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Spider Trilogy #1
The Warriors of Spider
World…a planet of primitive warrior tribes who’d forgotten their lost Earth heritage—or home to a secret that could blow a star empire apart?
The Directorate was run by the powerful few—genetically altered humans permanently linked with the Gi-net, the massive computer network which contained everything there was to know about the planets and space stations claimed by humankind. For centuries, the Directorate had ruled over countless star systems, its authority absolute and unquestioned. But now, stirrings of rebellion were being felt in this far-flung, commercial empire.
And at this crucial time, the Directorate had discovered a planet out beyond its farthest reaches, a place known only as World, where the descendants of humans stranded long ago by a starship crash had survived by becoming a race of warriors, a race led by its Prophets, men with the ability to see the many possible pathways of the future. Men who had already foreseen the coming of the Directorate’s Patrol ship Bullet—and were preparing their warriors of Spider for this first contact in which even one wrong choice could destroy both World and empire…
The Directorate was run by the powerful few—genetically altered humans permanently linked with the Gi-net, the massive computer network which contained everything there was to know about the planets and space stations claimed by humankind. For centuries, the Directorate had ruled over countless star systems, its authority absolute and unquestioned. But now, stirrings of rebellion were being felt in this far-flung, commercial empire.
And at this crucial time, the Directorate had discovered a planet out beyond its farthest reaches, a place known only as World, where the descendants of humans stranded long ago by a starship crash had survived by becoming a race of warriors, a race led by its Prophets, men with the ability to see the many possible pathways of the future. Men who had already foreseen the coming of the Directorate’s Patrol ship Bullet—and were preparing their warriors of Spider for this first contact in which even one wrong choice could destroy both World and empire…
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
28 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
183 books729 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 18, 2017
Another book from my book club that I would not have chosen to read myself, but I liked it well enough. What's interesting about this book is the marriage of two very different genres: Old West "Cowboys and Indians" (or maybe just historical fiction about Native Americans) and Space Opera.
Humans have left Earth and formed an advanced civilization (The Directorate) colonizing the galaxy, ruled by genetically modified human super-computers. The Directors maintain a status-quo based on minimizing risk and micro-managing potential cultural disturbances. This delicate balance is thrown into question when a civilization is discovered on a distant planet: the remains of a prison ship housing Native American dissidents that crash landed on the planet centuries before. A team of anthropologists are sent to study the feral civilization, accompanied by a military unit under orders to sterilize the planet should there be any potential threat to the Directorate. A preliminary scan of the planet discovers a large deposit of Unobtanium (here called toron, which forms in supernovas and is used to fuel space travel) necessitating intervention on the planet.
But wait, there's more! Not only has this feral civilization recreated an old Earth Native American society, predicated on raiding and collecting "coup" (i.e., scalping their enemies), they are ruled by a small group of elders who... wait for it... are capable of seeing the future. That all of this is presented matter-of-factly and doesn't descend into camp is a testament to W. Michael Gear's careful world-and-universe-building. Or maybe it does descend into camp, which is not a bad thing, because it gives us scenes like the fussy anthropologist collecting her first scalp and falling in love with the rugged Native American warrior and his broad, muscular shoulders and long, windblown hair. It's bizarre, but fun.
Humans have left Earth and formed an advanced civilization (The Directorate) colonizing the galaxy, ruled by genetically modified human super-computers. The Directors maintain a status-quo based on minimizing risk and micro-managing potential cultural disturbances. This delicate balance is thrown into question when a civilization is discovered on a distant planet: the remains of a prison ship housing Native American dissidents that crash landed on the planet centuries before. A team of anthropologists are sent to study the feral civilization, accompanied by a military unit under orders to sterilize the planet should there be any potential threat to the Directorate. A preliminary scan of the planet discovers a large deposit of Unobtanium (here called toron, which forms in supernovas and is used to fuel space travel) necessitating intervention on the planet.
