Requiem for the Conqueror (Forbidden Borders #1) - Softcover

Gear, W. Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0886774772 ISBN 13: 9780886774776

Publisher: DAW, 1991

Synopsis

This rich and exciting sci-fi trilogy follows the search of one man—raised to be the ultimate general, the penultimate killing machine—for his own humanity and for the son he's never known.

The final conflict is about to begin....
 
The Forbidden Borders form a seemingly unassailable gravity-powered barrier, cutting humankind off from the wider universe, confining rival empires to a few star systems, and leaving them to strive endlessly against one another for total control. But now the weakest have fallen, only two mighty empires remain, and each must once again turn to the man both fear more than they fear one another. The man each is determined to hire—or, failing that, to assassinate—Staffa kar Therma, Lord Commander of the Companions.
 
Trained to be the ultimate killing machine, the penultimate general, Staffa has led his crack Companion mercenary troops to victory time and again. Throughout the human worlds, the Lord Commander is cursed as the Star Butcher, bringer of death and destruction. And never before has he turned his back from undertaking a new contract.
 
But along with his most recent victory has come a discovery that will have repercussions throughout all the star systems within the Forbidden Borders. For Staffa has learned that the son stolen from him in infancy may still be alive, and nothing will stand between Staffa and the search for his son—even though his quest may well lead to his own destruction....

About this title

About the Author

W. Michael Gear is the author or co-author with his beloved wife, Kathleen O’Neal Gear, of fifty-seven published novels.  He is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author whose work has been translated into 29 languages and has over 17 million copies in print world wide. Both and anthropologist and archaeologist, he brings extraordinary depth and complexity to his characters and settings.  Gear lives on a back country buffalo ranch in Wyoming where he raises outstanding bison, indulges in his passion for large-caliber rifles, and pets his two shelties: Jake and Shannon. Michael can be found at gear-gear.com.

Review

Praise for the author:

“What a ride!  Excitement, adventure, and intrigue, all told in W. Michael Gear's vivid, compulsively readable prose.  A terrific new science-fiction series; Gear hits a home run right out of the park and all the way to Capella.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Quantum Night
 
“A marginal colony on a living world---where human life and human will are tested to the limits. An intriguing and inventive new work from Michael Gear, first of a trilogy. Recommended!” –C. J. Cherryh, Hugo Award-winning author of Downbelow Station

"Mike Gear does for science fiction what J.R.R. Tolkien did for fantasy, and he does it with panache and elan." —Rave Reviews

"Flowing imagination, storytelling marvels. The Gears have a fine time drawing the various interclan rivalries and clashes of cultures." —Kirkus

"Galactic intrigue combines with military SF in a tightly woven, intricate storywith strong male and female characters.... Highly recommended." —Library Journal

"Gear has managed to develop a vivid world, and in it set in motion a sweeping conflict." —Locus

"Gear handles characters and plot twists with equal ease.... The different alien species are distinctively drawn and interesting." —Science Fiction Chronicle

Edition details

• Publisher: DAW
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0886774772
• ISBN 13: 9780886774776
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 624