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The Ordinary
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Plot Summary of The Ordinary
"

Tor, May 2004, 24.95, 368 pp.
ISBN: 0765305283

The ocean contains the Twil Gate that connects the two diverse planets. Whereas the Hormling of Senal depends heavily on technology, engineering and science, the agrarian Erejhen of Irion believes in magic. Even how the two races understand the Twil Gate varies. The Hormling know that the gate had to have been developed by an unknown technologically advanced culture; the Erejhn believe the gate is a magical portal created by some wizard in a distant past.

The two planets have thrived on a brisk trade between them, as the Hormling sell manufactured goods in exchange for Erejhen farm products. However, the Hormling believe that the Erejhen are a backward race and decide that they can increase profitability and solve their over-population problem by colonizing Irion. A diplomatic team is sent to Erejhen, but instead of working on a pact, they are the advanced mission of a Hormling invasion. War is now the product moving through the gate.

Harriet Klausner
"

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of The Ordinary
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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 - 40%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10%




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
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Cultural problems, alien culture Yes
Culture clash- - one culture tries to impose its culture on another group

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - Prince/Nobleman/King
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: - Male
Age: - 20's-30's
Profession/status: - politician/elected ruler
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

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) - none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript
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Jim Grimsley Resident Scholar Profiles

TOP SCHOLAR:
  
Harriet Klausner  

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