Maske: Thaery (in Russian) (Het Verzameld Werk Van Jack Vance, #51)

by Jack Vance

Alexander Feht (Translator)

There is a Hole at the eastern fringe of the known universe. Deep within it hangs a lost star, Mora, with twin planets, Maske and Skay. On wild Maske there is a rocky peninsula inhabited by a clan of warlike dreamers, the Droads. The eldest son, Trewe, is by birthright Droad of Droad. The second son has no choice but to turn his face toward adventure. His name is Jubal Droad...

• ISBN10: 1541236394
• ISBN13: 9781541236394
• Publish Date: 30 April 2017 (first published 1 December 1976)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Language: Russian

Reviews

[Metaphorosis Reviews]

Vance novels are usually worth reading for the fantastic language and wordplay alone, and this is no except. Maske also contains the usual tropes of disaffected wealth, disillusioned youth, and a fair amount of no-longer-appropriate sexism. It also has, however, one of Vance's more human and likable protagonists.

In brief, Jubal, from a disadvantaged group, sets out on a wanderjahr to find fame, fortune, and his way in the world. He encounters and employs the usual Vance Machiavellian tricks, but eventually wins through. Aside from a brief excursion, the action takes place on one world.

If not highly different from Vance's other work, Maske is at least as enjoyable, and in some ways a more sympathetic read. I recommend it to all Vance fans. If you're not one yet, this is a good place to start.