"Forty Thousand in Gehenna" First Impressions *No Spoilers*

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

This was the Revenge of the CLUE scifi pick with the prompts:
author is a woman born 1955 or earlier
300-500 pages long
space opera

This was one of the closest battles we've ever had in a poll! Are you satisfied with the winner?

Please leave all discussion of details for the full discussion thread, up in a couple days!

Please check back for content warnings...I had to buy the book in physical which is tricky these days. Here's one so far: (view spoiler)[ rape (hide spoiler)]

Having a hard time finding the book? Check for it in the omnibus called Alliance Space (Company Wars #2)

[Gabi]

Like "Merchanter's Luck" (the other story from the omnibus) this one starts a lot more approachable than "Downbelow Station" or "Cyteen". I appreciated the lack of infodumping and the concentration on only a few POVs.

A CW I stumbled over (view spoiler)[ gang rape (hide spoiler)].

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Thanks, Gabi!

[Oleksandr]

This is no spoilers thread but I guess some terms from the universe should be defined. They don't spoil the story but to be safe I hide them:

(view spoiler)[
"Azi" is an acronym for "artificial zygote insemination". The azi are first developed by Union just prior to the "Company War" in the early twenty-fourth century. They are both genetically engineered and psychologically conditioned for specific occupations, such as soldiers or farmers. They are created to supplement the low human reproductive rate and bring a given settlement to self-sufficiency and economic viability.

"Tape" is a computer-controlled combination of conditioning and biofeedback training. This technology allows large-scale education, especially if pupils are genetically and psychologically similar, like azi. (hide spoiler)]

[DivaDiane]

I haven't started it yet, but I will today! Looking forward to it. And relieved to hear from Gabi that there is no huge info dump at the beginning!

[Hank, Hankenstein's Modster]

Thanks Oleksandr! I had figured out the second one but not the first in the first 50 pages or so. I am enjoying this one more than Foreigner so far which I also liked but did not love.

[Gabi]

Good idea to add the explanations, Oleksandr. Coming from Cyteen this is self explanatory, but without Cyteen this indeed is a big questionmark.

[Rosina]

I am just starting a first re-read of this, although I've owned a copy since the 90s. Cherryh is a favourite author though, so I am familiar with the terms - and the style, which needs adjusting to.

[Christi]

The book finally came in the mail a couple of days ago. So my first, first impressions are on the physical copy only. Wow! what a blast from the past! The font and overall layout of the book takes my memory back decades. Looks like some of the chapters use that old computer/terminal font that I can't recall the name of. But someone must have taken really good care of this book, because it looks really good for copyright 1983.

[Christopher]

I've started this a bit cold not knowing the terms Oleksandr defined and felt it was a bit tough to get into. But its starting to pick up a bit so will see what happens!

[DivaDiane]

I started this yesterday too and aside from the lists at the beginning, I was glad to see that the story starts off with a bang NOT an infodump. Phew!

[Amanda]

Ordered a used hardcover that came in yesterday, and my first impression is that this one is definitely going in the ugly covers hall of fame 😂

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Outstanding! XD

[Jemppu]

( ¯―¯٥) ...

[Oleksandr]

Amanda wrote: "Ordered a used hardcover that came in yesterday, and my first impression is that this one is definitely going in the ugly covers hall of fame 😂

"

A nice cover, goes 'pulp SF' in reverse, with a naked male and a strong female. I think it is actually pretty clever play on cliches

[Anthony]

I just read Part I and as always, I’m impressed by Cherryh’s ability to just plunge directly into her story, with very little signposting, but I’m aware that her tendency to do so may feel off-putting to some. I hope those here who do feel a little out of balance with her approach are able to trust that it should come increasingly clear and into focus, if the other two books of hers I’ve read are any indication.

I’m glad this was picked, and I hope it provides food for thought and discussion here. Her work has a rare and rich sense of scope and scale, and it wrestles with themes and ideas that I find very compelling.

[Jemppu]

First time in a while, that I've been reading a book along with the group. But Cherryh's is indeed work, around which I'm interested to follow the ensuing discussion.

[J.W.]

I'm going to try to dive in soon, though I have yet to truly enjoy much from Cherryh. I always think I -should- love her stuff, but I've read something like 8 of her novels (not this one) and have yet to really understand any of them. They all felt middling to me, but people rave about them and I want to understand. Maybe this will give me the insight I crave!

[Sarah]

Amanda wrote: "Ordered a used hardcover that came in yesterday, and my first impression is that this one is definitely going in the ugly covers hall of fame 😂

"

LOL I ordered the paperback simply because I wanted the lady riding the giant lizard cover. I love those retro sci-fi covers. And fingers crossed I get that one and not whatever's happening on yours 😂

[Christi]

Sarah wrote: "LOL I ordered the paperback simply because I wanted the lady riding the giant lizard cover. I love those retro sci-fi covers. And fingers crossed I get that one and not whatever's happening on yours 😂"

I got this one in the mail the other day. I don't think it's the one you're mentioning, but it's really close. Lizard riding for the win!

[Jennifer]

I love Cherryh. I will read this for sure!

[Anthony]

Just finished Part 3, and as with her other work, it just gets more and more compelling the farther into the story I get. And I can safely say she is an author who continually leaves me unable to predict where she’s heading. She has such a steady and clear sense of her own narrative she’s created, but she never tips her hand. I hope other folks are enjoying it.

