The red and blue adept continue their spat2 March 2012tThis is the final book in the first trilogy of the Apprentice Adept series and is where the battle between the Blue Adept (Style) and the Red Adept comes to a conclusion. The final parts of the book are very action orientated as the battle rages across two interconnected worlds. Personally I have no idea why the Red Adept was so intent on killing Style, but it is a conflict, and it is a requirement of most literature that there be a conflict that needs to be resolved.tBoth the Red and Blue Adepts are similar in that in Phase they are powerful entities that form a part of the magicians that rule the planet, while on Proton they are both serfs who are competing in the game to become citizens. I believe that it is in this book that Style wins the game and becomes a citizen, and despite now being allowed to clothe himself, discovers that despite being a citizen, he still sits at the bottom of the ladder and now faces new challenges to increase his status in the world.tThis, and the first book, seem to work on the principle of sex-sells. Both of these books have a naked woman on the cover, though the first has a robot, and this one has a stone statue. I suspect in some places these versions of the books were banned, however I notice that it was these covers under which the Australian version was sold, so I suspect that this was also the British version. The reason I say this is because there was, and I believe still is, a restrictive trade deal between Australia and Britain. This deal pretty much says that Australia is only permitted to source its books from Britain, not America, which means that it makes books in Australia somewhat more expensive.tThere has been a long running dispute regarding this, which once again surprises me since it could easily have been solved by the World Trade Organisation. Despite it being a very opaque organisation that seeks to strike down any treaty or law that restricts trade, in some cases it is beneficial. The concept is that if the WTO makes a ruling, and the country ignores it, then they are forced to pay a fine that is ongoing, and very expensive. The only way to get out of the fine is to drop the law or the treaty. If you do not then you could also find yourself on the wrong end of a trade embargo. However, Australia has some very tight quarantine laws, that would be considered a barrier to trade, but has been allowed to keep them. Yet, with a treaty such as this, I am surprised it has not been challenged. However, any matters that go to the WTO are in the strictest confidence, which means that pretty much nobody hears about it, and nobody knows the results of the decision (nor can they put their view points in as well).tThat sort of went away from this book, but then again, I really don't care. I did enjoy these books when I did read them, however it was a long time ago, and much of the content I really cannot remember. I will probably consider writing about the next trilogy, though the problem is I really cannot remember the content, and am unsure if I actually read them. No, I think I won't write about them, because it is more likely than not that I did not read them, simply because Anthony decided to move to a second generation in these stories, though in a way I sort of do remember this. No, I'll write about them shortly (though I think I will interpose them with other books).
David wrote: "Did you end up finding the rest of the series?"I did indeed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... - just the final one to go. Personally, I found that rereading the trilogy wasn't as great as I remembered it from my youth. And reading the later ones for the first time they feel increasingly flawed. It feels like Anthony was churning them out for the money by that point...But, I can't resist finishing a series. Especially when I've only got the one to go (and they are pretty quick reads).
What do You think about Juxtaposition (1987)?
The third book in the Blue Adept series, Stile struggles to survive in the both worlds. Struggling in Phase to find his enemy Adept and in Proton attempting to survive the game. I believe that one of the best moments of the book was when Stile discovers that the Red Adept is his enemy. The Red Adept can also change worlds, and Stile is now competing with her in the Proton games.
—Lee
Ahh the thrilling conclusion! At least for a few years until he decided to write 4 more volumes (which will hopefully stand the test of time and memory).I think the cover is hideous, and the worst one of the set. I find it hard to find Lady Blue attractive with that cover image in mind *barf*. Or maybe that’s supposed to be Sheen the golem/machine woman? Wait no, her horse is just a horse, so it’s not Sheen. Either way, I can’t suspend my disbelief that far. I tried not to look at the cover before opening the book to read each time…So, lots of wacky things happen, and there is a nice twist at the end – it was pretty well telegraphed though, but deserved. He does put an actual ending in this book – although it still leaves a ton of things up in the air – the big one being what the actual status of the world(s) is/are!! Not to mention how they expect to force the citizens to cut down on harvesting protonite.I seriously must have missed a major plot point somewhere…the whole ending revolves around him basically trying to smuggle what would amount to massive amount of wealth (that would be spread around amongst all his enemies as well) from one world to another. It seems like everyone on one of the worlds would benefit…so I’m still confused as to why they were opposing him.The writing is at about the same proficiency level as the previous volume, but it wraps up enough random loose ends that it comes off looking a bit better. Oh wait, except we never find out about the “outcast” unicorn Belle’s resolution…she helps out then the book ends. Hello, editors???A closing scene with the now resurrected original Blue Adept would have been REALLY appropriate as well…but yeah, ok so I guess this ending still sucked too. It did try to be an actual ending though instead of an abrupt smacking of the face into a glass wall, so it gets a few points for that.
—Onefinemess
On the planet Proton, science works and magic doesn't, but juxtaposed with this world is another frame, that of Phaze, where magic works, but science doesn't. This is powered by a mineral called Protonite or Phazite depending on which frame you are in, and the Protonite mining of it is endangering the balance of both frames. Stile has been prophesied to ameliorate this destruction, but many powerful people in both frames are out to stop him, denying the destabilization and wanting to maintain their present status. What Stile must accomplish, jumping back and forth between frames, is enough work for ten men. How he manages it all will keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat throughout. Anthony is not content to state a premise of this complexity without asking the difficult questions. Many authors would rely on a statement like "magic works" without feeling it necessary to explain. Anthony's world, and it's backstory, contain logical explanations for the fantastic occurrences therein. World-building does not come at the expense of characters, either. Stile's honor, incorruptibility, and personal development have converged to make him uniquely qualified for his task. Sheen the self-aware robot struggles with her inability to be "real" and her desire to be loved. Even more secondary characters such as Clef, Merle, and Trool have their own internal conflicts and personal evolving to do. I really can't recommend this series enough, particularly if you can't decide whether you prefer science fiction to fantasy. There is quite enough of both to satisfy you.
—Emily
