DrLunar
Since: Dec, 2009
01/06/2010 00:00:00
I pretty much agree with you about the first book. But later books in the series get very Anvilicious about the author’s views on "natural" gender roles. For instance in the second book there’s a city-state in which feminism led to a brutal matriarchy, that treats men likes animals, and OUTLAWED LOVE.
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Not So Bad As You Think
At least, for the first book. Norman isn't great but he is a better than average writer and took the time to show his work in terms of world building. Gor is a genuinely interesting setting that plays up specific fantasy tropes to very good effect. The only slavery that is plot important makes contextual sense (well right up until we discover that "slavery agrees with her").
The male lead, Tarl, is a flat Author Avatar. Talena is much more interesting as she really drives the plot and faces real conflicts.
It's worth reading, if only as a good example of how to give an overused setting some flavor by turning a few aspects up to eleven (in this case slavery and honor codes).