Ghost of the Well of Souls

Description

Jack Chalker's Well World epic occupies an honored place among the classics of science fiction. Now this boldly imagined, intricately plotted new novel takes us deeper into the Well World than ever before . . .

On the mysterious Well World, the evil tyrant Josich and his dark agents search desperately for the eight scattered pieces of the fabled Straight Gate. Whoever possesses the Gate will wield enormous power, travelling between universes at the speed of light and wreaking havoc across galaxies.

Opposing Josich is a small band of travelers new to the Well World. There is Core, once a machine, now flesh and blood; Ming and Ari, two minds sharing a single body; Jaysu, an angel; and Genghis O'Leary, a lizard being. Unbeknownst to them, they have an unlikely ally: a vengeful entity who is able to clone any person or object with a single touch--and mete out death just as swift . . .


From the Paperback edition.

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Customer Reviews

The Best of the Well World Series
Along with the Sea is Full of Stars, I found these two books the best of all the books. Perhaps it was because there was no Nathan Brazil or Mavra Chang who can not lose due to the Well World itself aiding them. Having Kincaid as a "bogey-man" in the background actually fit his personality and characterization. Each major character had their purpose and part and if one looks at the theme of these books with some detachment from the earlier books, the story is actually very different.

2005-04-29 | a sci-fi reader (Green Bay, Wisconsin USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Not as good as the rest of the Well World Saga
I read the reviews before I bought and figured that the negatives were "I miss Nathan Brazil". I was wrong.

The only character I grew to like had her mind wiped pretty much right away, so I didn't really care about her later.

The plot was so convoluted and confusing, and by the end the threat so unclear, that by the end of the second book I hardly cared who won.

You know, if you read this Jack, I cared about Renard, Nicki, Wu Julie, Asam, Marquoz, Serge Ortega, Gypsy and Prof. Zinder, every one of them more than I cared about any of these characters. What made the previous books great was caring about the characters.

Also, the underwater people were just wet land people. They thought and acted like they were just land people trying to dom the things that land people do with the "problem" of all that water being in the way. A water people would LIKE being in the water, and their entire culture would reflect that.

2002-11-18 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 3

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Something Else?
As soon as I read Chalker's introduction to this duology - the newest addition to the increasingly large Well World series - I decided to give it a try. So it wasn't a part of the normal canon, as he put it, but instead a book about Something Else. Well and good, I'm always ready to try something new from an established story teller.

Two books and about 700 pages later, I still don't know what he was talking about. I'm also extremely perplexed: just what happened to Chalker's writing? His prose, plotting, character development - even his humor - don't match up with the previous work that bears his name. This duology provided such a lackluster story that I am at a complete loss to explain its existence in print. I'm tempted to visit Chalker's web site and write him an email asking, "Why?" The only possible answer I can derive comes from Chalker's shameless introductory statement that he didn't plan to return to the Well World until someone fronted a sizeable sum. Apparently, this offer didn't provide enough impetus for Chalker to return to form.

Page 1 of the first novel, "The Sea is Full of Stars," starts with the strong, confident narrative voice I remember from Chalker's earlier novels. Unfortunately, this turns out to be the sole shining moment for the entire series. I almost wish that Delrey hadn't plugged these into the original Well World saga as books 6 and 7. They don't belong in the same category as the originals.

2001-06-06 | GENREBUSTERS.COM (Seattle, USA) | Helpful Votes: 10 | Rating: 1

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The five-minute fix invades the Well World
Well, hmmm. I would have liked to have liked this book -- I've always enjoyed the Well World books -- but this one was somewhat disappointing. It seemed very rushed, and plotlines that were introduced in the previous book were downplayed or ignored entirely. For instance, the whole "The Avenger must triumph not for revenge" plotline suggested in first book was never really used, and Kincaid's role throughout both books is reduced to that of a rarely-seen bogey-man -- in fact, he turns out to be a totally unimportant character, whose role could have been filled by any other character. The other "pivotal" character, Angel, gains extraordinary powers in order to ultimately become -- the world's most powerful librarian. Josich is present only in the last 20-pages or so of the book, and this makes the whole ending seem rather rushed. None of the actions of the characters preceding the denoument actually has any meaningful impact on the climax of the story, and the only unpredictable parts come when Chalker changes the rules on us (with hand-waving as to why Brazil & Chang might have not been called, and glossing over why the Well World didn't take more action to protect itself earlier on). Furthermore, it's as if I've seen these characters before. Granted, even in the non-Well books, the signature of all of Chalker's writing is to take characters and mangle them physically and emotionally, but even beyond that, Core is largely synonymous with Obie, Kincaid is Brazil without the screen time, Angel is a weird mix of Wuju and Vardia, and Jules is a near dead-ringer for Hain. (I will admit, however, to getting a real chuckle when O'Leary and his group actually swallow some of the bad guys... :-)

Twenty pages from the end, it appeared to me like we'd need a whole other book to finish this story, which I was thoroughly engrossed in. Instead, we get a 5-minute fix as if it were some Star Trek cliffhanger, and I was left saying, "What....?"

