"You can have it all in Barley Cross..."

Masters of the Fist by Edward P. Hughes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When reading, it is important to approach the work anticipating a certain mood. That is to say, if you watch Shaun of the Dead expecting a horror flick, you will be disappointed by its scare-factor. Masters of the Fist by Edward P. Hughes is an 80's science fiction novel that should be read much like you would watch Demolition Man today - without taking things too seriously.

I ran across a 1985 (or so) short about Barley Cross in a coverless edition from the Jerry Pournelle There Will Be War series, and enjoyed it enough to seek out the full 1989 novel. Set in post WWIII Ireland, Masters of the Fist is a fun read about the last remaining fertile man on the planet. The story moves along at a pace that will keep you interested, but not captivated. This novel is a good break from doing worthwhile things and will supply you with your daily dose of the creeps via the Lord of Barley Cross' incestuous efforts to repopulate the world. Here at Barley Cross, you'll find about 600 people with the same dad, a plane that blows itself up, plenty of poteen, a tank, a female bishop that isn't so priestly, and a girl with knock knees, among other interesting(?) things. My guess is you'll enjoy it. Unless you've got something better to do.

//**A side note: If you're looking to read a book, but not too pumped about paying $5 plus shipping for a book you might not keep, check out Paperback Swap. You list 10 paperbacks that you have and are willing to swap with other people, then pick what you want to read. Works well for older books that you might not find on eBooks or at the library.


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