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Telnarian Histories #1
The Chieftain
This is the age of the Telnarians. Their vast, corrupt empire spans galaxies, ruling by terror, slavery, and the lash. But, their corruption and brutality could spell their downfall for, on a thousand worlds of swords and science, the savage souls of true men will not be forever chained. A heroic tide is rising-and one warrior is born to lead the barbarian horde. A peasant is sent to the arena, fodder for the carnage...but before the horrified gaze of noble ladies , the warrior named Dog slaughters headsmen, hunters, and beasts to win freedom as a full-fledged gladiator. Then, deep-space rebels attack an Empire ship where Dog performs combat killings for the amusement of the passengers-and the gladiator becomes a rebel. Now, a beautiful officer of the court finds her life depends on the mercy of Dog-the man she ordered put to death! This book will always show mild page toning.
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
John Norman
125 books342 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John Norman, real name John Lange, was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1931. His best known works, the Gor series, currently span 36 books written 1966 (Tarnsman of Gor) to 2021 (Avengers of Gor). Three installments of the Telnarian Histories, plus three other fiction works and a non-fiction paperback. Mr. Norman is married and has three children.
John Norman, real name John Lange, was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1931. His best known works, the Gor series, currently span 36 books written 1966 (Tarnsman of Gor) to 2021 (Avengers of Gor). Three installments of the Telnarian Histories, plus three other fiction works and a non-fiction paperback. Mr. Norman is married and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 8, 2009
This was Norman's attempt to start a new series with a more SF slant, with a star spanning empire that is quite similar to a Roman empire of the stars. I sort of liked how it started out but when Norman went back to the same old themes about female slavery I just threw up my hands.
January 22, 2015
John Norman regurgitating the same stuff
I was asked to read The Chieftain as a prelude to reading John Norman’s latest novel, The Usurper. I hoped that the author had found a new direction for his writing but was disappointed to find that the new series of science fiction books are merely the Gor books revisited in a different context.
All the Norman traits are there: endless repetition and the total sexual and other subjugation of women. Men are macho, strong and dominating; woman are soft, weak and to be treated as slaves.
The plotline is largely irrelevant and the characters fairly one-dimensional.
A disappointing read – but the author’s fans may well lap it up. I shall not be reading The Usurper – what’s the point?
I was asked to read The Chieftain as a prelude to reading John Norman’s latest novel, The Usurper. I hoped that the author had found a new direction for his writing but was disappointed to find that the new series of science fiction books are merely the Gor books revisited in a different context.
All the Norman traits are there: endless repetition and the total sexual and other subjugation of women. Men are macho, strong and dominating; woman are soft, weak and to be treated as slaves.
The plotline is largely irrelevant and the characters fairly one-dimensional.
A disappointing read – but the author’s fans may well lap it up. I shall not be reading The Usurper – what’s the point?
January 27, 2015
This review is based on the eARC received from NetGalley. The original book was initially published in 1991.
The Chieftan is the first of the Telnarian histories. It does a nice job of setting the further story, but can be a slow read. There are a number of passages which become repetitive and the early part of the story has the unfortunate tendency to jump from one perspective to another which can be confusing at best. There are a number of reviews from the past which decry some of the explicit sex and behavior of the characters. Given that we live in a world where poorly written BDSM fiction has been on the NY Times Best Seller list, many readers will be unfazed by the action in this series.
The Chieftan is the first of the Telnarian histories. It does a nice job of setting the further story, but can be a slow read. There are a number of passages which become repetitive and the early part of the story has the unfortunate tendency to jump from one perspective to another which can be confusing at best. There are a number of reviews from the past which decry some of the explicit sex and behavior of the characters. Given that we live in a world where poorly written BDSM fiction has been on the NY Times Best Seller list, many readers will be unfazed by the action in this series.
February 12, 2015
Book gifted from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cover :- 3 stars
Sex/steaminess :- 2 stars
Story line :- 3 stars
Characters :- 3 stars
Overall rating :- 2.75 stars
Personal rating :- 3 stars
Book Pairing:- M/F when Romance or sex was present
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review Read
Why I chose this book?
I was asked to Review this title
What I liked about this book.
* The story had potential
What I didn't like about this book.
* Some parts of the book seemed to drag and some of the dialogue was boring.
* I didn't get on with certain themes of the book.
Would I read more from this author?
I'll give Him another shot
Would I recommend this book?
Not really.
Cover :- 3 stars
Sex/steaminess :- 2 stars
Story line :- 3 stars
Characters :- 3 stars
Overall rating :- 2.75 stars
Personal rating :- 3 stars
Book Pairing:- M/F when Romance or sex was present
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review Read
Why I chose this book?
I was asked to Review this title
What I liked about this book.
* The story had potential
What I didn't like about this book.
* Some parts of the book seemed to drag and some of the dialogue was boring.
* I didn't get on with certain themes of the book.
Would I read more from this author?
I'll give Him another shot
Would I recommend this book?
Not really.
July 3, 2015
I came across this on Netgalley and decided to give it a shot. I have tried and tried to finish this but I just can't. It was just so boring. I could not get into it. Just not the book for me. Definitely a DNF for me.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews