The Culling Dark: Summary and book reviews of The Culling Dark by Bettyann Craddock, plus links to an excerpt from The Culling Dark and a biography of Bettyann Craddock.
The Culling Dark
by Bettyann Craddock
Paperback: Sep 2000,
490 pages.
Two groups of explorers are unexpectedly separated and marooned on a mysterious, dying planet. One group must learn to survive the harsh rigors of life returned to its primitive roots. The other, fully supplied with modern conveniences, awaits rescue too long. Fleeing a despot commander, they take up residence in an abandoned alien city of tranquilizing beauty.
Unknown to each other, both groups have brought their evils with them. Life becomes a struggle for life or death against those evils in the interior and exterior dimensions, that we by nature straddle as physical yet spiritual beings.
It is the story of the beginning of civilizations, of myth and legend, of the roots of perception and the unavoidable consequences of choice.
New York Times - Gregory Mcguire
The intricate details and fascinating characters are the makings of another great science fiction novel.
Danielle Naibert, The Book Reviewer Site
One of the best character driven science fiction books I have ever had the honor to read. Craddock's version of life in space and a completely different planet, was original and so filled with passion, that I was surprised to learn this was her first novel. But then after the interview I truly understand the wonders of this woman, and so will the reader when they close this book...for the first time.
Craddock's description of the planet's surface and the sky above were pictures in words. I could see everything she written. I could feel the grit in my teeth, the heat from the sun and the lonely silence of the nights. You know how when you discover a book that shows you everything, you wish you could run out to Hollywood and hand it to a scriptwriter? Well, that is how I felt about this book, a true masterful novel that deserves to be seen in full color besides my mind.
The conflicts between the characters were also quite remarkable. Again, the passion Craddock shows with her characters, shows her love for this genre and her book. If I had to remark on one character, it be Felipe. A strong role character that truly takes control of the story. Another character that I felt something for was Wolf. Powerful and enjoyable.
Basically the story pertains to the lives and adventures of a group of people on a different system. The conflictions they battle amongst themselves,and the world around them. When you finally get to the epilogue, your breath will be taken away. The words in that epilogue are truly poetic and beautiful.
This is a book that anyone will adore, and science fiction readers have been waiting for.
KUNM, National Public Radio, with Ron Chapman
Thanks for a great book! Hear the interview with the author at www.kunm.unm.edu
1st Books Library - President Tim Jacobs
[Bettyann Craddock] has a fresh and insightful story to tell, and we believe it is well worth the readers attention.
With Embassytown Miéville has crafted an extraordinary novel that is not only a moving personal drama but a gripping adventure of alien contact and war.
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