2001-04-21 (Woodinville, WA USA) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 3

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Well oh Well
I have followed and reread all of the Well's 10 books several times. I find this series as well as the Flux and Diamond series to be the best works of scifi written since Asimov. Some readers have written their displeasure due to the limited use of the most interesting character; however, even in the original Well series, Nathan (God) only dominated a portion of the series (including the book with his name on the cover). Sometimes, less is more. The ending of this book leaves a huge door open to sequals and a new possible mixture of the foundling empires of the "real" galaxy with a mixture of the Well and it's inhabitants. I guess the other readers just miss Obie (or were overly hot for Mavra).

2001-01-09 (Las Vegas, NV United States) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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The Return of Nathan Brazil (Well World)

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780743499019
• Mould: New
• Notes: BUY WITH Conviction, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and work to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Description

The Dreel was a hive-mind, composed of trillions upon trillions of virus-sized units, which infected intelligent beings like a disease and took over the mind of an occupied being, utterly. It had occupied planets throughout the galaxy, making their entire population its mind-slaves, and was on its way to conquering the entire galaxy-until a cop on the frontier planet of Parkatin discovered the truth. Those whose minds were still free fought back, using a weapon so powerful that it wrought havoc with the control of the Well World, the ancient planet-sized supercomputer that a vanished super-race called the Markovians built to recreate the entire universe, and maintain it in its present form. If the Well World's control of time and space could not be restored, the universe could vanish like a blown-out candle flame. Only a Markovian could go to the Well World and repair the damage, but only one Markovian was still known to survive. He had last been seen in human form, going by the name of Nathan Brazil. No one knew where he was now, what name he was using, or even if he still appeared human. Finding him, somewhere in the immensity of the galaxy, seemed an impossible task. So the task fell to someone who had done the impossible over and over: Mavra Chang, one of the few beings ever to escape from the Well World. And on that occasion, she had brought back with her a computer named Obie, who just might be the second most powerful computer in the universe, after the Well World itself. With those two on his trail, Nathan Brazil could run-but could he hide?

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Customer Reviews

I loved it 25 years ago and still love it today
Jack L Chalker was one of my favorite authors growing up, and this was my favorite series. An interesting premise and a well written tale, The whole original 5 books series was and still is fun and thought provoking. The later books were not so much. Jack L Chalker said that they would have to pay him a great big heap of money to write anymore books in the Well World series after the first 5 books and they did, but as much as I loved the author, he laughed all the way to the bank. Stick with the first 5 and you will have a good read and a great adventure.

2010-08-23 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Not Free SF Reader
Last Markovian Hunt.


Bad things are happening in the the universe. To stop in, they need the Well World. To get the Well World working, they need a Markovian. To get a Markovian your options are limited, given only Nathan Brazil is left. To get Nathan Brazil is very heard. Cue Mavra Chang and machine sidekick, and a fun chase and convince and hope to survive story.

2007-10-27 | - Research Finished | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Great pulp Sci-Fi.
Just to be clear, this is not Don Quixote. This is solid, fun, satisfying science-fiction/fantasy.

Also to be clear, do not read any of the "recent" Well World novels, they have little to redeem themselves. They are neither solid, fun or satisfying.

As noted by the other reviews this is the fourth of the original five part series. I say five part series, but really the series is a trilogy with both the second and third novels (Exiles/Quest) and this novel and the last novel (Twilight) counting as just one book each.

Of the series, the last part of the trilogy (this book and Twilight) remains my favorite.

I will not spoil any plot points, but I will say that if you like the genre, you will enjoy this book.

2005-02-19 (New York, NY) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Book four of the Saga of the Well World
As a general warning, this is the fourth book of a tightly knit series. While the book is written to stand on its own, greater enjoyment can be found be reading the previous three novels: Midnight at the Well of Soul, Exiles at the Well of Souls, and Quest for the Well of Souls; before reading this one.

This book begins back at the same interstellar community where the previous novels begin (it's know as the Comworlds, or the Com for short). An alien race has arrived from another galaxy and is bent on conquest of ours, and since they're more advanced than the Com, they're winning.

Mavra Chang, survivor of the War of the Well World, has just returned to the Comworlds.

The true reality of the situation is far grimmer than they realize, and when they do catch up with Brazil, they regret it.

Overall, the series really starts to pick up steam here, and that after admitting that the previous novels are already good to begin with.

Vol. 1: Midnight at the Well of Souls
Vol. 2: Exiles at the Well of Souls (Part 1: War of the Well World)
Vol. 3: Quest for the Well of Souls (Part 2: War of the Well World)
Vol. 4: The Return of Nathan Brazil
Vol. 5: Twilight at the Well of Souls

1998-06-03 (Salt Lake City, UT United States) | Helpful Votes: 14 | Rating: 5

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Warriors of the Storm (Rings of the Master, Book 3)

Description

Vulture is a shapechanger capable of absorbing the body and memories of any organic being. Without the information only Vulture can collect, the rebels will never succeed in gathering the five rings necessary to defeat Master System. Now an unknown entity seems to be giving Vulture an unseen hand. But the question is -- whose side is it on?

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Customer Reviews

All set-up, readying to blow! Plot explodes!
Backtracking a bit, Book One was character inception and plot layer. The book was full of plot history and character development. The sheer richness of the beginning of the series was gorgeous. It seemed like it had unlimited possibilities. Then came Book Two. Here, the cast was still growing and the plot was still thickening... the stage was being set!

Now you come to Book Three... the curtain rises... and the stage explodes with everything thus far set-up. Idle idiosyncrasies and personal histories shape the plot is ways I never would have thought. The inter-personal relationships become more involved, also thus shaping the plot. Alternate-human cultures are explored is beautiful detail, as are the world in which the future humans live. Clever are the crew when confronted with difficulties on the ship, on the planet or between each other. Some lingering questions are answered about the rings mysteries.

Book Three is a definite confirmation that the Rings of the Master series is character driven. Book Three sets the bar QUITE high for Book Four.

2008-06-16 | 2theD (Ban Chang, Rayong, Thailand) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Fun but not as compelling as the first two in the series
Hawks and his band of revolutionaries who call themselves pirates continue their plan to find the five rings and bring down Master System in this sci-fi thriller. They find two of the rings on the planets Janipur and Matriyeh, both of which present some really strange problems and solutions to stealing the rings. Chalker continues to reveal the pasts of his characters and takes us through some of the most bizzare situations I have read in all my years of reading sci-fi and fantasy. This book is definitely inventive.

However, despite the amazing situations the author puts his band of unlikely heroes through, I am starting to find the plot somewhat predictable; not the details. I won't spoil it for you so you'll have to read this to know what I mean. Hopefully this is just part of being a book that is a bridge to the climax awaiting us in the next book. Although a little slow at times and a tiny bit predictable this is a very fun read. I can't wait to see what weird things the crew of the Thunder has to do to get the last three rings and defeat Master System; if they defeat him.

2006-06-09 (Somewhere in the Far East) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Jungle of Stars

Description

Paul Carlton Savage died on July 20, 1969, in Vietnam -- but that was only the start of his troubles! Approached by a mysterious entity called The Hunter, Savage was offered immortality in exchange for his services in The Hunter's continuing war against The Bromgrev. Suddenly, Savage found himself pitted against an enemy he had never seen, an enemy who could be anyone, anywhere, at any time . . . an enemy determined to destroy him and all who got in his way. And in this raging intergalactic war between Good and Evil, Savage discovered that he couldn't be sure whose side he was on . . . .

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Customer Reviews

Fun Light Reading
It has been some time since I read A Jungle of Stars. It is one my favorites from Chalker. If you love a good space opra with lots of twists and turns, this one's for you. A uniquely interesting take on the "Good Vs. Evil" theme.

1999-12-05 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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The Sea Is Full of Stars (Well World)

Product Details

• Notes: BUY WITH Belief, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and assistance to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Requirement: New
• ISBN13: 9780345394866

Description

This exciting, action-packed novel marks Jack Chalker's triumphant return to his celebrated multivolume saga: The Well World. The Sea Is Full of Stars explores an unknown interstellar civilization, stars an all-new cast of characters, and reveals fresh secrets. But of course, The Well remains . . .

After three passengers--Ming, Ari, and Angel--embark on an elite starship journey into the Realm, they unwittingly become ensnared in one man's bloodthirsty vendetta that will alter their very beings. That man is Jeremiah Wong Kincaid. He vows to destroy Josich Conqueror Hadun, the evil genius who has wreaked unspeakable havoc throughout the universe. It is an obsession that will take him to lands of demons and strange races--and into a deadly new cyberworld where humans are mere pawns of the godlike computers they have created.

But it is only after Kincaid and his unwitting fellow travelers enter Well World and discover the water hexes that he confronts the mad tyrant--and learns their universe is threatened by something far, far worse . . .

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Customer Reviews

Gone to the well once too often
I am an avid fan of Jack Chalker and have read all the previous Well World series with great enthusiasm but this latest two book set in the series was a major disappointment. The author creates detailed and interesting back story on all the major characters in book one and then practically dumps it all in book two in what amounts to a rush to finish the story. The point at which Wally steals the straight gate piece is amateur. And the ending when Ming and Ari are resolving basically the rest of their lives after their personal and emotional ordeal on the Well World and then end up in a tryst to end book 2 tells me that Chalker cared less for these characters than a non-fan. It almost feels like the author was limited to 2 books on this story and cut corners accordingly.

