Book reviews

Berserker Prime
Fred Saberhagen Book Review

Read a book review online (click here to search reviews)
Books Movies  
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Mystery/Thriller Literature Romance Biography History
Fred Saberhagen Books
New book search
Fred Saberhagen Message Board
Get more information about this book
Plot Summary of Berserker Prime
"

Tor, Jan 2004, 25.95, 386 pp.
ISBN: 0765306255

The inhabitants of the twin planets Prairie and Timber feel euphoric having defeated the Huvean invasion. However, as Plenitpotenary Gregor prepares to have the Huvean prisoners executed over the objection of his granddaughter Luon who loves a Huvean, the Berserkers invade the twin-planets.

The Twins do not know much about these robots except that they are ancient construct killing machines. Ironically, only the Huvean might be able to stop the raiders, but they are prisoners with death awaiting them. Will the Plenitpotenary negotiate life for life or will he remain stubborn in face of the Berserker assault that means with no help certain Twin pandemic genocide?

Fans of the Berserker series will enjoy this solid but typical ninth book. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action and the usual Cecil DeMille-size cast. Though the valiant good guys without thought are willing to die for the Twin-Huvean cause, the Berserker robots are as malevolent as ever.   An interesting underlying theme throughout the plot is Fred Saberhagan's Laws of Robotics: (1) a simple output is better generated by machine; (2) situations when values should determine outcomes, humanity needs to supersede computers. Though quite predictable as a normal Berserker entry, this still remains a prime space opera.

Harriet Klausner

"

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar

Review Analysis of Berserker Prime
Our unique search engine provides a wealth of detail about books by breaking them down into many different literary elements, all of which are searchable (click here).
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%




Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Political power play Yes
Political plotlets - preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms
Robots, Computers, VR Yes
Robot, PC, VR Plotlets: - fighting evil robot(s)
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - politician/elected ruler
Age: - 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - Robot
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount

Setting
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society
Planet outside solar system? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only) - some scientific explanation
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript
Most similar books to Berserker Prime
Rogue Berserker by Fred Saberhagen
Redemption Ark by Alastair Reynolds
By Force of Arms by William C. Dietz
T2: Rising Storm by S.M. Stirling
Enemy by Paul Hughes


Click here for more information about this book


Fred Saberhagen Resident Scholar Profiles

TOP SCHOLAR:
  
Daniella Arena  

SCHOLARS:


Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
Three ways to search for Science Fiction books!

1) One-click plot searches! Simply click on a plot or subplot below!

Animal Story

Clones

Coming of age

Cultural problems, alien culture

Explore/1st contact/ enviro story

Family relations

GIANT monster(s)

Horror story?

Inner Struggle

Lifeform altered?

Mental/magical powers focus

Parody

Political power play

Religious overtones?

Repressive society story

Robots, Computers, VR

Romance

Spying & Investigations

Tech./$$$/Info hunt

Time Travel story?

Training/Apprent.

War or Invasion



or 2) Simple lookup
(title or author)

or
3) Even more search options available with a Detailed Booksearch (click here)

Use our site!
Feedback
About us
Bribe your congressman!
Rudy Giuliani



Most recent discussions:

General Book Talk
Book writing discussion
Off-topic message board
.
Norah Lofts 1:21:44 AM
Ellen Hopkins 12:20:02 AM
Isobelle Carmody 11:14:13 PM
Joyce Reardon 6:04:29 PM
Lori Wick 5:31:34 PM
Teri Woods 3:52:40 PM
Robert Segarra 3:42:10 PM
Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer 3:08:59 PM
Nora Roberts 1:31:14 PM
Lilian Jackson Braun 11:58:30 AM
David Gerrold 10:41:17 AM
Deric Longden 8:34:00 AM
Suzanne Collins 7:47:38 AM
Mary Higgins Clark 3:41:53 AM
Eloise Jarvis McGraw 2:17:46 AM
Laurie Halse Anderson 1:29:18 AM
Alicia Appleman-Jurman 11:51:40 PM
David Pelzer 11:42:52 PM
Lorri Hewett 9:14:18 PM
George W. Bush 7:43:57 PM

More message boards