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