But wait, there's more! Not only has this feral civilization recreated an old Earth Native American society, predicated on raiding and collecting "coup" (i.e., scalping their enemies), they are ruled by a small group of elders who... wait for it... are capable of seeing the future. That all of this is presented matter-of-factly and doesn't descend into camp is a testament to W. Michael Gear's careful world-and-universe-building. Or maybe it does descend into camp, which is not a bad thing, because it gives us scenes like the fussy anthropologist collecting her first scalp and falling in love with the rugged Native American warrior and his broad, muscular shoulders and long, windblown hair. It's bizarre, but fun.
August 25, 2023
Indianer im Weltall. Das Sternenreich der Menschen ist schwach und dekadent. Computer und der zum menschlichen Computer gezüchtete Direktor und seine Kollegen beherrschen alle Planeten mit straffer Hand und mit einer Planwirtschaft. Der Status Quo soll mit allen Mitteln erhalten werden. Abweichler werden per Gehirnwäsche auf Linie gebracht. Die nur leicht Aufmüpfigen werden in den Patrouillendienst ins Weltall gesteckt.
Der Autor scheint auf Indianer-Romane spezialisiert. Hier hat er das nun mit SF vermixt, was schon originell und schräg ist.
Anfangs gefällt mir auch gewisse realistische Aspekte. Aber dann wird es irgendwie mühsam.
Die Dialoge finde ich nicht sehr gelungen, das Verhalten der Leute missfällt.
Das vage Hin und Her bezüglich der indianischen Propheten nervt. Können sie nun genau die Zukunft voraussagen oder nicht? Gibt es einen freien Willen oder nicht? Es bleibt vage.
Weiterhin missfällt mir auch die Entwicklung der Handlung. Die Mischung aus Feminismus (die toughe Soldatin lehrt den Indianerkriegern Respekt) und blöder Romanze (die Anthropologin sehnt sich nach einem richtigen Mann und kriegt einen Indianer) ist nicht gerade stimmig.
Auf S. 300 von 540 breche ich darum ab
Der Autor scheint auf Indianer-Romane spezialisiert. Hier hat er das nun mit SF vermixt, was schon originell und schräg ist.
Anfangs gefällt mir auch gewisse realistische Aspekte. Aber dann wird es irgendwie mühsam.
Die Dialoge finde ich nicht sehr gelungen, das Verhalten der Leute missfällt.
Das vage Hin und Her bezüglich der indianischen Propheten nervt. Können sie nun genau die Zukunft voraussagen oder nicht? Gibt es einen freien Willen oder nicht? Es bleibt vage.
Weiterhin missfällt mir auch die Entwicklung der Handlung. Die Mischung aus Feminismus (die toughe Soldatin lehrt den Indianerkriegern Respekt) und blöder Romanze (die Anthropologin sehnt sich nach einem richtigen Mann und kriegt einen Indianer) ist nicht gerade stimmig.
Auf S. 300 von 540 breche ich darum ab
January 23, 2023
First, let me say to the squeamish that The Warriors of Spider is not an Adrian Tchaikovsky novel, so there are no actual spiders. Spider here is a tribal god, something like Anansi, a trickster whose prophets have limited precognition. The setting is a lost star colony with two ethnic groups, the Spider folk and the Santos. Both are raiding cultures whose warriors gain honor by taking scalps. Things change when the colony is rediscovered by a high-tech Earth ship, whose crew lacks the strong military tradition that has allowed the tribes to survive. The contact with the colony ultimately disrupts the entire interstellar culture. The Warriors of Spider is the first novel by W. Michael Gear, who has gone on to publish 60 novels and numerous works of nonfiction archaeology. In Warriors, he uses the conventions of planetary romance to poke gentle fun at the pretensions of his scientific colleagues while paying tribute to the strength of tribal cultures. 4 stars.
September 27, 2021
It was okay, I guess. Even though “Science Fiction” is one of my favorite genres, the story itself actually made a blasphemy out of God. Yet again, it took me 25 days to read this book, and I’m quite surprised that it took me that long!
June 8, 2024
Excellent Novel
Read this as a young man many, many years ago... Same words, but different reader this time around. It, of course, still holds up and I still enjoyed it!
The book is just great science fiction... Believable characters...a bit more pain for them than most authors would subject them to.
