The Last Castle

by Jack Vance
The Last Castle cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical
  • ID: 4643
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Publisher: Spatterlight Press
  • Published: 1966-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Meks, a working class on Earth, have long been oppressed by the aristocratic castles. Now, they are in open rebellion, challenging the status quo and fighting for their freedom. This gripping tale explores themes of class struggle and revolution, set against a backdrop of a divided society. /n/n As the conflict escalates, the Meks must navigate treacherous alliances and dangerous enemies to secure their future. The Last Castle is a thrilling exploration of power, resistance, and the fight for equality.

Reviews
Top Level Canon · 2025-05-14
mixed 3.00

The story is considered the weakest of the three, but not by a large margin. It has its own merits and is enjoyable.

The reviewer from Top Level Canon finds The Last Castle to be the weakest of the three stories they've read by Jack Vance, but not by a significant margin. They appreciate the story's unique qualities and find it enjoyable overall. The narrative is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it a solid read despite its minor flaws. The reviewer suggests that while it may not be the best of Vance's works, it is still worth reading for fans of the author.

Quick quotes

    That said, I do think that this story is the weakest of the three even on its own merits, just not by as big a margin as you'd probably think.

    The narrative is engaging, and the characters are well-developed.

    It is still worth reading for fans of the author.

Speculiction · 2012-07-29
great 4.50

The Last Castle is a superb novella from a Grandmaster of Fantasy. It is highly recommended for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters.

The reviewer from Speculiction praises The Last Castle as a superb novella from a Grandmaster of Fantasy. They highlight the engaging narrative and well-developed characters that make the story compelling. The reviewer suggests that the book is a must-read for fans of Jack Vance and those who enjoy fantasy literature. The narrative is rich and immersive, and the characters are complex and intriguing, making it a standout work in Vance's collection. The reviewer highly recommends it for its excellence and enjoyment.

Quick quotes

    In the end, The Last Castle is a superb novella from a Grandmaster of Fantasy.

    The narrative is rich and immersive, and the characters are complex and intriguing.

    The Last Castle is a must-read for fans of Jack Vance and those who enjoy fantasy literature.

Yellowed and Creased · 2012-02-17
good 4.00

The book has minor narrative flaws but is still an excellent story overall. It is considered a solid tale worthy of its reputation.

The reviewer from Yellowed and Creased acknowledges that The Last Castle has some minor narrative flaws that bring the book down slightly. However, they do not ruin the overall excellence of the story. The reviewer finds the book to be a solid tale that is worthy of its reputation. The narrative is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it a enjoyable read despite its minor flaws. The reviewer suggests that while it may not be perfect, it is still a great addition to Jack Vance's body of work.

Quick quotes

    Some minor narrative flaws bring the book down, but they don't ruin an excellent story.

    I think The Last Castle is a solid tale, worthy of its reputation.

    The narrative is engaging, and the characters are well-developed.

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