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Read Night Train To Rigel (2006)

Night Train to Rigel (2006)

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Rating
3.88 of 5 Votes: 2
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ISBN
0765346443 (ISBN13: 9780765346445)
Language
English
Publisher
tor science fiction

Night Train To Rigel (2006) - Plot & Excerpts

I was a huge fan of Zahn's Star Wars sequel books when I was much younger, so I came into this hoping for a cracking good adventure ... and I was both disappointed and not.The mystery and intrigue in this novel take off to a quick start when Frank Compton sees someone murdered in front of him and finds a ticket to the human colony Yandro on him ... made out to Frank. This ticket takes him on a path to the mysterious Spiders, who run the cross-universe railway system.I found that understanding the details of the universe in which Frank operated came slowly and shakily ... which isn't helped by the fact that the plot twists, and twists again, and curves back on itself. It's an entertaining ride of itself, but made more difficult when a reader doesn't have a good grasp on the handholds first. I don't know quite why it was so difficult. I think part of it might have been that Zahn's descriptions are *so* straightforward and utilitarian that I tended to tune out.Another element that makes it difficult is that Frank withholds some information with us that turns out to be not nearly as important to the story as the tentalizing hints / threats would make it out to be. I would have preferred knowing much earlier.I also feel as if just a bit too much of the plot was the main character being moved around as a puppet by other players. It gets disheartening.All of which makes it sound as if I'm down on this book, but there were some good facets: strong, quick-paced action. Shifting allegiances, some grudging, some wholehearted ... and probably one of the most intriguing, non-stereotypical "female sidekick" characters I've ever come across. Bayta is a book in herself. She's fascinating. Asexual, emotionless, and then peeling away like an onion without ever being anything other than true to herself.I don't know that I would seek other books in this series, but it was an enjoyable ride.

Yes, I know I am deeply, deeply behind on my review. In my defense, I tried to write a review of this one, but it got lost by the Interwebs, and now I'm trying to do it again. Hopefully, it will stick this time.In short: Night Train to Rigel is a pulp/hard boiled detective novel that has found it's way into a science fiction setting. Adventure ensues. Good times are had by all.The slightly longer version: Night Train to Rigel is the story of Frank Compton, a retired (read: fired) government investigator (read: private eye), who is hired by the Spiders, a race of mysterious entities that run the Quadrail. Which is basically a train through space.No, that last sentence is not a typo. There is, in fact, a space train. The reason WHY there is a space train is eventually explained in the course of the novel, but I won't spoil it for you. For now, suffice it to say that there is a space train.There are also vast interstellar conspiracies, treacherous aliens, friendly aliens, corrupt government officials, mysterious employers, even more mysterious enemies, and a fair share of fist-fights, double-crosses, and a space battle or two.In short, it's just about everything you could want out of this kind of novel.It is, of course, a very Zahn novel. If you aren't a fan, this novel isn't likely to make you into one. If you are a fan, then you'll definitely enjoy it. If you're just generally into space opera or pulp detective thrillers, this one is probably worth checking out.

What do You think about Night Train To Rigel (2006)?

A distinctly fun read - Zahn has the quality of thrusting you knee-deep into the story within the first few paragraphs of a story and Night Train to Rigel is no different. Part political-intrigue, part suspense, part mystery, and full sci-fi, Zahn deliberately keeps you in the dark as the book proceeds letting you guess along with the characters where its all leading. And it's just the first book in the trilogy.Harkening back to the "train movie" mysteries (à la "The Lady Vanishes" and "Terror by Night") this book recreates the same tension from the films - trapped on a speeding train with a killer and no where to run all while trying to solve the mystery before it's too late - but adds a uniquely Zahn flair. The quadrail is probably the most unique faster-than-light transportation system I've seen in books and it makes for very fun story.While some might criticize Zahn's characterizations, I find them compelling - Zahn is a master at creating the "every man" character. His main characters are always human (even when they're not) - they are fallible, prone to vices and flaws, making mistakes and looking foolish. But they also possess the traits of loyalty, devotion to duty, sacrifice, and intelligence. As you read, you can easily identify with his characters - they are never the best or brightest, but they always seem to have just enough to get the job done.I enjoy reading Night Train to Rigel in the same way I enjoy those black and white films - they have a timeless feel even though they might seem flat if compared directly against today's films. The kind of film you watch over and over, just for the enjoyment of it. Zahn doesn't have the most creative plot, compelling characters, or interesting technology but he crafts a story better than just about any author I've read. And just like the films, I'll come back to it again when I want to have some fun.
—Grant

Very good. Frank Compton, a James Bond of the future, is caught up in a complex swirl of intergalactic politics, plots and counter plots, with hints of "Murder on the Orient Express" and a dash of "The Lady Vanishes". The plot is of a fairly high standard and, while parts of the narrative are a trifle slow in places, the story is sufficiently gripping to command my undivided attention (notwithstanding the demands of a normal work day). I finished reading the story in a little over 24 hours and am eagerly anticipating the next installment.
—Lynn

This book is not meant to be thought-provoking; its characters are not meant to be great thinkers nor are they meant to be overly developed; it is not written to become the next Great American Novel. No - it is meant to be a fun romp, an homage to the spy flicks that it constantly references. The old spy flicks of the 60s-80s (even some of the newer ones) don't give us great characters, deep thinking or plot developments - they give us action, conspiracies, villains - and nifty gadgets. And, in keeping with the science fiction aspect of this book - weird aliens. Read it for what it is - brain candy. And enjoy it for that. I won't go into plot details - but if you are a fan of campy spy movies, sci fi kitsch or b-movies, I think you'll find this book to be a lot of fun. And, of course, go out and buy Timothy Zahn's many other fabulous books, which DO give you wonderful characters and plots - he has several that I have read and enjoyed just as much. This is a multi-faceted, very talented author. For those who are disappointed in this book - well, go and try a few of his Star Wars books - I guarantee, even if you aren't a fan of Star Wars, you WON'T be disappointed. They are marvelous!
—Katy

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