Title: Nobody’s Prize
Author: Esther M. Friesner
First published April 1, 2008
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375875311 (ISBN10: 037587531X)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
In the thrilling sequel to Nobody’s Princess, Helen of Sparta refuses to be left behind as her brothers go off to seek the Golden Fleece. Disguised as a boy and joined by her friend Milo, Helen sets sail on The Argo to join the crew of heroes.
But the journey is far from easy as Helen faces dangerous battles and a terrifying princess. As her beauty flourishes, Helen’s quest takes her to Athens where her future as Queen of Sparta is threatened.
Esther M. Friesner’s Nobody’s Prize is a riveting tale that takes readers beyond the myth of the Golden Fleece.
About the Author
Esther M. Friesner is a renowned author of fantasy and science fiction with an impressive educational background.
She obtained B.A’s in both Spanish and Drama from Vassar College and later pursued M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish from Yale University. She taught Spanish at Yale for some time before becoming a full-time author.
She has published twenty-seven novels, including Temping Fate and Nobody’s Princess.
Friesner’s short fiction and poetry have appeared in various publications and anthologies. Her story, “Love’s Eldritch Ichor,” was featured in the 1990 World Fantasy Convention book.
She has also co-edited several anthologies with Martin H. Greenberg and Donald I Fine, Inc.
One of her notable works is “Ask Auntie Esther,” a regular etiquette and advice column to the SFlorn. Friesner won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story of 1995 for her work, “Death and the Librarian,” and the Nebula for Best Short Story of 1996 for “A Birth Day.” She has also won other awards throughout her career.
Friesner resides in Connecticut with her family and pets. She enjoys telling people how to run their lives and has a fluctuating population of hamsters.
Editoral Review
The Game-Players of Titan First published January 1, 1963 is a science fiction novel written by Philip K. Dick, an American author best known for his works that explore the nature of reality and human identity.
The novel is set in a future where humanity has been decimated by a nuclear war, and survivors are living under the rule of the mysterious and powerful “Game Masters.”
The story revolves around the lives of several characters who are addicted to a high-stakes game called Bluff, which involves betting on the outcomes of simulated battles between armies. The main character, Pete Garden, is a successful Bluff player, but he is also struggling with addiction and emotional turmoil caused by the loss of his wife and child in the war.
As the plot unfolds, the characters become embroiled in a series of political and personal conflicts, as they seek to control the outcome of the game and gain power over their fellow humans. The setting is a dystopian world where morality and ethics are malleable, and the line between right and wrong is blurred.
One of the strengths of The Game-Players of Titan is the vivid depiction of the futuristic world that Dick has created. The details of the game, the society, and the characters are intricately woven together, creating a complex and immersive experience for the reader.
The pacing of the story is also well-done, with the tension and suspense building steadily throughout. However, the book does have some flaws.
Some of the characters feel one-dimensional and underdeveloped, and the plot can be confusing at times with multiple subplots and twists. Additionally, the book is written in a somewhat dated style, and some readers may find it difficult to engage with.
Overall, The Game-Players of Titan is a fascinating and thought-provoking read for fans of science fiction and dystopian literature. It highlights the dangers of addiction, power, and technology in a way that is still relevant today.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a challenging and immersive read. On a scale of 1-10, I would give this book an 8 for its compelling plot and well-crafted world-building.
