Araminta Station

by Jack Vance
Araminta Station cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical
  • ID: 4650
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781503010048
  • Publisher: CreateSpace
  • Published: 2014-12-15
  • Reviews: 3

Set in the remote Purple Rose System, Araminta Station is the administrative hub of Cadwal, a planet of breathtaking beauty protected by the Naturalist Society's Charter. The Charter limits human habitation to preserve Cadwal's natural wonders, allowing only six Agents and their staff to reside permanently. Tourists are welcome in specially designed lodges, but extensive settlement and exploitation are strictly forbidden. Glawen Clattuc, a young man from the hierarchic society of Cadwal, finds his life upended when his relationship with Sessily Veder ends abruptly with her mysterious disappearance. This event propels Glawen into a strange adventure, uncovering a potent conspiracy that threatens the very foundations of Cadwal's protected status.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-21
mixed 2.50

The reviewer found the book to be okay, with a satisfactory conclusion, but struggled with the dry and boring storyline and the odd, ponderous dialogue.

This reviewer had a mixed experience with Araminta Station. While they found the book to have a satisfactory conclusion, they struggled with the dry and boring storyline. The dialogue was also a point of contention, described as odd and ponderous, which made the reading experience less enjoyable. Despite these issues, the reviewer didn't completely give up on the book, indicating that there were some redeeming qualities. However, the overall experience was not particularly engaging or memorable.

Quick quotes

    It's okay, and comes to a satisfactory conclusion, but I almost gave up a couple times at the dry, boring storyline and the odd, ponderous dialogue.

    I almost gave up a couple times at the dry, boring storyline.

    The odd, ponderous dialogue.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
excellent 4.50

The reviewer loved the book and has been eagerly anticipating reading it again. They found it to be a fantastic read with a richly detailed world.

This reviewer has been looking forward to revisiting Araminta Station for a long time, and their enthusiasm is clear. They absolutely loved the book, praising its intricate world-building and engaging narrative. The reviewer highlights the detailed portrait of Cadwal and its people, which adds depth to the story. They also appreciate the leisurely pace, which allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world Vance has created. Overall, it's a book that leaves a lasting impression and is well worth the read.

Quick quotes

    I have been looking forward to reading Jack Vance's Araminta Station for quite a while now.

    I first read the book in 2002 and absolutely loved it.

    Where Araminta Station progressed at a fairly leisurely pace and was as much concerned with painting a detailed portrait of Cadwal and its people as it was with the plot.

NetMassimo · 2019-04-15
brilliant 4.00

The reviewer considers Araminta Station a masterpiece of Jack Vance's mature period, showcasing his skill in building up various elements of the story.

This reviewer holds Araminta Station in high regard, considering it a masterpiece of Jack Vance's mature period. They praise the author's ability to build up various elements of the story, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The reviewer appreciates the intricate world-building and the detailed portrait of Cadwal and its people. The story is seen as a brilliant, complex tale of revenge and murder, with a leisurely pace that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world Vance has created. Overall, it's a book that showcases Vance's skill and leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    "Araminta Station" is the masterpiece of Jack Vance's mature period in which the author shows his best in building up the various elements of the story.

    It sets the tone for Vance's late style.

    It's longer than the other Vance books I've read, so it suffers a bit more from Vance's tendency to wander about.

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