Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
Martin Martel is an exile in trouble with the gods in this SF novel by the bestselling writer L. E, Modesitt, Jr, now back in a new trade papeback edition from Tor. After finding out that he has unusual powers, he is banished from the planet Karnak. Martin is thrust into the tranquil world of Aurore, vacation paradise for the galaxy. There he finds that the reality of Aurore is much different from its serene veneer. The gods are wantonly cruel and indifferent to the chaos they cause: are they really gods or just men and woman with larger-than-life powers? Whatever the answer Martin Martel must challenge their supremacy to defend his life, love, and the fate of all mankind.
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
One of his best novels!
Customer Rating:
The Hammer of Darkness is one of Modesitt's best novels. It's also one of the hardest to read and understand. It was about the third time I read the book before I realized that everything is written in the present tense. Modesitt also doesn't take the time to explain the broken dialog, the half thoughts of the characters, nor does he provide background for the characters. As a result I think many will find the narrative confusing and difficult to get through. I first purchased this novel back in 1985 or 1986. I've read it at least a dozen times and I always find something new every time I read it.
Like many of Modesitts later novels, this novel deals with power, it's uses and abuses, religion, and tyranny. There are also many references to greek history and mythology that may confuse a reader if they are not familiar with those subjects.
Here's the basic story with minor spoilers. The main character Martin Martel is discovered to be a full range esper. He's banished to the world of Aurore. Aurore is a unique planet with a 'energy field' that amplifies ESP. On Aurore, Martin discovers that he could be one of the 'gods', the espers that basically rule the planet. All espers fall into classes based upon the strength of their powers. Gods, demi-gods, heros, etc. Martin would rather be just a man and that sets up his confrontations with the 'gods' of Aurore. There's more, but I won't spoil it.
Personal Favorite
Customer Rating:
This book was either the first or one of the first I'd read of Modesitt's back around 1989-1990. I remember reading it once and thinking it was good...and then re-reading it and everything just sort of clicked. I remember doing atypical things as a College Student (in those days) and going to the trouble to buy another copy just to give to a friend to encourage him to read it - at the time, buying versus merely loaning was a "big thing".
This story isn't Recluce although it's clearly in the same universe as all of Modesitt's stories...I believe the Recluce tie in was dropped as a ships crew that crash landed on the planet. Fuzzy on memory - think it was "Fall of Angels" that re-told the blurb and then greatly expanded it. Modesitt seems to have a fascination with Time Travel storylines such as in later books (Time Divers Dawn) and I found his versions a catch read - I was hooked to read the entire thing and didn't want to put it down. I have run out of steam on some of his series but I suspect that's because of other demands and impatience waiting for the next book to release. One day I expect to go back and catch up.
Disappointing
Customer Rating:
I should have looked at the 1985 copyright date. I have enjoyed many of Modesitt's books and was looking for another to enjoy, but didn't feel this story stood up to the later works. It is well written [as always]- there are places where the plot seems to fall apart.
Abstractionist Period?
Customer Rating:
L.E. Modesitt, Jr. is an incredible writer, I have enjoyed dozens of his novels. This wasn't one of them. Quite honestly, the deeper I got into it, the more confused I became. From other reviews here, it is suggested that this is a novel about a thwarted love interest, politics, religion, revenge and redemption. I'll have to take their word for that, I read only a mishmash of hazy ideas and unconnected lines. Quite a departure from the author's "Recluse" and "Corean Chronicles" sagas, which were straightforward and enjoyable fantasies with a strong beginning, middle and finish.
Happily, this novel does have a "search inside" option, I suggest you avail yourself of that opportunity before buying it. If the first few pages don't throw you into an esoteric spin, you might enjoy it.
almost perfect
Customer Rating:
I'm a sucker for a good man against the universe story and this is one of the best. The book is a bit hard to follow the first time through. I'd almost suggest reading the first half or so and then starting again... it'll make much more sense. The ending sequence was a bit convoluted, but the story flowed well and the characters were realistic. Also like the darkness and light tie ins.
Select button not working? 
