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Lord Valentine's Castle  By  cover art

Lord Valentine's Castle

By: Robert Silverberg
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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Editorial reviews

This classic science-fantasy novel by legendary author Robert Silverberg tells the story of a man named Valentine, an amnesiac on the world of Majipoor who must find out who he is and what has been done to him. Given that he shares a name with the Coronal (King) of Majipoor, and the name of the book is Lord Valentine's Castle, it is reasonable to assume that this man with no memory is the deposed, rightful ruler of Majipoor, and Valentine slowly learns that this is, in fact, the case. Although that plotline was not the most original of ideas even 30 years ago when Silverberg wrote the novel, the brilliance of the story is in the journey, not the destination both in the literal and figurative sense. For Valentine's journey from amnesiac peasant to rightful king does take him on quite a literal journey a fascinating travelogue of the strange, magical world of Majipoor in which Valentine, and the rag-tag troop of jugglers he associates with, eventually uncover the truth of Valentine's heritage.

Some authors write prose that speaks so distinctly that it needs no embellishment from a narrator. Silverberg is such an author, and so Rudnicki, being one of those no-frills narrators who basically acts as a conduit for the listener, is an ideal choice for narrator. His performance is understated but compelling and it is that understated nature of his reading that is largely responsible for his appeal. Rudnicki is not going to dazzle you with his range of voices or other vocal trickery; instead, he keeps things basic, and for the most part just conveys the author's text and keeps out of the way, making listening to an audiobook read by him akin to reading the book yourself.

Some folks just know how to tell a story. And when you get two natural-born storytellers like Silverberg and Rudnicki together on the same project, the result is quite an unforgettable journey. John Joseph Adams

Publisher's summary

The planet Majipoor is shared by humans and several alien races, including four-armed Skandars, three-eyed Liiman, and the native, shape-shifting Metamorphs. All are watched over by the King of Dreams, the labyrinth-dwelling Pontifex, and the priestess of the Isle of Sleep, while the Coronal officially rules from atop Castle Mount.

The Majipoor Cycle begins as young Valentine, a man with no memory, is hired as an apprentice juggler by a group of eccentric performers. While the traveling troupe takes to the road, Valentine's sleep is disturbed by nightmare visions of warring brothers and difficulties on faraway Castle Mount. In a quest to discover who Valentine really is, his wise and peculiar companions resolve to help him claim the rewards of his birth. But another trial awaits Valentine that will test his belief, resolve, and strength of character.

©1980 Robert Silverberg (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Lord Valentine's Castle

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Superb

I read this book shortly after it's first publication so it's a great pleasure hearing it in audio form. I only need to comment on it's superb, expert narration. Flawless.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Help! I'm Drowning In Poorly Written Mysticism!

I HATE reading good scifi or fantasy writing saddled by a smothering theme.

It's like having sheet cake...The WHOLE sheet cake. It's cloying at the end of the day.

Despite the wonderful alien races, simple strong writing, interesting characters, and a great plot. THEN...That crazy wacky King of Dreams. SO much planet-spanning messages to everyone in the night, so many blurry analogies, hidden godly wills, and a mishmash of mysticism and religion.

It just pulled me away from the core of a great novel.

Please understand, religion in fantasy is commonplace. Look at Jordan's Wheel Of Time series as an example of religion woven smoothly into fantasy writing. It works. It strengthens the entire story, and is one of the essential underpinnings of the entire series.

Here, not so much.

I hate that I love this work, and am equally frustrated by it's poorly driven religion. I finished the work, and hoped that this would end in the first novel. Nope. It got worse.

I'm VERY confident that some of you will disagree, and that's okay. This is MY opinion, and I have to be true to myself.

Sorry, Robert, I really tried.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Highly Recommended

Loved the book when it came out over 30 years ago. Some SF/Fantasy books dont hold up over this length of time but this one surely does. The story is riveting and the narrator fantastic.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A master storytelling

Above all else the books I have enjoyed the most have been the ones that focused not on scientific marvels, but on evolution of the protagonist. This story does that unhurriedly, with great detail, but inexorably. It was over much too soon. I will put this as one of the best stories I have read. Only read it if you dare to be captivated.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unique Blending of Fantasy and SciFi

This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It has a unique blending of fantasy and science fiction for which the only thing I have any frame of reference is Star Wars. In place of The Force are dreams and magic and it has a more pastoral feel reminiscent of the Renaissance, but on a vast world where technology lurk's deep in antiquity rather than being newly applied. Technology only appears where needed in daily lives of most people. Though some of the plot turns are predictable, the world and story feels well constructed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I read this book long ago and I remembered liking it a lot so I decided to get the Audible version to help me get through my daily commute. Rudniki did a great job reading this book and I found it quite enjoyable.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love listening to the old fantasy classics!

Just as delightful this time 'round as it was 40 years ago. Love Silverberg's work.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

great tale

Intriguing from the start, though at times some what predictable....the general plot is authentically entertaining! A worthy listen from a science fiction master! Enjoy!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love it

About my 10th time reading the Majipoor stories. I loved them and still love them.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

fascinating world. Rudnicki has limitless range

As is true with every novel being read to me, I find myself dozing off but with this one I dozed less. not necessarily because of the action (although there is plenty of this) or the intrigue (plenty still). it is because of the richness of the characters being introduced who are included till the very end and the narrators ability to not only keep their voices true but also the depth of their charactor and attitude toward life and the others around them in the story. I found myself romping around with them on their quest.

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1 person found this helpful