Highly recommend!
(This is a fully functional ebook, but there are a few non-disruptive scanning issues...TH showing as M, for instance)
Read this as a young man many, many years ago... Same words, but different reader this time around. It, of course, still holds up and I still enjoyed it!
The book is just great science fiction... Believable characters...a bit more pain for them than most authors would subject them to.
Highly recommend!
(This is a fully functional ebook, but there are a few non-disruptive scanning issues...TH showing as M, for instance)
August 26, 2020
Sci-fi meets indians; book 1 of the Spider trilogy.
February 13, 2021
Indians in Space and a good dose of philosophy thrown in - fun to read
December 1, 2023
Social science fiction done well. Native American Indians in spaaaace. A fun space adventure in the vein of Heinlein, with new features that surprised me. Will be finishing the rest of the series.
November 12, 2025
This book was interesting at first, but it quickly became too much.
August 28, 2018
The warriors of the Spider, W. Michael Gear
Review:
I am starting to wonder about W. Michael Gear's prophetic ability, again I find one of his books to elaborate on a something that is happening or has happened in society or history. The warriors of the spider refer to the theory of entropy (S = k * Log W) by Ludwig Eduard Boltzmann, how the world or god (spider) takes order and bring it to chaos. How the world challenges man to confront order and bring it to disorder. The story shows a how it would be seen in history with the formation of the Roman Empire, and the disorder of the Fall of Rome. Which is similar to this story in the aspects that a primitive society based on ideals of honor and nobility (Huns in history), on the edge of the known Empire brings the destruction of the Directorate (Empire). They provide inspiration and change just by their interaction with those in the Directorate. This theme had been repeated throughout history, as ordered society is confronted with native peoples farther away. What would happen in the future when man has reached the ability to reach the stars?
As Chester says "You assume that growth must come painlessly. God does not let us of that easily, Director. I am sure you will find two forces in constant opposition all through the history of the species; the quest for order- which you’re Directorate represents _ and the constant fermentations which brew curiosity, experimentation, and innovation." (pg 361)
Review:
I am starting to wonder about W. Michael Gear's prophetic ability, again I find one of his books to elaborate on a something that is happening or has happened in society or history. The warriors of the spider refer to the theory of entropy (S = k * Log W) by Ludwig Eduard Boltzmann, how the world or god (spider) takes order and bring it to chaos. How the world challenges man to confront order and bring it to disorder. The story shows a how it would be seen in history with the formation of the Roman Empire, and the disorder of the Fall of Rome. Which is similar to this story in the aspects that a primitive society based on ideals of honor and nobility (Huns in history), on the edge of the known Empire brings the destruction of the Directorate (Empire). They provide inspiration and change just by their interaction with those in the Directorate. This theme had been repeated throughout history, as ordered society is confronted with native peoples farther away. What would happen in the future when man has reached the ability to reach the stars?
As Chester says "You assume that growth must come painlessly. God does not let us of that easily, Director. I am sure you will find two forces in constant opposition all through the history of the species; the quest for order- which you’re Directorate represents _ and the constant fermentations which brew curiosity, experimentation, and innovation." (pg 361)
December 18, 2013
After thoroughly enjoying W. Michael Gear's Forbidden Borders Trilogy, I took a chance on the Warriors of Spider. Native American tribes of North America fight back against the Soviets before being exiled to a prison ship that crash lands on a distant planet. The story begins 600 years later when the exiles are rediscovered. Earth and near Earth humans have grown in zero-g conditions and are now pale-skinned and frail boned. What happens when this world of weak and obedient cross paths with the exiles?
April 19, 2008
Sci-fi but a large component of the story is based on the author's meandering into alternate religion/omnipotent being musings. Interesting on both fronts. Many strong female characters for the female sci-fi readers out there.
May 14, 2008
Warriors from another planet demonstrate how decadent a high-tech society has become. You've got action, sex, and scalping in this book, and it's all entertaining.
December 15, 2013
Interesting blend of science, fiction and anthropology--not a too far fetched premise. Liked the characters, dissapointing ending.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews