The Lost King (Star of the Guardians, Vol 1)

This review encompasses the entire trilogy, not just the first book. This series has been my favorite read since I read the first book at 13. The couple of years I had to wait before the second book came out was agony, and again with the third book. The characters are incredibly well written, and their interactions are what make this series so great. If you like plausible characters, and a well written world, you will love this book. I've read some of the other books Margaret Weis has written with other authors, and I honestly think she does far better writing alone. Her character's come across much clearer, and the tragedy is far more moving. The plot and theme is pretty much the same as everything else she's written, but her style really shines here. There are two reasons I find that cause people to be disappointed with this series. These are 1) This book is not "hard" sf. In fact, I would categorize it as "Science Fantasy". If you are looking for a book that has lots of plausible theories and a scientific grounding, you may be disappointed. It's focus is on the characters and the story, not techy gadgets. And 2) this series is definately inspired by Star Wars. If you're looking for something that doesn't make you think of another story, this is not it. That said, even if you fall into one of these categories I would still suggest you try it. You may be pleasantly surprised.

These books basicly flow from a similar template to "Star Wars". Sagan is Darth Vader. The guardians are the Jedi. Etc Etc... If you like that sort of story, you will really enjoy these novels. Don't be fooled by descriptions of this series as a "trilogy". I myself have FOUR novels. They consist of "King's Sacrifice" (book one), "King's Test" (book two), "The Lost King" (book three), and "Ghost Legion" (book four). I am unaware of any other Star of the Guardians novels. Comparisons to other pulp science fiction asside, the best part of these novels is that Weis does a fantastic job of fleshing out the personalities of her characters. Sagan is often conflicted in his desire for power and his regret at his roll in the downfall of the monarchy. Dion Starfire is young, and often careless. Seeminly easily manipulated by the people around him, he has to grow into his roll as a ruler of the galaxy. A roll he doesn't really seem to want. The Lady Maigrey is a former lover of Sagan's and now his bitterest foe. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. It has been many years since I've read this series, but I still keep the books in my collection and fully intend to read them again some day. I recommend them to anyone who loves galaxy spanning adventure backed by political intrigue and deep believable characters.

I really owe a debt of thanks to Margeret Weis for writing these books. Seven years ago I was like most teenagers in the world today, my interests pretty much consisted soley of TV. I would occasionally go to the library and take out books, usually hard science science-fiction books. One day in there I saw The Lost King and decided to take it out. That's the day that I'm able to point back and say that I began my journey in literature.The book is great! The series is great! It starts out very Star Warsyish and then takes over and draws you in. I've read the series countless times since then. I've read a thousand other books since these. It all comes back to these books. I'd be a very different person if I hadn't found them.If you haven't read them yet... please do. It's just a superb story.

I have read this series many times, and each time it is a different journey (much like Sagan listening to a fugue of Bach, I pick out different lines each time that I follow throughout, usually unintentionally). For me, the core of this book is not about the "sci-fi" elements (which there are few) or even the fantasy elements, but rather the emotional journeys and relationships between the books characters. It seems that Weis was more concerned with portraying how people deal with the ideas of fate and destiny; the emotions that they feel when confronted with life; the love and hatred felt between confused and blurred boundries; and how the choices a person makes shapes their destiny, whether they know it or not.I am about 3/4 the way through "The Lost King" right now, and the book is affecting me in a different way than before. I have read the series 4 times previous to this, and each time I take away something new and different. For me, they are not just books, but sacred works of literature.

This book is kind of like a fable hidden in a great sci-fi/galactic fantasy book. The author shows the reader how pride and hunger for power make us completely different people, and have the potential to ruin your life. If you buy this, buy the other 3 books: King's Test (good) King's Sacrifice (very good) Ghost Legion (great)