In the reaches of Mircea's Whips the convoluted plots and politics that have swirled around the House of Clattuc and the Conservancy of Cadwal are beginning to unravel. But what remains for Glawen Clattuc to discover could bring down a dozen powerful families on as many worlds. Throy concludes the Cadwal Chronicles, which began with Araminta Station and continued in Ecce and Old Earth.From Publishers WeeklyContinuing his tales of Cadwal, governed for generations by the Conservancy, which is dedicated to preserving the planet's natural beauty, Vance posits a scenario in which the Conservancy is now rent by factional conflict between the radical Life, Peace and Freedom Party and the conservative Chartists. LPFers ostensibly champion the cause of the Yips, happy-go-lucky descendants of runaway servants, illegal immigrants and petty criminals who are restricted to a region called Lutwen Atoll except when serving as cheap labor at Araminta Station, which is the administrative center and home to the Chartists, who uphold the original plan to restrict the spread of humanity across Cadwal. When a new, stricter Charter arrives, the inhabitants of Stroma, the only other settlement on the planet and the LPF center, are ordered to move to Araminta Station. Sinister undercurrents presage a full-scale conspiracy involving the Yips and longtime enemies of Cadwal. The popular Vance ( Ecce and Old Earth ) pens an often lively tale with some colorful moments and acerbic observations on politics and mores, although his mannered language and strained descriptions may put off the discriminating reader. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalVengeance and unrequited love are the motivating factors behind an insidious plot to destroy the Cadwal Conservancy as agents Glawen Clattuc and Eustace Chilke track an elusive enemy across several worlds only to return home at last to find a revolution in the making. Vance's polished and formal style creates an emotional gap that is difficult to bridge; consequently, his characters lack real depth. Still, this follow-up to Araminta Station (Tor, 1989) and Ecce and Old Earth (Underwood/Miller, 1991) demonstrates the author's talent for imagining worlds and environments. Purchase where the author has a following.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Glawen Clattuc, scion of one of the scientific houses of Cadwal, must discover which humans are sabotaging his planet, protected by law and covenant against colonization and exploitation. Reprint.From Publishers WeeklyVance's rich lyrical style makes this follow-up to Araminta Station a pleasure to read. The planet Cadwal, established long before as a Conservancy--a natural preserve protected from settlement and development--is threatened by powerful factions that want to open its resources to exploitation. The threat becomes urgent when the Conservators learn that the ancient Charter guaranteeing Cadwal's status is missing and that anti-conservationists have already begun their search for it. Hoping to preempt them, two young Conservators, Glawen Clattuc and Wayness Tamm, decide to head for Old Earth. When Glawen is delayed on Cadwal, Wayness goes first, becoming a sort of country-hopping Nancy Drew as she follows the Charter's decades-cold trail around the globe. Glawen, meanwhile, armed with new information, pursues the Charter from another angle, and events carry the pair toward an exciting, climactic reunion. This intelligent, entertaining diversion is more detective story than science fiction: except for a startling lack of central government, Old Earth differs little from our day, serving as a mere backdrop for Wayness's Charter chase. But she and Glawen are likable protagonists engaged in colorful adventures. Not one of Vance's very best, but even minor Vance is provocative and fun. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library JournalYA-- A story that has the broad appeal of Niven's Ringworld (Ballantine, 1985), Herbert's Dune (Berkeley, 1985), and Heinlein's best, with overtones of Indiana Jones. When humans first colonized The Gaian Reach,'' the rich planet Cadwal was established as a nature conservancy. Now, many generations later, some residents of one continent are attempting to throw the Conservators out of office and open the planet to settlement. When it is discovered that a crucial document is missing, the opposing factions embark on a treasure hunt that spans the known galaxy, to Old Earth and back out again. Contemporary concerns such as ecology, politics, individual behavior, gender, and language are all lively features of Vance's universe and crucial to the plot. One of the novel's most delightful aspects is a narrative structure in which a young couple pursue the quest independently, separated (temporarily) but equal. The heroine has a wry wit and intelligent self-possession. Because of this and many other rich characterizations, the book should appeal even to readers usually reluctant to try the genre. Although this is a sequel to Araminta Station (Tor, 1988), it stands on its own. An elegant 18-pagePrecursory'' presents the needed synopsis.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.