Cruiser Dreams

Kerrion Empire #2

by Janet E. Morris

FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED SILISTRA QUARTET. The cruisers called. She answered.Cruiser Dreams, Book II in the three-book Kerrion Empire saga Cruiser Dreams . . . She is heir to an empire beyond all imagining, where interstellar cruisers have become increasingly sentient and man's role among the stars is transformed. In this epic of political treachery, interstellar security, human passion, and artificial intelligence, Morris writes the saga of the fiery girl Shebat, stolen away from a decaying and primitive Earth to be the adoptive heir to the Kerrion Empire. Molded to serve the designs of the Kerrion state, Shebat instead becomes the harbinger of change sweeping the civilized stars. Against the chaotic background of simultaneous social and technological revolutions, Shebat finds that the man she loves is her implacable enemy, that the man she reluctantly married is perhaps her single ally, and that her space-faring cruiser may be her only true friend.

Genres: Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fantasy, Space Opera

404 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Janet Ellen Morris (born May 25, 1946) is a United States author. She began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 20 novels, many co-authored with David Drake or her husband Chris Morris. She has contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell. Most of her work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written several works of non-fiction.

Morris was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1980.

In 1995, Morris and her husband and frequent co-writer Christopher Morris founded M2 Tech. Since that time, their writing output has decreased in proportion to the success of the company, which works with U.S. federal and military agencies on non-lethal weapon systems and software.

Reviews

[Gale Stanley]

Politics, suspense, sci-fi - this book is an exciting addition to the epic saga.

[Andrew Weston]

Cruiser Dreams
Following on from Dream Dancer, Cruiser Dreams explores the continuing story of Shebat – Earth brat, outsider, and adoptive daughter and heir to the Kerrion Empire – and of the ongoing struggle she endures in the face of familial backbiting, intergalactic political intrigue and cosmos spanning dynastic aspirations.
But as we soon discover, it’s also a story about perspective: about embracing change or welcoming stagnation; choosing right or wrong; promoting rejection or acceptance. It’s a story where what “is” needs to be recognized, while what “might be” must still be brought into being.
Cruiserkind is evolving into more – much more – than the sum of their component parts and supremely advanced AI. The addition of the human mind and its freedom to express itself in any way it desires adds a hitherto unknown dynamic to the greater holistic “self” enjoyed by/between the ships that draws them into an entirely new narrative. One that encompasses a symphonic unity ushering them toward a higher and more complete kind of “being” than ever before.
But how to tread the minefield of this dawning new age?
Employing richly descriptive and meaningful prose, Morris is able to encompass a depth of understanding and expression that allows the reader to explore – and then savor – the full nuance of the symbiosis experienced by those brave pilots risking insanity, and their increasingly sophisticated, near sentient ships, and how that burgeoning relationship almost brings an empire to its knees.
Ethical and philosophical dilemmas abound. Is loyalty and love enough to win the day?
Find out in a superbly entertaining space opera that is as astute in its insight as it is disturbing

[William O'Brien]

Cruiser Dreams: Book II in the Kerrion Empire three-book saga
by Janet Morris, Christopher Morris

After reading Book I in the Kerrion Empire I was eager to pick up Book II.

Again, an amazing read! An excellent addition to my bookshelf.

Highly recommended.

[Sean]

Morris was way ahead of her time, envisioning the Internet, space-time foam and the practical use of quantum mechanics. Really enjoyed seeing the growth of the main character and having my expectations of other characters turned upside down. Fascinating story of humans as both familiar and alien. Highly recommend this series!

[Sam]

Enjoyed this entry, especially the further progress with the cruiser's AI sentience. I still had a hard time liking Shebat, too emotional, but at least she was a little more in control of her fate this time.

[Young Young]

This Sci-fi saga is a must-read. You wouldn't be disappointed.

[Judith Trail]

This second in the trilogy seemed to lose steam and direction. There was too much exposition and philosophical meditation on the evolution of cruiser consciousness, which interrupted the narrative and the actual story concerning the actions of the characters. More attention should have been spent on explaining exactly why the man, Marada, was considered mad for opposing cruiser consciousness: was it a threat to commerce and shipping, was it the strength the pilot's guild could obtain to oppose the ruling class, was it the loss of control over what could be a very dangerous weapon? These ideas are suggested but not fully explained or if they were in fact real objections, why were they considered unreasonable? Also, Shebat's character arc seems to stall, with her acting quite childish and confused, without a clear set of beliefs or goals. She basically just cries alot and kisses her husband, losing all positive momentum in maturing. She acts without motive or demonstrates confusing reasoning. Why would Ashera want to see her son, Julian, who has changed into a siren? Why does Shebat still love and defend Softa David Spry? Why does she love the man Marada, who has never done anything to help her? This book lost its clear narrative path and also any attempt at explaining the characters' actions. Disappointing after the strong first novel.

[Dee]

Cruiser Dreams, is mix of fantasy and science fiction seamlessly blended together. The world building was so good and the characters very likeable. Packed with intrigue and intertwining romance this story is sure to hit the spot for readers of most genres.

[Natalie Barros]

I read the first one and enjoyed it, but I just couldn't finish this one cause Sebat as a lead femme just utterly disappointed and pisses me off. I hate it when female authors write weak female characters

[Brent Moffitt]

This, the second in the series, was even more disjointed than the first. It makes me wonder what drug she was on when she wrote this.

[Irene]

Such a good story & characters! Can't wait for book #3.

[James]

The Battle of Wilson's Creek

[Clyde]

Just finished a re-read of Cruiser Dreams. Morris's Kerrion Empire books hold up well some thirty years after their original publications.
Good space opera.

[William O'Brien]

Cruiser Dreams
Janet E. Morris

A wonderful story - takes you into another world.

Superb.