2008-04-23 | Rawdog1 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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FANTASTIC
Must read the other Well World Series by Jack Chalker to appreciate this book. I think this series is one of the greatest works in the Sci Fi field. Unfortunately, Jack Chalker has passed away so there will not be anymore books in this series. If you liked the Well World series you will enjoy this one also.

2005-08-05 | Jutz, Michigan (Jutz, Michigan) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Deja Vu
An interesting variation of the same original well world series. The first book is only an introduction to the second book. The characters are well disguised remakes of his previous characters. Almost all Well World series have Drug Lords with their planet fortresses, Evil Conquerors ( and their guilt ridden proteges ), body swapping and its psychological repercussions. But then thats what we all like about the well world series. So if you are a fan, go ahead and make your day.

2001-02-25 (Detroit) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 4

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His Best In Years!
I have been Chalker fan since the publication of the first Well World novels, and have read every book he has ever written. That being said, I have found the recent attempts to revive the Well World to be sorely lacking. Until The Sea Is Full Of Stars, that is. I have found this to be the most enjoyable book that Chalker has written in years (I found Watchers At The Well to be less than satisfying). This book, however, seems to capture the spirit and adventure of the original novels. Which makes it all the more unfortunate that the second book does not live up to its potential

2000-05-28 | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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WELL WORLD!
If for no other reason, Jack Chalker deserves his place in science fiction for having invented the Well World. [Side note: I'd never write a Star Wars or Star Trek novel, but if Chalker ever asked me to write a Well World novel, he wouldn't have to ask twice.] Every Well novel has been brilliant; the last three were superior, but read much like variations on the original theme. Now he has integrated new scientific & technological knowledge into the Well mythos AND done something completely new with the concept. Besides that, virtually no one besides Chalker of whom I know has done so well in making aliens both understandable to us and at the same time so clearly not like us at all. I am awaiting the sequel.

2000-03-20 | striped_knees | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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Twilight at the Well of Souls (Saga of the Well World, Vol 5)

Description

The rift in the fabric of space was fast approaching the Well World, and time was running out. Troops all over the planet were gathering for the final battle.

Nathan Brazil and Mavra Chang somehow had to reach the Well of Souls in time to save the universe and before any of the hostile natives managed to kill them.

At best, a difficult mission. At worst, impossible -- especially since there was a price on Brazil's head and many would-be claimants! For Brazil, the difficult was but the work of a moment -- the impossible would take a little longer!

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Customer Reviews

Not Free SF Reader
Brazil and Chang to save the Well.


No shortage of wars on the Well World in this series, it seems, as Nathan Brazil and friends get to fight to get him to the Well of Souls. He is happy to be ruthless with personal in a commander type role to get the job done, too.

There are also some revelations about what Brazil is and why he is so important to the whole situation.

Perhaps not as interesting as the rest of the series.

2007-11-01 | - Research Finished | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Book 5: Capstone of a classic series.
The myriad stories begun throughout the series are brought together here, as plot-threads you didn't know existed are revealed and then woven together (and none of them are dissatisfying cheap tricks, either). Many questions are answered, but not all of them.

The scope of the finish here is the biggest I can remember, and the poignacy of the end is distinct from the triumph or anti-climax at the end of many other major science fiction tales.

I've read this entire series four or five times completely, and it was worth it every time.

Vol. 1: Midnight at the Well of Souls
Vol. 2: Exiles at the Well of Souls (Part 1: War of the Well World)
Vol. 3: Quest for the Well of Souls (Part 2: War of the Well World)
Vol. 4: The Return of Nathan Brazil
Vol. 5: Twilight at the Well of Souls

1998-06-03 (Salt Lake City, UT United States) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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A must read.
This is the first in the series that I have read,but unlike most series novels the history and characters are well explained thus able to comprehend the situations.Brazil the perfect hero is not the classic hero as he uses deceit and other human prows to achive his goals.It is noted that a lot of classical work shows the hero as a moral,'justice for all',... character while true human nature of corruption and other and philosophy that the ends justify the means are ignored.Such greats as Alexander The Great have employed ruthless methods and it is seen that Brazil is the same.As conclusion compared to classic good versus evil and pure fantasy fiction this novel is a work of art.

1998-04-26 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The best Well World novel yet!!
I have to say the Twilight is in my opinion the best Well World novel that has been written. It brings back my favorite character, Nathan Brazil, and it also explains more about the history of the Well and even why Nathan Brazil was really left as a Guardian. I thought that it also incorporated some good villians and and subplots and left a very big opening for many new Well World novels. All in all, I say it is a very good book and a must have.

1998-04-16 | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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