This is an interesting issue to explore, even if she didn't do it in her usual blunt mallet fashion and make it fairly easy for the reader to figure out which side he or she is on, because while the Hobbs gods are making everything swinging and groovy there's something to be said for wanting to be your own person. Which is great, except that a good number of those belief systems believe in things that not only Tepper finds disagreeable but most reasonable people in general would (let's go down the list: child sacrifice, slavery, women as third class citizens, etc), but thanks to the magic of 'let's respect everyone's beliefs' it all goes on, with Enforcers making sure things don't get too out of hand and deviate from the normal horrible practices, because it's best to maintain oppression on an even keel. Aware of how the Hobbs gods are making everyone the same with their good time vibes, they perceive that as a stifling conformity and do their best to keep it at bay while allowing the worlds in their systems to maintain their own individual belief systems. that is, the spread of the Hobbs Land gods from planet to planet, bringing a sense of peace and love and togetherness everywhere it touches, much like the release of a new romantic comedy.īut interestingly, and perhaps realizing that a book where everything is going swell may not be the most exciting plot ever hoisted on an audience, Tepper takes a different tactic and shifts the perspective to a system centered around the planet Elsewhere. This one forms a loose trilogy with 'Grass' and 'Raising the Stones' and although the link to 'Grass' won't be apparent until pretty late in the book, it pretty much continues the general story that was started in 'Raising the Stones'. That's not going so far as to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there were very few moments where I felt a need to get a mouthguard before I gritted my teeth down to the roots or tape to keep my eyeballs facing front instead of seeking the innards of my skull.

we'll be polite and say 'somewhat grating.' But once it got going it. I completely expected to hate this one based on the mixed reviews from people who were fans already, especially since I find a number of the fan-favorites.

I'm either getting very contrary in my old age or I just have no idea what it is I actually like.

Sideshow sheri s tepper