The Fabulous Riverboat: Book 2 of the Riverworld Saga by Philip Jose’ Farmer
The second book was fine, but there was not a lot addressed regarding What Is Going On with the Riverworld. (Why is everyone who lived on earth reincarnated along a hugely long river?)
This one features Mark Twain in his efforts to build a riverboat to make it to the headwaters of the River and solve some mysteries.
Among the things I found strange was the people’s ability to build some fairly extensive technology from raw materials, including, most amazingly, video screens.
An okay read.
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On the Reading Table: Nothing! Arg!
there was not a lot addressed regarding What Is Going On with the Riverworld.
Once they reach the headwaters in the third book, The Dark Design, you start learning who built the Riverworld and why.
Then in the fourth book, The Magic Labyrinth, most of what you’ll be told in the third book will be flatly contradicted.
Then in the fifth book, Gods of Riverworld, Farmer seems to abandon all pretense of knowing what he’s doing, and you don’t know why anyone is anywhere, or why they’re doing anything.
Oh, you smooth talker. I simply can’t wait to read the rest of them.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s still a hell of a ride.
Among the things I found strange was the people’s ability to build some fairly extensive technology from raw materials, including, most amazingly, video screens.
Well, it was a very mineral-rich asteroid…
I had no idea that cathode ray tubes were a mineral. Y’learn something new every day.
It’s a shame we haven’t really invented the batacitor though.
Aren’t CRTs made of glass and metal? And isn’t glass just silicon, which would be plentiful on any rocky planet?
What’s a batacitor?
Not For Hire
If memory serves me right, one of those follow-ups (probably The Dark Design) has some cool action scenes involving dogfights, riverboats and swords.
I think there was a Sci Fi channel adaptation of it, but I can’t imagine how bad it was. (Actually, their ‘Dune’ and ‘Children of Dune’ were better than average, if I remember correctly.)
Re: Not For Hire
If memory serves me right, one of those follow-ups (probably The Dark Design) has some cool action scenes involving dogfights, riverboats and swords.
Well, there had better be. He brought that cannon on in the first act, they oughta’ fire it by the third.
if you can find it i recommend whiteman by tony d’souza
trying to stay on the subject
hmmm, the concept of riverworld reminds me of some clive barker books. one based for children called abarat, and it’s sequel. the other called weaverworld. perhaps if you are looking to stay in that kind of genra you should look there.
if you’re looking for an awsome adventure/ fantasy to read to your son, try the thief of always by the same author, it’s been a favorite of mine since i was around 10, i wish i sould have found it when i was younger.
Duly noted. Whazzit about?
a man travels to africa with the peace core. the christians and the muslims in the area start a larger fued than before. jack refuses to leave despite all the dangers, and delves into the life off the locals. he tries to seduce a married woman despite an aids scare. it’s quite well written, i haven’t gotten all the way through it yet.
Don’t get your electical engineering mojo on my fiction!
Sorry. That happens when I get excited.