[Rachel]

Love to hear positive things about Cherryh. I remember finding her in my youth (teens? 20s? Who knows!) and seeking out every other book of hers I could find. May need to pull out my old lizard rider paperback and re-read!

[Ryan]

So, what's with the lists at the beginning of each section? They're long and seem to have little relevance. Aside from the numbers of people in various sectors, which is at least vaguely interesting, I don't think I remember anything about them.

[Gabi]

It's only for the death dates of the colonial people. Other than that the list is of no relevance for the story.

[Jemppu]

I rather like the lists: Cherryh seems to have found an effective outlet for her apparent keenness to come up with names. Which is wonderful (and makes me wonder, if at any point there were stories behind those names, if they were rejects from other stories...).

I am enjoying the read so far.

[Amanda]

Two thoughts at the end of part one: Cherryh has the enviable talent of being to lay out a whole world in the course of a few pages and make it feel real and lived in, and wow, this is dense. I really cannot skip a word or I'm completely lost. Which isn't a complaint by any means, just an observation. Very much not what I'm used to.

[Jemppu]

Amanda wrote: "Two thoughts at the end of part one: Cherryh has the envious talent of being to lay out a whole world in the course of a few pages and make it feel real and lived in, and wow, this is dense. I real..."

Yes, to all of this. Though, I must also say, that this time I didn't feel the need to read the beginning couple of times to digest it all (like I've done with previous Cherrys), but could trust things to start making sense as they come together further on.

[Anthony]

I just loved this. Very eager to hear others’ thoughts. Cherryh has quickly vaulted to the upper ranks of my all-time favorite authors.

[Jordan]

This was a fantastic book. I read the boring cover Alliance Space (Company Wars #2) omnibus, so it's fun to see the crazy covers you all have for this.

[Oleksandr]

Anthony wrote: "I just loved this. Very eager to hear others’ thoughts. Cherryh has quickly vaulted to the upper ranks of my all-time favorite authors."

I'm yet to finish it but I agree that the novel is strong

[J.W.]

The omnibus comes with Merchanter's Luck. Do I need to read that first (it's first in the ombnibus) to understand this one?

[Jordan]

J.W. wrote: "The omnibus comes with Merchanter's Luck. Do I need to read that first (it's first in the ombnibus) to understand this one?"

Nope. While they're both set in the same universe, they're really not that related. In fact it's kind of a weird pairing.

[Gabi]

@J.W.: no, they are both standalone.

[Jemppu]

Finished last night, and though this didn't quite reach the heights (or depths, perhaps?) of Cyteen for me, I was very impressed. Eager to follow the discussion.

[Rosina]

J.W. wrote: "The omnibus comes with Merchanter's Luck. Do I need to read that first (it's first in the ombnibus) to understand this one?"

I don't think Merchanter's Luck would add much to your understanding, although I would recommend your reading it at some point. It's a useful introduction to the space-faring side of the universe.

Generally though Cherryh's books on the universe are more like jigsaw pieces. Each one adds to the overall picture, but they don't necessarily link side by side ...

[Amanda]

I'm only a little ways into part 3 so far but I'm already looking forward to reading more in this universe.

[Anthony]

Huzzah! I’m so glad to see this book is connecting well with folks.

[J.W.]

Thanks for all the feedback. Finishing a few other books before diving in here.

[Jennifer]

Got my copy ordered !

[Sebastian]

I just finished part IV. This is going in a different direction than I expected but it's incredibly immersive and I'm impressed by Cherryh's writing.

[Anthony]

With Cherryh, I would be surprised if anyone is able to predict how her plots will unfold, and what her characters will do. Glad to hear this is working for you.

[Nathan]

Just wanted to say and mark here this is the first book I’m reading as part of this book group!. Trying to get more into reading. Started this book today!.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Welcome, Nathan! Glad you're reading along :D Hope it's a winner for your first book.

[Jemppu]

Oh, hey! What a great start, Nathan! Welcome ^^

[J.W.]

So like I said I have had a disconnect for a while with Cherryh, but just reading this colonist level introduction to the planet was wonderful. I’m only at the beginning but I liked it a lot.

[John]

Started into the novel today, a dusty, musty copy I got used via a Canadian second-hand seller through the big A online store. So far it is teeing up an interesting premise: scores of clones, of different classes and abilities, prepping for a long voyage. First impression of the writing, somewhat jumbled - with lots of interjections - in the prose, like the author has too many thoughts in her head to wait for the next sentence ... also LOTS of ellipses! Ellipseses?

[Cheryl]

Got a jacketless hardcover from the university. Not having any trouble with the density or decoding, despite not having read anything in the series before. But am finding it boring. Judging by the comments above though, it's me not the book, so I'll keep going.

[John]

At 54% now, and enjoying the book for the most part. After what I felt was a clunky beginning the story picked up the pace and found a nice rhythm. Seeing how things evolve over time is quite ingenious, particularly the cultures that develop among the original settlers and the descendants. The pace of the story doesn’t give the reader much time to get to know the characters, but their development is still quite good. There is almost a Lord of the Flies vibe - though not quite as barbaric...yet - maybe with a dash of Avatar thrown in. Read on!

[John]

Sooo if I was to fill out and send in one of the book order forms from the back of the paperback, circa 1984, would the publishers honor those prices? $2.50 a book and a whole dollar for P&H? There is nothing on there that says the prices are only good through a certain date! Just curious if anyone has ever tried it?