Ember from the Sun

Rating:
Summary: Science and Mysticism compliment each other
Review: As a scientist and a mystic, I eye both warily when i read novels. I found the anthropology believeable and the mysticism--though slightly unique--enhanced the humanity of this novel about a barely human protagonist. Liking and relating Amber is easy, and understanding her genetic make-up follows logic. Soon I forgot about the science though, and got lost in a story as sweet and gripping as any I have read. I typically read a book slowly, but this one prevented the lawn from getting mowed and the history papewrs from being graded as I read voraciously, engrossed in the people, the places, the anthropology, and the mystery.

Rating:
Summary: Ember Still Glows
Review: I first read Ember From the Sun about 6 years ago. Twice more I've reread it with pleasure. I have just finished it once again and it still holds a special place in the treasure section of my heart. Fantacy? Truth? Myth? I don't care. It's a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book
Review: I won't give away the story line but will say that this is a marvelous blend of adventure, mystery, science, prehistoric peoples and the lives of wonderful characters

Rating:
Summary: Excellent premise marred by "New Age" mumbo jumbo
Review: In many respects, this is a promising first novel. The premise is a tantalizing one, rich with possibilities. It has to be one of the deepest held desires of modern people -- the wish to somehow "redeem" the fallen world we inhabit by bring the world we have lost back to life. Given where the currents of modern culture seem to be taking us, from Hollywood daydreams like Juraissic Park to talk of cloning a woolly mammoth or tasmanian tiger, the idea of bringing back to life archaic humans couldn't be anything less than compelling. And, so long as Canter sticks to this premise, _Ember from the Sun_ is plausible, exciting, and in many places, funny and touching. Ember Ozette is a wonderful literary creation; in the novel's finest moments a reader can identify profoundly with her sense of incommensurable loss and alienation. However, the mystical backstory of the novel -- reincarnation, race memory, etc. -- comes off like semi-digested new age claptrap. For a far, far better integration of the religio-mystical and science fiction in a similar kind story, rent _Ice man_; John Lone's neanderthal stranded in time will bring you to tears. Still, this is worth reading unless you are completely allergic to new agey voodoo. Three and half stars.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Start For Mr. Canter
Review: Mr. Canter does an excellent job of expressing the feelings of his characters.

This book is about a unique person who was brought to life by a scientist named Yute Nahandeh from an embryo found in a frozen Neanderthal.

Though the Neanderthal had been laying in the ice for a few million or so years, she was not completely frozen. When she was thawed, she decayed like any normal human being.

The child brought to life had a unique skin colour of golden. She had large hands and feet and she had extremely potent physical abilities. She was ambidextrous and was extremely intelligent. She has strange healing powers and has a greatly enhanced sense of smell.

This book is a bit hard to believe and some parts do drag on a bit, but overall, it was well-written. Well done!

Rating:
Summary: A camper who picked up your book.
Review: Very well written. I was most impressed with Mr. Canter's approach to "primitive" peoples. This book was refreshing and original for many reasons, but this is one of the greatest. American Indians, after so many years of being portrayed as grunting savages, have begun to receive grudging respect. I believe that the time will come when books of Mr. Canter's caliber will be the rule, rather than the exception. I also believe that science will prove that "primitive" peoples were not so primitive after all. Another aspect of this book that delighted me, was the clash between traditional ways and the encroachment of modern life. The same conflict is repeated time and again, across Indian Reservations throughout America. Scientifically, this book was written with more integrity than "Jurassic Park." Mr. Canter has obviously taken great time and care in his research, and was artful in using science to augment the story, rather than getting bogged down in long, dreary technical explanations. As science fiction, this book stands solid. Finally, all else aside, this book was a thrilling read. Fast-paced, touching, and full of that magical, awesome marriage of science and art. Well done, Mr. Canter!

Rating:
Summary: Exciting and Engrossing
Review: Very well written. I was most impressed with Mr. Canter's approach to "primitive" peoples. This book was refreshing and original for many reasons, but this is one of the greatest. American Indians, after so many years of being portrayed as grunting savages, have begun to receive grudging respect. I believe that the time will come when books of Mr. Canter's caliber will be the rule, rather than the exception. I also believe that science will prove that "primitive" peoples were not so primitive after all. Another aspect of this book that delighted me, was the clash between traditional ways and the encroachment of modern life. The same conflict is repeated time and again, across Indian Reservations throughout America. Scientifically, this book was written with more integrity than "Jurassic Park." Mr. Canter has obviously taken great time and care in his research, and was artful in using science to augment the story, rather than getting bogged down in long, dreary technical explanations. As science fiction, this book stands solid. Finally, all else aside, this book was a thrilling read. Fast-paced, touching, and full of that magical, awesome marriage of science and art. Well done, Mr. Canter!