People of the Talisman

People of the Talisman follows Eric John Stark, a mercenary warrior born on Mercury, as he navigates the harsh northern regions of Mars. When a dying friend entrusts him with a mysterious talisman, Stark becomes entangled in a conflict that threatens the ancient Martian city of Kushat. The narrative takes place in a science fantasy version of Mars, complete with barbarian tribes, ancient mysteries, and a frozen wasteland known as the Norlands. The story centers on the talisman's connection to Ban Cruach, a legendary hero who stands guard at the mythical Gates of Death. Against the backdrop of impending invasion and political intrigue, Stark must work with various factions including the masked lord Ciaran, the people of Kushat, and others who each pursue their own agenda regarding the talisman's power. The novel explores themes of loyalty, power, and the weight of ancient legacies while blending elements of planetary romance with sword-and-sorcery traditions. Its vision of Mars represents a unique intersection of science fiction and fantasy that characterized much of Brackett's work.

Readers found this Mars fantasy adventure to be fast-paced but less memorable than Brackett's other work. Several reviews note it feels rushed and less developed compared to her Skaith or Eric John Stark series. Liked: - Quick, pulpy action sequences - World-building details and atmosphere - The stark, desolate winter setting Disliked: - Thin characterization - Plot relies on coincidences - Some found the ending abrupt and unsatisfying Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (83 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Fun sword-and-planet romp but lacks the depth of her later works" - Goodreads reviewer "Brackett's descriptive powers shine in the ice world sequences" - SF Site review "Characters feel more like pieces being moved around than real people" - Amazon review The book draws mixed comparisons to C.L. Moore's Northwest Smith stories, with some calling it derivative and others appreciating the shared pulp styling.

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🔸 Leigh Brackett, often called the "Queen of Space Opera," also worked as a Hollywood screenwriter and contributed to classics like "The Big Sleep" and "The Empire Strikes Back" 🔸 The original novella "Black Amazon of Mars" was published in Planet Stories magazine, a pulp publication known for launching the careers of several prominent science fiction authors 🔸 The book's portrayal of Mars was influenced by early 20th-century astronomical observations and theories, particularly those of Percival Lowell who believed he saw canals on the planet's surface 🔸 The character Eric John Stark appears in multiple Brackett stories, forming a series that spans adventures across Mercury, Mars, and Venus in her solar system universe 🔸 Brackett's Mars stories, including "People of the Talisman," helped establish the planetary romance genre conventions that influenced later works like "Dune" by Frank Herbert