Genial libro compuesto por varios relatos. En él, Martin, ya en sus 80 años, nos habla del colapso ecológico de los ecosistemas.

Describe cómo diversas sociedades llegan hasta el desastre al ignorar los límites y equilibrios naturales.

El personaje principal, Haviland Tuf, es simplemente maravilloso.

Este libro combina humor y buena ciencia ficción de manera magistral.

Martin nos lleva a través de diferentes historias que nos hacen reflexionar sobre el cuidado del medio ambiente y la importancia de respetar los límites naturales.

Haviland Tuf, con su personalidad única y su habilidad para resolver problemas, es un personaje que cautiva al lector.

El libro es una lectura interesante y amena que nos hace pensar en la importancia de la sostenibilidad y la preservación del planeta.

This book is a clear example that one should not judge by the cover, in this case, by the Introduction. Because of it, I stopped reading it two months ago. And since there were no more Ken Follett books in my bookstore, I decided to pick it up again. I couldn't have made a better decision in my life. From the very first minute when I met Tuf, I couldn't stop reading. I never thought that a science fiction character could enter my ranking of favorite people in the literary world. I highly recommend this book to my closest followers (usease Evilla and Zuligk). Maybe the theme of "science fiction" (if it can be considered as such) may not appeal to you, but it is very, very, very recommendable. 4.95/5 (I can't give it a perfect 5 because there are essentials in my life and I don't think it surpasses them, but it's really good).

This book truly surprised me. The story is engaging from the start, and the character of Tuf is so unique and captivating. The author's writing style is excellent, making it easy to get lost in the world he has created. Even if you're not a big fan of science fiction, I think you should give this book a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

I can't wait to share this book with more people and hear their thoughts on it. It's definitely one of the best books I've read in a long time.

I have absolutely loved all the adventures that I have lived through together with Tuf and his cats.

This book has made me remember once again why I like reading so much. Tuf is going to be one of my favorite characters forever.

The way the story unfolds, with all the exciting twists and turns, keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Each of Tuf's adventures is unique and full of charm.

The cats add an extra element of cuteness and mystery to the whole narrative.

Reading about Tuf and his feline friends has been a truly enjoyable experience.

I can't wait to see what other adventures await them in the future.

This year, I have an intense urge to read a plethora of science fiction short stories. I'm commencing with a favorite that I last perused approximately 7 years ago. I'm relishing them just as much as I did before. The majority of the allure resides in the manner in which Tuf responds to various situations. It is never precisely what one anticipates it to be.

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Good Story #127. Julie and Scott summon Haviland Tuf to resolve the world's problems. The solution will incorporate sea monsters, manna from heaven, and at least one Tyrannosaurus Rex.

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I have truly savored George R.R. Martin's short stories whenever I've happened upon them, and this collection solidifies my affection for his writing in that particular format. It is highly enjoyable as a variant of the trickster tale. Nothing is as it appears, but who is fibbing and why? And how can Tuf solve the problems he encounters without getting ensnared in some of the seemingly insoluble conundrums?

Although I had a great admiration for many of Martin's other works, such as "Song of Ice & Fire", numerous short stories from "Dreamsongs", and some parts of the "Wild Cards" series, unfortunately, I simply couldn't bring myself to develop a liking for this particular one. There were three main reasons for this, and I'll provide some mild structural spoilers ahead.

Firstly, there was an excessive amount of repetition. With the exception of the first chapter or story, all the others followed an identical pattern. Tuf would encounter a planet facing a significant ecological problem, albeit of a rather simple nature. He would then decide, seemingly on a whim, to solve the problem. However, the planet would present difficulties, but Tuf would outwit or humiliate them and ultimately solve the problem in his own unique way.

Secondly, there was a distinct lack of character development. I can't recall any character who possessed more than two notable characteristics. None of their fates managed to evoke any emotional response from me. Well, perhaps Tuf, but in a negative sense. In the end, I couldn't tolerate his supposed cool rationality, which he presented as an infinitely morally superior substitute for passion and vitality.

Thirdly, the ethical reasoning in the book was rather superficial. If the driving premise of the story was Tuf's incentive to do good, then his concept of good was扭曲 in more than one way, exemplifying the worst aspects of utilitarianism. In order to save lives, new lives were created and sacrificed. The book even regarded it as great for one man, relying on his technical superiority, to decide the fates of entire planets, which smacks of authoritarianism. Tuf calls himself a humanitarian, yet he flies around the universe all alone with his cats, showing not the slightest affection for the people he "saves", while being overly concerned with maintaining his own image as a god.

On the positive side, the book is a quick read, as you can easily skim through whole passages due to the repetitiveness. The first chapter could be quite enjoyable if you're simply looking for some space-action. Additionally, The Ark, Tuf's ship, has the potential to inspire some better ideas.

