The Warriors of Dawn Paperback – January 1, 1979

From "The Warriors of Dawn" in 1975 through "Owl Time" in 1985, M. A. Foster gave the world some very very special stories. I still have the eight DAW paperbacks and reread them often. I've been checking the bookstores (and now the web) for a new M. A. Foster book, ever since - no luck. Whatever happened to take this fabulous author away from us? And why no awards? If you've never read a Foster story, you've really missed something.The Ler novels ("The Gameplayers of Zan", Warriors, "The Day of the Klesh") are rich in character development and mystery, set in a future galaxy where humans interact with other intelligent species, one of which (the Ler) humans genetically engineered from human stock. The Ler, generally benevolent but different from humans, escape from Earth. Downstream and out in space, some deviant Ler groups create "breeds" of humans, the Klesh."The Morphodite", "Transformer", and "Preserver" deal with conflicts between interworld political intrigue and human values, brought about by the creation of a person with special perceptions and abilities - including changing gender and becoming younger by 20 years - the perfect assassin, but also the victim of biological and emotional manipulation."Waves" deals with a mystery at a remote experiment station, leading to discoveries about information structure, sentience, and time. "Owl Time" is a collection of novellas that explore unusual dimensions of human meaning, in which Foster celebrates and emulates several older authors.Hint to publishers: These stories are timeless and precious. They explore issues that we struggle with today. A reprint (maybe in omnibus hardbacks) would certainly ease the pain of old fans and attract new ones too.Hint to Foster: 17 years is a long time to wait, but I'm patient.

Unfortunately this book didn't really grab me. Part of the problem was the prose style which just wasn't my thing, and part of it was that I guess I just didn't find his ler culture as fascinating as he seemed to. Usteyn's story block was a really cool idea, and the ending did create a nice sense of finality, but it took me forever to finish this and I don't think I'll be rereading it any time soon ....

This is a gripping drama of life in the far future. You'll get to know the characters better than you do most of the "real" people in your life. I can't recommend it highly enough.Now here's some good news for those fans who have been trying to find a copy of this book since it went out of print a couple of decades ago: it's back, and as part of a one-volume edition of the three "Ler" books, called "The Book of The Ler", available right here on Amazon. Enjoy!

This was my introduction to the works of M. A. Foster. His depth of character construction, and interweaving of complex yet believable patterns is a style I would like to emulate as a writer myself. As highly as I rate this book, "Gameplayers" is even better, and the Morphodite series is absolutely fascinating. You won't be disappointed, unless you have failed as a reader to plumb the true depths of this fantasy. It is deeper than you know.

I love this book. I first read it when it was first published. I know the author in question. Though not well. I think it helps to know his background. It is an Excellent book. The whole Ler series is awesome. I only have one copy which is autographed and I keep it put up since I have not come across another in a long time. Read these books!Mike I miss your work!

Every time there is going to be action in the book, the author inevitably takes you away from it to pursue more anthopological observations.Ex. There's a life or death battle going on in a ship, but we leave that to instead watch someone wander through the wilderness, make some friends, and learn a new language. The battle is only mentioned briefly later and the action well over.This is a common trend. If you like to read about nothing but people and character studies in behavior, you'll love this book. As for excitement. . . you'll want to go elsewhere.