Question

[james_davis_nicoll]

Which is the correct order to read the Lensmen books in? The ones that were published first first, with the two prequels last, or in internal chronological order?

Comments

[autopope.livejournal.com]

Definitely ignore Masters of the Vortex -- minor work, no connection to rest of series other than shared universe.

[andrewducker]

I agree. I was very disappointed. The series builds to a crescendo, and then follows up with something fairly pointless.

[desperance.livejournal.com]

Actually I quite like that progression of bigger - stronger - mindbogglingly huge - ooh, domestic!

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

Oh, I disagree. It's arguably the best of the lot (though nothing like them; so I can see people who love the universe-saving action of the main series not being much interested in this side story just barely grafted on to the same universe).

Certainly one shouldn't view it as part of the series, though.

Smith is so hard into love at first site and perfect soul-mates and such bilge that it's really nice to see him basing a story around a person losing his perfect soul-mate and recovering to the point of loving again. Even if he never quite explicitly says his initial attitude was bilge, it's healthy.