More a novel in an unusual format than it is a short story collection, as it's touted, this work centers around the bizarre and enigmatic Haviland Tuf. I have a deep affection for the sense of humor that pervades the narrative, remaining evenly subtle throughout. The transformation of Tuf is executed extremely well. He evolves from a big-hearted do-gooder to the self-proclaimed Lord God Himself, as he declares in the second to last story, which is one of my favorites in the book. Tuf demonstrates that there is no such thing as the incorruptible man. Moreover, he shows the dangers of not only possessing such dangerous and advanced technology but also of becoming separated from humanity, first physically and then in attitude and spirit.

The stories within the collection are uneven. While I was glad to see Tolly Mune make a couple of reappearances, I had a preference for the individual tales. I felt that the ones that advanced the overall arc were overly talky about the ideas of the story and too expository. In the very last story, which almost caused the book to lose a star due to its unsatisfying and abrupt ending, they discuss Tuf's believed godhood rather than the leaden feeling one experienced when reading the story directly previous, where he simply states, "I am the Lord God."

However, regarding the end, I think it could have benefited from an epilogue, especially since it was given a prologue to tie some things together. Some might find the quick ending edgy or brilliant, but I only found it jarring.

**"The Wanderer in the Planets" - An In-depth Review**

The adage "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" holds true in the vast universe of this story. Humanity has spread across the无尽的 reaches of space, with new settlements emerging everywhere, each world harboring new dangers. When the interplanetary trader Haviland Tuf acquires one of the last seedships of Earth, his odyssey through the cosmos begins. This odyssey transforms Haviland Tuf from a simple trader into a celebrated savior of humanity.

The anthropologist Celise Waan, the ex-soldier and military historian Jefri Löw, along with the cunning Kaj Nevis, the mercenary Rica, and the cybertech Anittas, embark on a mission. The legend of the long-destroyed seedships of the Ecological Engineering Corps (ÖIK) might be brought back to life. Their research reveals that such a ship could still exist, carrying an invaluable treasure of genetic biomass from thousands of planets, which could grant them all the power and wealth of the universe.

To uncover this secret, they turn to the naive trader Haviland Tuf. With his humble trading cruiser, he takes them to the abandoned battleship. However, each of them is their own worst enemy, and they didn't expect the firm principles of Haviland Tuf, who stoically does everything to uphold his beliefs.

I haven't read anything from this genre in a long time, so it took me a few pages to get familiar with plasma cannons, pressure suits, and cyborgs again. Nevertheless, I was quickly drawn into the story. At first, I was a bit confused as I had no idea where it was going. The mission to the battleship developed into a typical space adventure, but then it took a very unexpected turn. The calling that Haviland Tuf feels obligated to takes on otherworldly forms, and I was completely fascinated by the ideas that George Martin has so concisely incorporated here.

The story is told from the omniscient perspective, which perfectly suits the action as we can never fully see behind the scenes of the protagonists. This was a brilliant move, especially with the character of Haviland Tuf. Although I couldn't see everything, I still got to know and appreciate him very well.

With his trading ship "The Cornucopia of Excellent Goods and Low Prices," Haviland Tuf is a rather不起眼 member of the trading fleet in the vastness of space. But this very fact bestows upon him an almost limitless gift that he knows how to use wisely.

Nothing can ruffle Haviland Tuf. The way he speaks a bit stiffly, with the naivety and down-to-earthness of a justice-seeking citizen, makes him extremely likable. I often had to smile at the underlying humor that the author has so skillfully hidden between the lines. Tuf is often underestimated or misjudged, and everyone who has to deal with him experiences not a bad awakening but rather an enlightenment that is nevertheless imposed on him without mercy.

Tuf has his own unique strategic way of approaching problems. He stubbornly adheres to what he says, regardless of the consequences. He knows exactly how to assess what is possible and when the time has come to give up - although that is rarely an option for him. I also really liked his two cats, Sodom and Mushroom, who never leave his side on his travels. Yes, cats play a very important role here!

Haviland Tuf is on a mission to save humanity - from humanity itself. In just a few "examples," George R. R. Martin has managed to question some of the principles of our civilization without making a big show of it. So many ideas and inspirations are packed into this story, and he describes the many worlds in a vivid and precise way that really impressed me. Beautifully written, sometimes convoluted, and profound, it still reads smoothly and has completely captivated me. The humans with their strengths and weaknesses, the development of society, and how we try to combat problems... he has really achieved a stroke of genius here! All set against the backdrop of the sometimes almost banal, unwavering vision of the traveling protagonist.

