Destroyer of Worlds (Known Space Series)

Destroyer of Worlds is kind of having Gulliver fleeing amidst the Batttlestar Galactica crowd.

By 2670 those who predicted the explosion at the galactic core remain in flight. Humans and their allies the Puppeteers are desperately leaving the destruction expanding rapidly dead zone in a mass exodus.

However, at the same time of the mass flight, a third species the Pak also tries to escape after their world Pakhome was destroyed. Pak operative Thssthfok will do whatever it takes to save his species. He and others raid frightened worlds to steal supplies leaving pandemic corpses behind. When a distress signal from Gw'ot reaches the leadership the human-Puppeteer alliance, agent Sigmund Ausfaller accompanied by Baedeker investigates as an unmarked vessel heads towards the fleeing armada. Reluctantly Sigmund works with the Gw'oth to learn who is inside the ship, but he distrusts his new allies more than the Pak as he understands the ruthlessness of the latter but not science above all else of the former.

Destroyer of Worlds is kind of having Gulliver fleeing amidst the Batttlestar Galactica crowd. A decade since the Juggler of Worlds, the mass exodus is in full swing, but enemies exist causing havoc at a time when chaos does not need deadly outsiders to create more of it. Obviously for fans of the Known Space universe who will fully relish the prequel saga of the Puppeteers and humans running from the core meltdown but newcomers will be lost in space.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Cows in Space - but better

Great Storyline. I believe the reader benefits from reading "The Fleet of Worlds" before starting this one, but the "Destroyer of Worlds" stands on its own. The story develops around a galactic tragedy that forces several alien races to vie for survival, at times at the expense of the other races.
If you are a Sci-Fi enthusiast you will appreciate the thoughtful construction of the races, and the characters therein. Anyone can make a character reptilian or insect-like. What the authors have done in this case is present the thoughts and behavior of the characters as a consequence of their race. The "Citizens" act like others from their race, not like mishapen humans. This consistency allows the reader to get lost in the fantasy.
The plot is strong. This is not a thriller, but by every measure, it is an adventure. There are enough twists and surprises to keep you reading, even when the clock says it is time to put the book down.
One negative was the very end. I like my heroes to ride off in the sunset, or at least retire, satisfied with their victory. I will say no more, because my only frustration was in the very last page, and I do not care to spoil it for those interested in pursuing this interesting novel.

Great sequel, well written.

If you like the Ringworld series you'll enjoy this sequel. Well written, transitions well, and great insight on PAK.

Welcome return to Known Space

This is a must read for fans of Larry Niven's Known Space universe. The third in the "Worlds" miniseries, this chapter continues with Sigmund Ausfaller in his new life amid the Puppeteer fleet. I enjoyed this book much more than Juggler of Worlds which became dull for me at times. Destroyer has less exposition and more plot...a page turner right to the end.

Destroyer is also an extension of the Protector series so you'll want to have read those first. Expect references to Beowulf Shaffer, Carlos Wu, and Lucas Garner as well. The Gw'oth in the book weren't particularly interesting, but the Pak make up for it. Niven has always done an excellent job bringing realism to the super-intelligent protectors.

The best and worst thing about Niven's works is that all his main characters have the same personality. Be it Louis Wu, Beowulf Shaffer, Sigmund Ausfaller, Gil Hamilton; they all feel like the same person. Fortunately, I love this fact. I feel like they could all be my best friend, or that they represent the best in me. After reading a Niven piece, it feels like I'm smarter, and the feeling lasts for days.

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