I’ve made no secret of my fondness for the works of Matthew Hughes. Hughes somehow channels Jack Vance and produces whimsical works in Vance’s celebrated style. Underland Press of Portland gains my praise for publishing Matthew Hughes’ latest science fiction novel, The Other. Luff Imbry, the greatest thief on Old Earth, is kidnapped and taken across the galaxy to an obscure, desert planet called Fulda. The humans of Fulda aspire to “perfection” by measuring themselves against a standard designed by their spiritual founder, Haldeyn. Deviants from that standard are outcasts and classified as “oddies.” Imbry has to figure out how to survive in this bizarre society, identify the enemy who has abandoned him on this isolated planet, and to get back to Old Earth to use his vast resources to extract vengeance. As with most of Matthew Hughes’ work, I read The Other in one sitting. Hughes leaves the door open for sequels. I, for one, would welcome them! GRADE: B+
Sounds good, I like Hughes – admittedly in small doses – too. That publisher is a new one to me.
Underland Press seems to operate in your backyard, Rick.
Not familiar with Hughes or his work. I have read a novel titled The Other, but that was by Thomas Tryon.
You can check out Matthew Hughes’ work at http://www.archonate.com/, Randy. If you enjoy Jack Vance, you’ll enjoy Hughes’ pastiches. You can find out more detail about his most recent publisher at http://www.underlandpress.com.