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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “This is an odd book, a standalone Company novel that I think would actually work better for someone who does not know the series than for those of us who know and love it (which might explain the very lackluster reviews I've seen of it online). |
Didn’t Like It “Apparently a prequel to a long running series, but what I read here didn't make me want to read the rest of the series. I'm not a big fan of alternate history, or maybe steam-punk. The writing was well done, but I didn't enjoy the story.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“This book takes the reader on a journey through the mid 1850s with a group of men who are part of the Gentleman's Speculative Society (GSS). This is a secretive group that reminds me of Control in Get Smart or MI6 in James Bond. They are part of a larger group of organizations around the world whose goal is to influence history to the point where countries, governments and people start acting like civilized humans rather than what we typically are - animals. Edward Bell-Fairfax is the main character who we meet when he is a boy. He is taken under wing by Dr. Nennys and brought to a boarding school. Bell-Fairfax grows to a man and goes into the British Navy. He is the recruited by Nennys into the GSS. Bell-Fairfax is unusually tall and has incredible physical abilities, like very acute eyesight and hearing. This makes him well suited to the work of the GSS, which is a combination spy agency and mercenary group. They do their work for the British government, but also hold allegiance to the other members of the order worldwide. Bell-Fairfax and 2 other men, Hobson and Pengrove, become part of a team lead by Mr. Ludbridge. Their mission is to collect intelligence throughout Europe and Asia to help prevent or at least deter a coming war. The GSS uses technologia they have created to help them do their work. Some of this is their own invention and some comes from letters they are given by a mysterious Informant. The speculation is that members of the GSS and related groups have come back from the future to impart their expertise to the people in the 1800s. They have elevators, night vision goggles, robots, underground trains and all sorts of fun toys. The story also reminded me a bit of the League of Shadows from the Batman movie with Christian Bale, although this group is geared toward the good; of course so was the League of Shadows. The story has parts of fiction and actual history in it as Bell-Fairfax and company go to Constantinople, St. Petersburg and numerous points in between. It's a fun romp through the mid 19th century with a lot of action, excitement and technology. I will definitely pick up another of Kage Baker's Company novels having a good taste from this one.”
Ron Arden wrote this review Monday, March 18, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Good fleshing out of Edward Bell-Fairfax. BLends well with other books.”
Kerri Lynn wrote this review Wednesday, October 12, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a book of The Company, a secret group outside of any Government. It is what is calssified as a Steampunk novel. In the early years of the 20th century agents of The Company are involved in stopping attempts by nefarious forces to overthrow governments. An experienced agent takes a group of 4 newly trained agents on a long trip through several continents to foil the plans of a group which plans to assassinate the Russian Czar. The Company has been instrumental in helping to train the oldest son of the current Czar to be a better ruler. They are trailed by a group of black clad assassins posing as religious tourists.
LadySatel wrote this review Wednesday, November 17, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
A rousing good read if you like this type of story.”
“Excellet alternate history...! very good continuity & action...!”
Doc Kozzak wrote this review Tuesday, November 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“So far, so good! Dramatic, victorian, and entertaining!”
Cinde S wrote this review Thursday, November 4, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This series of "The Company" always left me guessing at each turn of the page.”
Heidi J wrote this review Sunday, October 10, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Apparently a prequel to a long running series, but what I read here didn't make me want to read the rest of the series. I'm not a big fan of alternate history, or maybe steam-punk. The writing was well done, but I didn't enjoy the story. ”
Susan B wrote this review Friday, August 13, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Steampunk goodness”
JKSpinkJr wrote this review Wednesday, June 2, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No1 of 1 members found this review helpful“This is an odd book, a standalone Company novel that I think would actually work better for someone who does not know the series than for those of us who know and love it (which might explain the very lackluster reviews I've seen of it online).
PhoenixFalls wrote this review Sunday, April 4, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Not Less Than Gods is written in a third-person omniscient near-objective mode, meaning the narrator knows everything about everyone in the story but rarely delves into their thoughts and feelings, staying detached. Despite what the jacket would lead you to believe, it never enters Edward's head -- he is a cipher to those around him and to the reader. I resented this mode at first -- it seemed to leave a great gaping hole in every scene -- but the introduction of Rabbi Canetti reveals that this was a very deliberate choice on Baker's part and one, in fact, that I believe would make the book for those who have not read the Company novels (and have the eyes to see it).
To one who has not encountered the Company before, this novel has a central theme -- the danger of creating a monster and then giving it a soul. It is a Frankenstein tale, plain and simple, with Dr. Nennys as Dr. Frankenstein and Edward as his monster -- a subtler monster than Shelley's, but just as horrifying to the average bystander and just as innocent. We the reader cannot see Edward's perspective for this to work, however, because he does not know that he is a golem; the objective tone Baker uses reinforces her message.
The novel still is not entirely effective; I think it would have been stronger had Baker dipped more into the ancillary characters' heads, and it is rather slow starting and episodic throughout. It is also more steampunk than I expected, paying far more attention to the workings of all the wondrous machines than were really warranted by the story. But I think that if I did not know the Company novels already, I would have been quite moved by the climax as Ludbridge watches Edward realize what exactly he is.
However, I do know the Company novels, and I have met Edward before. I know his history already. Most importantly, I know how much more of a complete person (as opposed to a golem with a soul) he is than this book gives him credit for, so I am resistent to giving him the pass that this book provides him on all those shady ethical issues. With all that extra knowledge, I was left almost entirely cold by the novel. I wanted, instead, the novel that the book jacket led me to believe this was -- a real dip into Edward's psyche before Mendoza ran into him in California, something more realistic psychoanalysis than allegory. Or, at least, something with a bit more humor and action, some of the dashing zest for life it seemed Edward had (in amongst his raging egomania).
So all in all I'm frustrated by this novel, but I nonetheless hope it does well, and it would be very nice if it finds an audience outside of Baker's core Company fans.”
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