Nadir

Book Review by KevinToal

back

William Alan Rieser continues to delight and intrigue readers with his latest

offering, Nadir. For this novel he has created more than just one world, he has brought to life a whole Universe of different peoples and societies. However, in an audacious move, Mr. Rieser leaves out one overly familiar race: humanity. Instead, in a refreshing change for fiction, the protagonists and antagonists are all non-human. This choice allows the author to let loose the reins of his imagination with surprising, and wonderful results.

Mr. Rieser's attention to detail adds a dimension of reality to his narrative which enables the reader to seamlessly immerse themselves in his fantastic vision. Not content with merely offering a surface view of the vast array species and planets, he delves into the inner workings of their governments, arts, and societal mores. Yet, fear not dear reader, this is not as dry as it may appear when laid bare for a review. The writing and inventive ideas make the experience a pleasure. There is an obvious love of language which permeates Mr. Rieser's work. He does not waste words. Instead he chooses with precision, like a painter with a palette, the most apt language in which to

color his canvas.

Nadir, at it's heart, is a mystery. Why are the characters intent on discovering Nadir's secrets? What are they? What will happen should the characters find the answers they seek? Along the way we are treated to a some minor mysteries, an inventive con, and much duplicity. To spoil the ending would be unfair. Suffice to say, it's well worth the journey. Each character, despite being alien, is a fully fleshed being. There are no unintentional one-dimensional characters in Mr. Rieser's book. They all

live and breathe with a depth of emotion that is often mixed with pathos, fear, anger or humor.

Long-time readers of Mr. Rieser's work will be pleased to see the return of

Langford Joh, although he is no longer in human form. Joining Langford are new characters as well as familiar faces. Among the new characters is a Cilper named Liriam who can shape-shift into any form. While shape-shifters are not new to science-fiction, Mr. Rieser imbues Liriam with a fresh feel. She is completely believable, and entertaining. Her presence also adds a thought-provoking element to the narration which makes it clear that humanity is not alone in abusing other races.

Characterization is not limited to those looking for answers. The city of Caydal Epun is a character on its own. It is sometimes oppressive, sometimes beautiful, yet always mysterious. The initial sequences in Caydal Epun are reminiscent of King Kong. In both stories there are natives offering sacrifices much to the dismay of curious onlookers. Like King Kong, the presence of strangers upsets the natives plans. However, instead of a giant wooden wall, in Nadir we are faced with a strange impenetrable mist. That King Kong came to mind is meant as praise for Mr. Rieser. The qualities which made Kong a classic are to be found in Nadir. Nadir is a bold work

which proves that humans are not required in the telling of a tale. Well-conceived stories do not need the presence of standard protagonists. Based on what Mr. Rieser has achieved with this novel it will be interesting to see where he takes us on subsequent voyages.



Nadir Book Review by KevinToal



		back

	William Alan Rieser continues to delight and intrigue readers with his latest offering, Nadir. For this novel he has created more than just one world, he has brought to life a whole Universe of different peoples and societies. However, in an audacious move, Mr. Rieser leaves out one overly familiar race: humanity. Instead, in a refreshing change for fiction, the protagonists and antagonists are all non-human. This choice allows the author to let loose the reins of his imagination with surprising, and wonderful results. Mr. Rieser's attention to detail adds a dimension of reality to his narrative which enables the reader to seamlessly immerse themselves in his fantastic vision. Not content with merely offering a surface view of the vast array species and planets, he delves into the inner workings of their governments, arts, and societal mores. Yet, fear not dear reader, this is not as dry as it may appear when laid bare for a review. The writing and inventive ideas make the experience a pleasure. There is an obvious love of language which permeates Mr. Rieser's work. He does not waste words. Instead he chooses with precision, like a painter with a palette, the most apt language in which to color his canvas. Nadir, at it's heart, is a mystery. Why are the characters intent on discovering Nadir's secrets? What are they? What will happen should the characters find the answers they seek? Along the way we are treated to a some minor mysteries, an inventive con, and much duplicity. To spoil the ending would be unfair. Suffice to say, it's well worth the journey. Each character, despite being alien, is a fully fleshed being. There are no unintentional one-dimensional characters in Mr. Rieser's book. They all live and breathe with a depth of emotion that is often mixed with pathos, fear, anger or humor. Long-time readers of Mr. Rieser's work will be pleased to see the return of Langford Joh, although he is no longer in human form. Joining Langford are new characters as well as familiar faces. Among the new characters is a Cilper named Liriam who can shape-shift into any form. While shape-shifters are not new to science-fiction, Mr. Rieser imbues Liriam with a fresh feel. She is completely believable, and entertaining. Her presence also adds a thought-provoking element to the narration which makes it clear that humanity is not alone in abusing other races. Characterization is not limited to those looking for answers. The city of Caydal Epun is a character on its own. It is sometimes oppressive, sometimes beautiful, yet always mysterious. The initial sequences in Caydal Epun are reminiscent of King Kong. In both stories there are natives offering sacrifices much to the dismay of curious onlookers. Like King Kong, the presence of strangers upsets the natives plans. However, instead of a giant wooden wall, in Nadir we are faced with a strange impenetrable mist. That King Kong came to mind is meant as praise for Mr. Rieser. The qualities which made Kong a classic are to be found in Nadir. Nadir is a bold work which proves that humans are not required in the telling of a tale. Well-conceived stories do not need the presence of standard protagonists. Based on what Mr. Rieser has achieved with this novel it will be interesting to see where he takes us on subsequent voyages.