The Ethos Effect
Encyclopedia
The Ethos Effect is a science fiction
novel
by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
. It is a sequel
to The Parafaith War
. It is set in a future where humanity has spread to the stars and divided into several factions. Many factions including the Eco-Tech Coalition, the Revenants of the Prophet ("revs") and the Taran Empire are engaged in escalating conflict over territory and their competing social philosophies. Against this background, former Taran Empire officer Van C. Albert is recruited by the mysterious Trystin Desoll to work for the equally mysterious Integrated Information Systems.
While this novel shares many themes that can be found in other novels by Modesitt, Ethos adds elements of Societal Ethics rather than only involving personal ethics. This is one of the only books written by Modesitt where a person enacts major political and structural changes in the culture into which the protagonist was raised.
said that "despite some expository lumps and wooden characterization, thoughtful SF readers will appreciate this weighty tale of humanitarian intentions and social speculations." Frieda Murray reviewing for Booklist
said "Modesitt knows well how to
keep this kind of soup at a boil."
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
novel
Novel
A novel is a book of long narrative in literary prose. The genre has historical roots both in the fields of the medieval and early modern romance and in the tradition of the novella. The latter supplied the present generic term in the late 18th century....
by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is an author of 56 science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce....
. It is a sequel
Sequel
A sequel is a narrative, documental, or other work of literature, film, theatre, or music that continues the story of or expands upon issues presented in some previous work...
to The Parafaith War
The Parafaith War
The Parafaith War is a science fiction novel by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.. It is set in a future where humanity has spread to the stars and divided into several factions. Two factions, the Eco-Tech Coalition and the Revenants of the Prophet are engaged in a futile war over territory and their competing...
. It is set in a future where humanity has spread to the stars and divided into several factions. Many factions including the Eco-Tech Coalition, the Revenants of the Prophet ("revs") and the Taran Empire are engaged in escalating conflict over territory and their competing social philosophies. Against this background, former Taran Empire officer Van C. Albert is recruited by the mysterious Trystin Desoll to work for the equally mysterious Integrated Information Systems.
While this novel shares many themes that can be found in other novels by Modesitt, Ethos adds elements of Societal Ethics rather than only involving personal ethics. This is one of the only books written by Modesitt where a person enacts major political and structural changes in the culture into which the protagonist was raised.
Literary significance and reception
Jackie Cassada in her review for The Library Journal called this novel a "fast-paced yet complexly plotted work of military sf portrays three-dimensional characters caught up in internal and external battles as they search for ways to combine personal integrity with their professional duties. A thoughtfully written, hard-hitting tale that belongs in most collections." Peter Cannon in his review for Publishers WeeklyPublishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
said that "despite some expository lumps and wooden characterization, thoughtful SF readers will appreciate this weighty tale of humanitarian intentions and social speculations." Frieda Murray reviewing for Booklist
Booklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
said "Modesitt knows well how to
keep this kind of soup at a boil."
See also
- Parafaith UniverseParafaith UniverseThe Parafaith Universe is the name of a duology by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. set in a future time where mankind has moved out into the stars and left "Old Earth" behind. The books are:* The Parafaith War* The Ethos Effect...
- The Parafaith WarThe Parafaith WarThe Parafaith War is a science fiction novel by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.. It is set in a future where humanity has spread to the stars and divided into several factions. Two factions, the Eco-Tech Coalition and the Revenants of the Prophet are engaged in a futile war over territory and their competing...