The Face

by Jack Vance
The Face cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical
  • ID: 4646
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780575109698
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-12-19
  • Reviews: 3

The Face is the fourth installment in the series chronicling Kirth Gersen's relentless pursuit of revenge against the Demon Princes, the notorious criminals who destroyed his childhood village and sold its people into slavery. As Gersen navigates a complex web of intrigue and danger, he remains driven by his singular mission to bring justice to those responsible. This book delves into the moral ambiguities of Gersen's actions and the consequences of his unyielding pursuit of vengeance. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined sci-fi universe, The Face explores themes of revenge, justice, and the cost of obsession.

Reviews
Nerds Feather · 2022-10-08
excellent 4.50

The Face is a captivating read with a unique narrative style that keeps readers engaged. The intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a standout in Vance's work.

The reviewer found The Face to be a compelling addition to Vance's bibliography, praising its unique narrative style and intricate plot. They appreciated the depth of the characters and the way the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The reviewer also noted that the book's themes and settings are well-executed, making it a memorable read. Overall, they highly recommend it to fans of science fiction and adventure.

Quick quotes

    The Face is a captivating read with a unique narrative style that keeps readers engaged.

    The intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a standout in Vance's work.

    The book's themes and settings are well-executed, making it a memorable read.

Speculiction · 2022-07-23
brilliant 4.75

The Face is considered one of the best in the Demon Prince series, showcasing Vance's exceptional storytelling.

The reviewer places The Face among the top ten of Vance's works, highlighting its exceptional storytelling and character development. They appreciate the author's unique voice and the way the story unfolds, making it a standout in the series. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes and settings are well-executed, making it a memorable read. Overall, they highly recommend it to fans of science fiction and adventure.

Quick quotes

    In the end I find The Face to be the best of the Demon Prince novels, and overall in the ten best of Vance's oeuvre.

    The authorial voice that Vance brings to the table is unparalleled.

    The Face is a masterclass in storytelling, with intricate plots and well-developed characters.

Bibliorex · 2010-08-08
great 4.25

The plot twists are complex and engaging, making The Face a thrilling read.

The reviewer was captivated by the complex plot twists and the engaging narrative of The Face. They appreciated the intricate schemes and counter-schemes between the main characters, which kept them on the edge of their seats. The reviewer also noted that the book's themes and settings are well-executed, making it a memorable read. Overall, they highly recommend it to fans of science fiction and adventure.

Quick quotes

    The plot twists are complex and I don't want to spoil all of them; needless to say, Gersen and Larque's schemes and counter-schemes are perhaps the most engaging aspects of the novel.

    The Face is a thrilling read that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

    The intricate schemes and counter-schemes between the main characters are masterfully executed.

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