Aldair: The Legion of Beasts

Aldair #4

by Neal Barrett Jr.

"One of the strangest adventurers in the history of science fiction. It is millennia from now and mankind has vanished from the Earth, under mysterious circumstances...

But he has left a legacy behind him: a host of intelligent species artificially enhanced by means of humanity's genetic science. Aldair is one such product, an intelligent, upright pig.

It is not given to everyone to meet his Creator face to face, but it was to be the destiny of Aldair and his band of humanoid friends. For the trail to the secret of their existence finally led to the stars..and ultimate confrontation with their makers--the last of Earth's humans.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction

174 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 5, 1982

About the author

Neal Barrett, Jr. was a writer of fantasy, science fiction, mystery/suspense, and historical fiction. His story "Ginny Sweethips' Flying Circus" was nominated for both the 1988 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and the 1989 Hugo Award for Best Novelette.

Reviews

[Derek · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series has either evolved or drifted from its original concept. It started as an adventure in quasi-historical civilizations and moved to an expedition to a lost or 'new' world, before becoming, in this book, a sort of 'space barbarian' thing and finally settling into space opera.
The scale of the story opens up as Aldair uncovers more and more about the underpinnings of his world.

It certainly shows a progression of ideas or setting, but the reader's enjoyment may be limited depending upon his/her fixation on a particuilar genre. I personally like this evolution of scale more in concept than in execution, which came off as rushed, as though in a hurry to get to the next stage. Unsolved questions from book three are wrapped up almost perfunctorily as the story spirals into something almost "Doc" Smith in tone and content.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last in the Aldair series and is actually my favorite. The whole series is a lot of fun, and with quite a bit of food for thought.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another find from the local used bookstore. I can spot a Ken Kelley cover from across the room. He illustrated not just many of these old DAW pulps, but also most Manowar album covers.

And I was glad I did because I had never heard of this author or series before and enjoyed my time with it. Despite being part 4 in a series, it was easy to figure out. Probably the best executed sword and planet Ive seen post 30s, for what thats worth.

For most of the text it was in the 4 star range but a very rushed ending and non sequitur epilogue really spoiled most of the effect. That being said, this is another new (for me) author to add to the further reading required list.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't remember when i first read this book or how it even came into my possession, but as a teenager i was enthralled by it. I found out long after i'd read it that it was the final book in a series of four and then spent the next 10 years or so wondering where i could find them. Eventually i stopped wondering and started actually looking for them in every used book store i could find until i located 2 of them in Chicago (i live in the Detroit area) the summer between my freshman and sophomore years in college.

I was disappointed by the lead-up novels. This volume, the climax, was satisfying and thrilling and extremely enjoyable and i have read it multiple times. Perhaps i'll do so again someday ... if i can find it! [2023: Mission accomplished. New mission: Write something meaningful about how meaningful this book has been to me.]

[Keith Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the far future animals have evolved into humanoid forms. Nice science fantasy adventure story. I read the last book first and still enjoyed it.

[2Due · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5
Came across this book randomly and immediately caught my attention
I loved the sharp writing and and characters, later on I found it was the last book of a series, so I looked for the other works.
It's short with a solid story, although I wished it was more developed among phases in the plot, to give more time to the reader to adjust to new settings.
The Beasts characters are fun to see interact, it's clear though that you need to know from previous adventures. I wish Corysia could have more of a character, from this book alone I don't even know what she looks like (I assume she's the same lady in the cover, just added there as pretty much an extra...) and that she's just a "female", she still showed to be cunning and interesting. Same story with Signar the bear, although he was more active in the story.
Very fascinating read, will read the rest for sure