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Phaedra: Alastor 824
Wake the living Galleons at your peril...
The Elder Race once ruled the entire Alastor cluster. Fierce predators, they tore suns from the sky, leaving the worlds of their enemies to freeze in the dark. Now only the Galleons are left: living ships that sail the world river which girds Phaedra: Alastor 824.
After the death of his father, Gunnar arrives on that ancient world, trying to find a new home. Having two girlfriends sounds like a good start, but Lavoine is the deeply tricky daughter of the last Voodoo queen, and Semele a fierce huntress who has sworn never to kiss a boy until she Walks with the Galleons. And now Lavoine is trying to wake up the Galleons and bring back the Elders.
The Elder Race once ruled the entire Alastor cluster. Fierce predators, they tore suns from the sky, leaving the worlds of their enemies to freeze in the dark. Now only the Galleons are left: living ships that sail the world river which girds Phaedra: Alastor 824.
After the death of his father, Gunnar arrives on that ancient world, trying to find a new home. Having two girlfriends sounds like a good start, but Lavoine is the deeply tricky daughter of the last Voodoo queen, and Semele a fierce huntress who has sworn never to kiss a boy until she Walks with the Galleons. And now Lavoine is trying to wake up the Galleons and bring back the Elders.
- GenresScience Fiction
219 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2019
11 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Tais Teng
283 books46 followersTais Teng works as a writer, cover artist, illustrator and sculptor. He also paints murals and decors for theater.
Tais Teng is the artist name of Thijs van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen
Tais Teng is the artist name of Thijs van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 17, 2019
“Phaedra: Alastor 824” by Tais Teng is a standalone ‘Alastor Cluster’ novel, with the full permission and co-operation of the Jack Vance estate and takes place in the Jack Vance Universe of the Gaean Reach, as does most of Mr. Vance’s space stories. The book is a worthy inclusion alongside of “Trullion: Alastor 2262”, “Marune: Alastor 933”, “Wyst: Alastor 1716”, I believe Vance’s “Demon Prince” series also take place in the Gaean Reach location.
It becomes apparent that Dutchman Tais Teng, the pen name of artist, poet, sculptor and author Thijs van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen, has been a long time Vance fan, and it is claimed in his bio that he has written more than 120 novels for both adults and children, most in his native language.
Mr. Teng does not try to be Vance. He creates the flavor and aroma almost Vanceian. The story is similar to the ones utilized by Vance, concerning a young protagonist coming of age in a strange location and having to come to terms with a major conflict not of his making. Mr. Tang does not exhibit the narrative abilities of Vance, nor the smooth seamless transitions that Vance is capable of. Yet he does tell a good story incorporating engaging humor and the necessary conflict to move the narrative forward.
In this novel we follow the exploits of young Gunnar as he arrives on the ancient world of Phaedra after the death of his soldier father. The planet once contained an ancient Elder Race who ruled the entire Alistor cluster. The race has now long disappeared leaving only Living ships that sail the world river that girds Phaedra completely and is twenty miles wide in portions.
Someone is trying to awaken the Elder Race which will bring havoc to the entire cluster.
Gunnar is the only person who stands in the way of utter chaos.
This is the first entry into the "Paladins Of Vance" series from Spatterlight publishers.
It becomes apparent that Dutchman Tais Teng, the pen name of artist, poet, sculptor and author Thijs van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen, has been a long time Vance fan, and it is claimed in his bio that he has written more than 120 novels for both adults and children, most in his native language.
Mr. Teng does not try to be Vance. He creates the flavor and aroma almost Vanceian. The story is similar to the ones utilized by Vance, concerning a young protagonist coming of age in a strange location and having to come to terms with a major conflict not of his making. Mr. Tang does not exhibit the narrative abilities of Vance, nor the smooth seamless transitions that Vance is capable of. Yet he does tell a good story incorporating engaging humor and the necessary conflict to move the narrative forward.
In this novel we follow the exploits of young Gunnar as he arrives on the ancient world of Phaedra after the death of his soldier father. The planet once contained an ancient Elder Race who ruled the entire Alistor cluster. The race has now long disappeared leaving only Living ships that sail the world river that girds Phaedra completely and is twenty miles wide in portions.
Someone is trying to awaken the Elder Race which will bring havoc to the entire cluster.
Gunnar is the only person who stands in the way of utter chaos.
This is the first entry into the "Paladins Of Vance" series from Spatterlight publishers.
April 29, 2020
I've got some mixed feelings about this one.
Tais Teng is a writer I'm pretty familiar with, mostly through his short (Dutch language) fiction. One of his strengths is his unbridled imagination, but on the other hand sometimes his worldbuilding takes the front seat, with the verisimilitude suffering because of that.
He is influenced by Vance, so his paying homage to Vance by adding a new installment in the Alastor series felt right in his wheelhouse.
So, did he succeed in writing an Alastor novel? Yes, and no. If it wasn't an explicit Alastor novel, I might have rated it higher. While it's definitely written in a Vancian mode. His characters and plot are spot on. On the other hand, he is introducing a few elements that felt really out of place to me.
The book is littered with references to Earth history (Greek goddesses, Alan Turing), which is usually something Vance isn't doing or in a very limited way. I didn't really appreciate Teng explaining why there is no AI in Vance's setting. It's just not there, there's no need to explain it. It felt like a fan fiction theory.
Next to that are the plot elements that involve the Connatic, the ruler of the Alastor cluster in a way more hands on mode than in the other novels, and raising the stakes for the whole of the cluster by introducing some very high powered aliens. Of course you want to add your own additions to the settings, but these felt really un-Vancian.
So weirdly enough, by making it an explicit addition to the Vance series, made me actually enjoy just a bit less. It might be my own limited view of course.
I would invite every fan of the Alastor books to check it out and try it for themselves. I'd be very interested how what other Vance fans would rate this book!
Tais Teng is a writer I'm pretty familiar with, mostly through his short (Dutch language) fiction. One of his strengths is his unbridled imagination, but on the other hand sometimes his worldbuilding takes the front seat, with the verisimilitude suffering because of that.
He is influenced by Vance, so his paying homage to Vance by adding a new installment in the Alastor series felt right in his wheelhouse.
So, did he succeed in writing an Alastor novel? Yes, and no. If it wasn't an explicit Alastor novel, I might have rated it higher. While it's definitely written in a Vancian mode. His characters and plot are spot on. On the other hand, he is introducing a few elements that felt really out of place to me.
The book is littered with references to Earth history (Greek goddesses, Alan Turing), which is usually something Vance isn't doing or in a very limited way. I didn't really appreciate Teng explaining why there is no AI in Vance's setting. It's just not there, there's no need to explain it. It felt like a fan fiction theory.
Next to that are the plot elements that involve the Connatic, the ruler of the Alastor cluster in a way more hands on mode than in the other novels, and raising the stakes for the whole of the cluster by introducing some very high powered aliens. Of course you want to add your own additions to the settings, but these felt really un-Vancian.
So weirdly enough, by making it an explicit addition to the Vance series, made me actually enjoy just a bit less. It might be my own limited view of course.
I would invite every fan of the Alastor books to check it out and try it for themselves. I'd be very interested how what other Vance fans would rate this book!
February 13, 2025
The author's statement isn't introductory, and this leads a reader to wonder if this was written by some work-for-hire agreement. But then you see the little mentions nestled into the whole--a "bonterfest", "pull a Gersen", at least one cameo appearance--that recategorize it as a tribute or exploration of an original series that could easily have accommodated more entries.
I don't think any idea here is strictly incompatible with Vance's writings, but orthodox readers may find that what Teng explored will likely not fit into their headcanon. There is more technology. There is more reference to ancient Earth culture (deliciously distorted through the lens of many centuries and if you don't laugh out loud at the adventures of "Rambo the Barbarian" then GOOD DAY TO YOU SIR). There is a plot that is not conveniently provincial to Phaedra and draws in many other Alastor worlds. There is cosmic entities and widespread danger instead of the cultural noodling-about that Vance reveled in.
Then again there is also the cultural noodling-about that runs until the plot snaps into place, and a talented yet callow youth who has to grow into this weird planet.
I'm glad I read it. I hope Teng is invited to write more of them.
I don't think any idea here is strictly incompatible with Vance's writings, but orthodox readers may find that what Teng explored will likely not fit into their headcanon. There is more technology. There is more reference to ancient Earth culture (deliciously distorted through the lens of many centuries and if you don't laugh out loud at the adventures of "Rambo the Barbarian" then GOOD DAY TO YOU SIR). There is a plot that is not conveniently provincial to Phaedra and draws in many other Alastor worlds. There is cosmic entities and widespread danger instead of the cultural noodling-about that Vance reveled in.
Then again there is also the cultural noodling-about that runs until the plot snaps into place, and a talented yet callow youth who has to grow into this weird planet.
I'm glad I read it. I hope Teng is invited to write more of them.
April 5, 2019
As a hardcore Vance fan (I own a copy of the VIE and cooporated in bringing it to life) I have been starving for a new Vance, which obviously will never come. But this book is a good second choice.
The atmosphere of the book is truly Vancian. I like the introductions in the chapters, just as Vance did. I liked the references to Vance (e.g. Trullion and Glinnes) and his coined words ('bonterfest', 'pull a Gersen') and also the descriptions of the strange cultures and planets are a feast for the mind. The story is interesting enough (there is nothing better than a good old fashioned road-trip, or in this case, a planet-trip) so all in all I very much enjoyed reading the book.
But is it a Vance? Close, but not quite yet. Vance was better with language and the use of words. Vance was less (sexually) explicit and relied more on the fantasy of the reader. And, not easily put into words, I am missing 'something'.
That being said, I still hope for more books of Tais Teng, set in the Alastor cluster. With this book he shows himself a worthy successor. That is why I have given five stars.
And one final thing... I want an endless book!
The atmosphere of the book is truly Vancian. I like the introductions in the chapters, just as Vance did. I liked the references to Vance (e.g. Trullion and Glinnes) and his coined words ('bonterfest', 'pull a Gersen') and also the descriptions of the strange cultures and planets are a feast for the mind. The story is interesting enough (there is nothing better than a good old fashioned road-trip, or in this case, a planet-trip) so all in all I very much enjoyed reading the book.
But is it a Vance? Close, but not quite yet. Vance was better with language and the use of words. Vance was less (sexually) explicit and relied more on the fantasy of the reader. And, not easily put into words, I am missing 'something'.
That being said, I still hope for more books of Tais Teng, set in the Alastor cluster. With this book he shows himself a worthy successor. That is why I have given five stars.
And one final thing... I want an endless book!
May 12, 2019
In the series "Palandins of Jack Vance" the novel Phaedra: Alastor 824 by the Dutch writer Tais teng. This novel takes places in Jack Vance’s well beloved story universe of the Alastor books: the far flung future where humanity has spread between the stars and every planet has developed its own unique culture. The young Gunnar arrives with his mother on Pahedra, Alastor 824, a planet where mysterious Elder Galleons sail the equatorial canal and where the inhabitants of every picturesque metropole consider all others mere bumpkins. Two girls catch Gunnar’s heart, the tricky Lavoine who is the last Voodoo queen, and Semele the huntress who is only interested in a boy who is worthy. But when Lovoine is trying to wake up the Elder, the aliens who once moved whole planets and wrote messages on the surface with mountain ranges, things get interesting.
Tais Teng writes a great, colorful novel which is worthy to be called a complement to the books of Jack Vance. It has grand, weird cultures and customs. A great, engaging adventure which was a lot of fun to read. I hope to read more of these books in the future.
Tais Teng writes a great, colorful novel which is worthy to be called a complement to the books of Jack Vance. It has grand, weird cultures and customs. A great, engaging adventure which was a lot of fun to read. I hope to read more of these books in the future.
May 21, 2020
A very good read - but not Vance
A cracking good read set in Jack Vance’s Alastor Cluster. It’s a good story, with some interesting twists and turns. And yet, it is not Jack Vance, and the author makes no pretence that it is. It lacks that certain undefinable something which made Jack Vance’s writing such a joy to read. Perhaps his sense of humour? Still, I recommend it to any Vance fans.
A cracking good read set in Jack Vance’s Alastor Cluster. It’s a good story, with some interesting twists and turns. And yet, it is not Jack Vance, and the author makes no pretence that it is. It lacks that certain undefinable something which made Jack Vance’s writing such a joy to read. Perhaps his sense of humour? Still, I recommend it to any Vance fans.
October 21, 2021
Too many references and cliches
One reason we read Vance is to get away from this world. Most Vance novels have zero references to Earth culture. The big idea is that Earth has been forgotten, and even those who suggest there was once an earth are doubted by the consensus. This novel has earth references on every page, callbacks, alluusions and cliches. That is fine for this author and their fans if they enjoy that. But to be included in this Vance Series, I hope future authors create new cultures like Vance did, rather than rehashing our current culture. In this regard author Matthew Hughes (also in this series)comes much closer to Vance's style.
One reason we read Vance is to get away from this world. Most Vance novels have zero references to Earth culture. The big idea is that Earth has been forgotten, and even those who suggest there was once an earth are doubted by the consensus. This novel has earth references on every page, callbacks, alluusions and cliches. That is fine for this author and their fans if they enjoy that. But to be included in this Vance Series, I hope future authors create new cultures like Vance did, rather than rehashing our current culture. In this regard author Matthew Hughes (also in this series)comes much closer to Vance's style.
June 4, 2019
9 Mijn recensie van dit boek verschijnt eerst in Fantastische Vertellingen nr 51. Neem een abonnement, dan hoef je niets te missen!
February 20, 2022
Poor effort
Not worthy in any way. An incoherent space opera with clumsy insertions of a few names from Jack Vance's work. By the way, the plural of 'carp' is 'carp'.
Not worthy in any way. An incoherent space opera with clumsy insertions of a few names from Jack Vance's work. By the way, the plural of 'carp' is 'carp'.
January 30, 2022
The fist half of the book is an absolutely delicious pastiche of Vance's Alastor books, sly, funny and wildly imaginative. The second half is more a picaresque and too fragmented for its own good. Lots of ideas and one-offs are brought in to disappear within the space of a paragraph; scenery changes at a breakneck pace and there are far too many deus ex machinas popping their ugly heads all over the landscape. One star off for that, so three stars--but a very strong three, almost a four.
October 23, 2022
A surprisingly delightful read! Told with love for Jack Vance's work, and a welcome return to the Alastor cluster. Tais does good work in inventing new cultures and worlds that fit in seamlessly with the Alastor universe, and I feel that Vance would approve.
My only gripe with the book is that half of the story is based on the actual romantic escapades of Gunnar, with the main overarching "threat" of the elder race feeling more shoehorned into the second half. Still, I enjoyed my time reading this book and hope for more.
My only gripe with the book is that half of the story is based on the actual romantic escapades of Gunnar, with the main overarching "threat" of the elder race feeling more shoehorned into the second half. Still, I enjoyed my time reading this book and hope for more.
October 10, 2021
Vancean but not Vance, quite enjoyable if not up to the work of Jack himself.
December 21, 2024
I have started a few days ago, and so far it seems a fairly nice book. I have been surprised by the number of external references, which - in some cases - are strange.
For example : “You took Lord Azul di Berlusconi” in the second chapter, or “Talk softly and carry an ironwood cudgel”, which reminds me of Roosevelt, or “The right to buy weapons is the right to be free” taken from “The weapons shop of Isher” by A.E. Van Vogt. A curious mixture.
Or, at the end of chapter 4,
“Our house seems to have a name, Justine. ‘Ons Genoegen’. Any idea what that means?”
“Some Old Earth language. You’ll have to ask a pedant.”
This means “Our pleasure “ in Dutch.
I expect more, and maybe something I will not recognize.
Well, book finished, there were other interesting references, at one point even the Weapon Shop and Empress Innelda. How much more Van Vogt can you be ?
It is different from Vance, he never wrote about galaxy shaking events, but it was sufficiently entertaining that I would read with pleasure some other tales in the Alastor cluster.
For example : “You took Lord Azul di Berlusconi” in the second chapter, or “Talk softly and carry an ironwood cudgel”, which reminds me of Roosevelt, or “The right to buy weapons is the right to be free” taken from “The weapons shop of Isher” by A.E. Van Vogt. A curious mixture.
Or, at the end of chapter 4,
“Our house seems to have a name, Justine. ‘Ons Genoegen’. Any idea what that means?”
“Some Old Earth language. You’ll have to ask a pedant.”
This means “Our pleasure “ in Dutch.
I expect more, and maybe something I will not recognize.
Well, book finished, there were other interesting references, at one point even the Weapon Shop and Empress Innelda. How much more Van Vogt can you be ?
It is different from Vance, he never wrote about galaxy shaking events, but it was sufficiently entertaining that I would read with pleasure some other tales in the Alastor cluster.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews