Foster's Commonwealth series, but it sets the perfect tone.
Mar 04, 2009
Marianne
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Friendship between giant intelligent bug and man, from the perspective of bug. An interesting view of humanity from the outside.
Aug 29, 2010
Sarah
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I really enjoyed this book. I read in between the races at the Del Mar Race track.
Feb 11, 2012
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