Maeve

Diadem #4

by Jo Clayton

DAW Books paperback original, one of several printings issued between 1979 and 1990. This is the fourth book in the Diadem series of science fantasy / space opera novels.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

220 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Jo Clayton, whose parents named her after Jo in Little Women, was born and raised in Modesto, California. She and her three sisters shared a room and took turns telling each other bedtime stories. One of her sisters noted that Jo's stories were the best, and often contained science fiction and fantasy elements.

Clayton graduated from the University of California in 1963, Summa Cum Laude, and started teaching near Los Angeles.

In 1969, after a religious experience, she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, joining the teaching order Sisters of Mount Carmel as a novice. She left three years later, before taking final orders.

During her time in New Orleans, Clayton sold sketches and paintings in Pioneer Square to supplement her income.

After being robbed several times, Clayton moved to Portland, Oregon in 1983. She remained there for the rest of her life.

Clayton was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1996. Jo continued to write during her year and a half in the hospital. She finished Drum Calls, the second book of the Drums of Chaos series, and was halfway through the third and final book when she lost her struggle with multiple myeloma in February, 1998.

Literary executor Katherine Kerr made arrangements with established author Kevin Andrew Murphy to finish the third book of the Drums of Chaos series. It is now completed.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing her quest to find her mother's home, Aleytys of Jaydugar finds herself on Maeve, where she becomes embroiled in a conflict between the native inhabitants and the corporation that is exploiting its natural resources. We get closure to the ongoing matter of Lee's stolen baby, and she transitions to a new chapter of her life. Still an enjoyable series with a likeable, liberated heroine.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the “A Novel of the Diadem” tagline on the cover, I was unaware that this was part of a series (though that was pretty obvious from the first chapter). Despite this, it was still enjoyable on its own, though a little bit of wrap-up from a previous adventure appeared at the end. I really enjoyed this novel overall – it was a lot of fun. Aleytys was a strong, capable heroine that was also relatable (she has several flaws or weaknesses, like a normal person would, such as being unable to work a boat). The other main character (ok, so I read this novel like two weeks ago and forget his name) was an interesting character who changed dramatically over the course of the novel.
The novel did feel like part of a series at times – there was no sense of finality at the end, but that didn’t detract from the story (in fact, I want to find the next one!). There were some flaws – the climax was a little rushed and it felt like the first half of the novel and the second could have been expanded to be separate novels. Some other aspects also seemed to wrap up very quickly or weren’t expanded on enough.
But, it was a lot of fun! I definitely enjoyed it. Also, alien sexy time. Bonus!

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series and book that fans of Zimmer and Norton will love. Strong female protagonist and interesting characters. Hopefully someone will reprint this so people can rediscover this lost great series.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining sci-fi read that has good flow and stays true to its plotline. Definitely one to pick up if you want a light enjoyable read.

[Myla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have kinda complicated feelings on this one. I picked it up in a used bookstore a few years ago, not knowing anything about the diadem series. Therefore, I spent some of this book trying to figure out the magic system and how Aleytys’ powers work. I also tried to figure out who this character was and how she got here. That experience was incredibly enjoyable, and there is more than enough information to understand what’s going on, and how Aleytys is different from the rest of the characters. I also really enjoyed the broad strokes of the story for the most part. However. This story is only broad strokes. The easiest way to put it is that the author tells instead of shows. So someone will say how much a character has changed, without showing that change or even showing how it happened. Gwynnor changes a lot throughout this story, but it feels like those changes happen between pages instead of in them.

[Jorgon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A major step forward for both Aleytys as a hero and Jo Clayton as a writer. Most of the purpleness of the previous volumes has been diluted to more spare shades. Aleytys actually moves about and thinks for herself! And the books is recognizably science-fiction, despite the presence of wibbly-wobbly mentalism, healing powers and planetary spirits. But Clayton tackles some interesting themes here, from ecological to corporate malfeasance, and despite a curiously shallow and rush resolution, this is still a worthy, if minor, read.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one of the series so far! A bit more of a classic adventure story in this one but I feel the slower start was good for a few things. Aleytys and the other diamdem characters became a lot more “solid” for me since we saw them talk in non-crisis situations. The world building and tech was also more descriptive and immersive. Honestly a lot happens in this book considering how short it is!

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a looking for a copy of this one, missing from my Diadem collection.