Jinx On A Terran Inheritance (1985) - Plot & Excerpts
Another delightfully random sub shop selection - I came to learn that the author of this text was perhaps more famous for his work in the Star Wars universe, cranking out Han Solo books and radio adaptations of the original films. He also has Tron in his credits!This adventure focuses on dual protagonists, and as such I believe is the first buddy-book I've read in recent memory. He has a great knack for describing small mannerisms and visual cues which are totally spot on, and in only a few choice words allow the reader to perfectly picture the subtle reaction of one character to another.We follow Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh as they search the galaxy for Floyt's inherited starship. Ports of call, scandalous space stations, bizarre alien worlds and back stabbing intrigue are the order of the day, all done with good nature and way less grittiness than you would find in a similar military sci-fi. This part I appreciated. It does have that Star Wars vibe to it, and I think he certainly found his calling writing in that universe, though it's nice he got to pen his own characters here and there. It took me a little over two weeks to read this book, which is not unusual, but for some reason I kept losing the narrative and forgetting which minor characters were which. I suspect this is more my failing than the author, but it seemed unusual so was worth noting. While I didn't completely love this ride, I'm almost compelled to read it again next year for this reason, to see if I get more out of it when able to keep up with the cast more adequately.
This was actually my favorite book in the series, and like the others it is IEH. (Intriguing, exciting and hilarious) There are some scenes, such as the funeral of the High Meddler, that I enjoyed so much I wet the pages with my tears (of laughter) and read it two or three times before continuing on in the book. I still remember the last four lines of limerick that Hobart Floyt composes the spot as a eulogy... He left behind a sad nation (I don't remember this line exactly, so I've improvised)This glorious son of creationBut though we'll all miss himIt's time to off-kiss himIn the interest of good sanitationIt is worthwhile to browse through used books to find this one and its two buddies.
What do You think about Jinx On A Terran Inheritance (1985)?
