Ruin Review

Ruin (Dark Tide #2)
by Michael A. Stackpole

Review By: Neil Richard

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Ruin pretty much fits the story. Not that the story was bad, it wasn’t. It’s the plot that was full of ruin (and I mean that in a good way).

The Vong continue to invade the galaxy and continue to show no mercy for the infidels (that’s any non-Vong species). The New Republic is caught with their pants down. They don’t see the initial attack coming then assume the Jedi can fix it for them.

The Jedi turn out to be no match for the Vong. Their lightsabers do little damage and the Force appears to be absent in them. Kind of like a Jedi trying to fight ten Noghri while blocked from the Force by the ysalamiri. Not good.

In an effort to understanding the Vong and in hopes of delaying their invasion (or coming to a peaceful resolution), the New Republic sends Elegos, an ambassador. The Vong’s reply is pretty clear (as are their motives) when they send his polished bones back to the New Republic.

Then comes the Battle of Ithor. Populated by the peaceful and nature-loving Ithorians (Hammerheads), the Vong destroy their world. There was hope of a native pollen being used as a biological agent against the Vong, but burning the entire planet dashed that hope.

Lives were ruined. Planets were ruined. Negotiations were ruined. Hope was ruined.

And I loved it all.

The review is also available in Word and PDF.

Neil@tk42one.com
© 2006 TK42ONE.com Productions