Of course, the reference to the Bible was also quite witty, just through the chapter names, the seedship named Ark, on which countless plant and animal species are located, and of course the action, if you look a little deeper behind the facade.

Haviland Tuf develops here in his role as an eco-engineer into a kind of world creator, but at the same time remains what he always was: a trader.

In conclusion, it's simply brilliant how George Martin gets to the heart of worldly problems with depth and humor in his fictional future scenario. Absolutely recommended!

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." S. 229

To be more beautiful, this fantastic thing should have been a cliché. There are no love stories, no beautiful women and no manly men. There is a strange and wide ship, which thinks of itself as a god.

The hero gets on the ship, which can change ecosystems, and starts to do so. From then on, everything is a matter of his incredible imagination.

He sails the ship across vast oceans, encountering various strange creatures and phenomena. Some of them are friendly, while others are hostile. But with his courage and wisdom, he manages to overcome all the difficulties and challenges.

As he continues his journey, he discovers that the ship has a mysterious power that can not only change the ecosystems but also affect the emotions and thoughts of people. He realizes that he has a great responsibility to use this power wisely and not abuse it.

Finally, the hero returns to his homeland with the ship, having become a wiser and more mature person. He shares his experiences and knowledge with others, hoping to inspire them to explore the unknown and make the world a better place.

I really liked this book as a whole. There are a plethora of interesting themes and ideas that kept me engaged from start to finish. Tuf, in particular, is a truly fascinating character. I love his deadpan way of speaking and the underlying threat that seems to lurk beneath his words.

The Plague Star had a really strong start. I didn't realize going in that this was a collection of loosely connected stories, so I was initially expecting all the characters to survive and be part of the entire narrative. That, of course, was not the case. With Martin's writing, I should have known better. I really loved all the monsters and the intense scenes of people chasing each other around the ship, sabotaging and killing one another.
Guardians was another favorite of mine. Tuf's discovery of the sentient mudpots and his creation of psychic cats to facilitate communication was truly awesome. I also liked the explanation of how getting rid of those jellyfish man-of-war type things started the whole problem, as the mudpots were basically fighting back.
Second Helpings was okay. Although there are three stories about S'uthlam, they are my least favorites. Still, they were quite enjoyable.
A Beast for Norn was also a great story. I knew Tuf had something up his sleeve besides just making money off all the houses. I didn't think he'd like the fighting animals way of life, and I was right. He was subtly doing something about it. The descriptions of the beasts were really fun.
Call Him Moses was not my favorite, but it was still really good. None of the stories in this book were disappointing, to be honest.
Mann from Heaven was a really good wrap-up to the book. While the S'uthlam stories aren't my favorite, this one was quite engaging. Tuf does seem to get a little too powerful at times, unilaterally deciding the fate of entire planets and what's best for them, regardless of others' opinions. But whether he's right or not, it makes for some interesting reading.

Overall, this was a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys science fiction with complex characters and interesting storylines.

Is the protagonist a Gary Stu of life? Yes. Does he have at his disposal, like Doraemon from the future, a machine that is a Deus Ex Machina with legs (well, with FTL motors, rather)? Without a doubt. Does it all rock? Well, also.

For me, these stories are proto-clifi. Okay, they don't deal with the climate emergency, with its global warming, its rise in sea level, but they do deal with other more... Malthusian, biological, and ecological aspects in general. This is also clifi, only older: there is infinite growth with finite resources based on不断的 technological improvements, human colonization of planets with previous life, introduction of fauna without natural predators into biomes, etc.

And what about Tuf? That he rocks. He is a bald, tall, fat, and extremely intelligent guy. And he loves beer, but the good kind, not that cat pee/weak stuff they serve in S'uthlam. Big fan! They say around there that he is edgy, arrogant, and unpleasant, but they are wrong: they don't know how to appreciate his charm. He simply wants to be left alone, there, with his cats and his culinary delight, without bothering anyone, but there is no way: first they ask for his help and then they lack respect for him. Tch, tch. Ungrateful mortals.

Imagine for a moment that throughout your entire life you have been an outcast, with a terrible job that only provides you with the bare minimum to survive. Well, now imagine that, somehow, an artifact falls into your hands that is capable of creating life to your liking, changing the ecology of entire worlds. In other words, imagine that you have the power of God.

This is what happens to our humble protagonist of the novel, Haviland Tuf. It tells the way in which he acquires the aforementioned artifact (I'll already tell you that it's spectacular) and how he decides to use it in the different worlds where he offers his services.

A book that reflects the essence of the purest Martin. With masterful characters, full of twists. And in which our Haviland Tuf stands out above all of them. Merchant of balances, lover of cats and honest to the point of being ridiculous.

A novel that hooks you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last.

If you like Martin's style, this book will delight you. And if not, I bet you'll like it too.