The Real Story

by Stephen R. Donaldson
The Real Story cover
Good Books rating 3.25
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 7682
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780307573858
  • Publisher: Spectra
  • Published: 2009-10-21
  • Reviews: 3

Stephen R. Donaldson, acclaimed author of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, returns with a gripping new series set in a meticulously crafted future. The story follows Angus Thermopyle, a feared ore pirate, and Morn Hyland, a former police officer, as they navigate a world of betrayal and hidden threats. Their arrival at Mallory's Bar & Sleep sparks a confrontation with Nick Succorso, another daring pirate, leading to a swift and devastating outcome. However, the real story is far more complex and profound, delving into the eternal struggle between good and evil within each of us. /n/n The Real Story takes readers on an adventure through a universe of advanced technology and political maneuvering, where the lines between heroes and villains are blurred. Donaldson's masterful storytelling brings to life a tale of rivalry, revenge, and a shadowy presence that lurks just beyond our view, making it his most intense and thought-provoking work yet.

Reviews
Reddit · 2025-12-16
disturbing 3.25

The first half of the book is disturbing, but the story is compelling enough to keep reading. The book is a good one, despite its dark content.

The beginning of this book is quite disturbing, and there were moments when I considered putting it down. However, the story is compelling and well-crafted, making it worth pushing through the difficult parts. The narrative is engaging, and the characters are complex, adding depth to the overall experience. The book is a good one, despite its dark and unsettling content. The author's ability to create a gripping story, even with such challenging material, is impressive. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Quick quotes

    The first half of the book was quite disturbing.

    There were times when I wanted to abandon it, but despite the bad stuff, the story was a really good one.

    The narrative is engaging, and the characters are complex, adding depth to the overall experience.

Amazon · 2025-12-16
exciting 3.50

The book is a necessary introduction to one of the best science fiction series, opening a door to a dangerous and dark future. The writing is engaging and the world-building is impressive.

This novel serves as a crucial introduction to a highly regarded science fiction series. It opens the curtain to a dangerous and dark future, setting the stage for the adventures that follow. The writing is engaging, and the world-building is impressive, drawing the reader into a compelling and immersive narrative. The story is filled with tension and excitement, making it a thrilling read for fans of the genre. The author's ability to create a believable and intriguing world is evident, and it's clear that this is a series worth exploring further.

Quick quotes

    It's a necessary step towards one of the best science fiction series that I've read.

    The Real Story opens the curtain to a dangerous, dark world of the future.

    The writing is engaging and the world-building is impressive.

Lesserjoke's Blog · 2021-08-09
dark 3.00

The book is challenging to read due to its dark and disturbing protagonist, but it offers a deep exploration of complex themes. The writing is compelling, despite the difficult subject matter.

This novel is a tough read, primarily because it delves into the mind of a deeply flawed and disturbing character. The protagonist's actions and mindset are unsettling, making it a challenging book to get through. However, the writing is compelling, and the exploration of these dark themes is done with a certain depth that makes it worthwhile. It's not a book for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. The author's ability to create such a complex and unsettling character is a testament to their skill, and it's clear that they have a lot to say about the human condition and the darker aspects of society.

Quick quotes

    This is a difficult book to read, putting us into the mind of one of the vilest science-fiction protagonists ever created.

    The novel will (rightfully) not win sympathy from many readers, but must instead be approached with an open mind.

    The author's ability to create such a complex and unsettling character is a testament to their skill.

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