Titan (Gaea) by John Varley Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Titan (Gaea)
Book Review: The start of one of an all-time great science fantasy series
Summary: 5 Stars
The Gaea Trilogy traces the arc of a hero's ascent, fall from grace and redemption. So if you like "Titan," the ride just gets better from here.Having said that, why should you pick up "Titan?" Isn't this the same book as "Rendezvous with Rama?" Well, yes and no. The book is about astronauts exploring the environment inside an alien space station. But from there, the core concept is all filtered through the mind of John Varley.
Beyond being a straight exploration story, Varley also discusses issue of women in power, homosexuality vs. heterosexuality, altenate breeding relationships for alien species (nothing you can possibly imagine) and some fun with the science of angels. And, of course, it's here that Varley begins his deepest exploration between man and God, although to say more would be to give away too much of the book.
First and foremost, though, "Titan" is an adventure story of the highest caliber, with a heroic lead, weird creatures, alien settings, a warm heart and a very sharp mind. (And it's a mind not nearly as dirty as some of the reviewers are complaining that it is. If you live in America in the 21st century, you'll likely find the book fairly tame sexually.)
Book Review: This is the best sci-fi novel I have ever read.
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read Titan, and its two sequels, in the early 90s (I had an original edition). It immediately struck me as a magnificent book, the kind you can reread infinitely, and this has been the case. The main character, Cirocco, is a compelling and fascinating woman, and one I hold up as a personal role model. This is not only the best science-fiction novel I have yet come across, but also my favorite novel period.Book Review: This was really bad...
Summary: 1 Stars
This is my 3rd attempt to get a review posted. Normally, I'dhave given up, but my opinion of this book is so strongly negative, Ijust had to try again.
Let me start off by saying that I'm a big fan of Varley's shorter novels (Millennium, Ophiuchi Hotline), as well as his short stories. I think that he has one of the most vivid imaginations ever, and even better, he is able to combine his amazing creations into a cohesive story that is usually very enjoyable. When it comes to his longer works, however, his skills waver. Titan contains his trademark creativity, but the storyline is so weak, and the ending so bland, that everything else gets dragged down with it. It's as if he decided to coast on the strength of his creations instead of doing something significant with them. A sign that I've had a good read is when I finish the book and say, "Yeah, I can see that." With this book, it was a resounding, "So what?"
Another problem I have with this book is the amount of sexuality contained within. Now, I'm no prude, and I don't mind a little sex in my reading as long as it serves some point, furthering the plot or whatever. In Titan, however, Varley takes an almost adolescent preoccupation with it, and it's SO prevalent. It's as if he knows the reader is getting bored and needs to spice things up or risk losing them. That's a trick employed by bad writers, and he should know better.
Finally, let me say that if you're expecting this book to be quality science-fiction or to have a central message, you'll be disappointed. I wouldn't call it sci-fi at all; it's purely escapist adult fantasy, and poorly written at that. What amazes me is that this is book one of a trilogy. I can't imagine continuing to read this storyline.
Book Review: Titan
Summary: 4 Stars
I read Titan and Wizard in the early 1980's. I have read some of the reviews and the criticisms about Titan's sexual content. It's strange; I remember that the novel was a bit spicy, but what I remember most is wanting to know what happened next. I also remember how disappointed I was when I could not find the sequel, Demon. I have just found it. It has been a few years since I have read the others two books, so I will have to reread them to refresh my memory. I feel that if I am still interested in the ending of the trilogy, the first novel had to be something special.Book Review: Titan is SF at its very best!
Summary: 5 Stars
Titan and the two sequels to the Gaean trilogy are quite simply the best science fiction novels I've read. If you want to know how good SF can be, read Titan or any of Varley's other books.