If you love thought-provoking science fiction that dives deep into societal roles, gender dynamics, and the complexity of alien life, this one's for you. Sheri S. Tepper crafts a unique matriarchal world - complete with political intrigue, strange but compelling aliens, and plenty of moral and ethical questions to chew on. Fans of speculative fiction who enjoy blending social commentary with imaginative world-building will find themselves right at home. Plus, Tepper's knack for memorable, multi-layered characters - from the enigmatic cyborg Questioner to the charming, complicated Mouche - keeps the pages turning.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Those who prefer a straightforward plot might find Six Moon Dance a bit too tangled, as Tepper layers on subplots and twists. Some readers may feel bogged down by the heavy social messaging or find the matriarchal society and grotesque imagery unsettling. If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure or tight, minimal world-building, this one might feel overwhelming or slow. Tepper's writing can also veer into didactic territory, which won’t appeal to everyone.

A smart, richly imagined sci-fi that explores gender, power, and morality with Tepper’s unique blend of wit and invention. Be prepared for complexity and big ideas - this one rewards the patient, contemplative reader.

About:

'Six Moon Dance' by Sheri S. Tepper is a mythic fantasy dressed up in science fiction attire, featuring a motley cast assembled over years in a quest to save the world. The story delves into a complex matriarchal society on the planet Newholme, where women hold power and men are veiled to prevent temptation. The arrival of the Questioner from the Council of Worlds shakes up the society, revealing surprising twists and ancient secrets. The narrative weaves together themes of gender dynamics, societal norms, and the impact of outside observers on a closed-off world.

The writing style in 'Six Moon Dance' is praised for being deliberate, sly, and filled with great one-liners that are sprinkled into lessons and conversations. Sheri S. Tepper's ability to create creative aliens, complex societies, and thought-provoking scenarios is highlighted, along with her talent for blending human and non-human perspectives seamlessly. The book is commended for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the balance between mythic elements and science fiction concepts.

Characters:

Characters are vibrant and varied, with a focus on complex interactions and societal roles, illuminating the overarching themes of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is immersive and thought-provoking, with a blend of engaging dialogue and thematic depth, though it sometimes delves into verbose explanations.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative involves a distinctive society where gender roles are reversed, focusing on the ethical dilemmas and the societal dynamics of Newholme, intertwined with complex plot developments.

Setting:

The setting of Newholme is rich and complex, reflecting unique societal norms alongside challenges faced by its inhabitants.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout the book; it starts slower but builds suspense through escalating complexities toward the end.

But there had been no next time. Why the inscrutable Hagions decided such things was unknown. Some persons profited in life, producing daughter after daughter; some lost in life, producing son after s...

Notes:

Six Moon Dance is set on the colony planet Newholme, which has a unique social structure with strict gender roles.

In Newholme, there are more men than women, and women hold significant social power.

Mouche is a young man sold to a training house due to his family's poverty; he learns to adapt to his new role as a courtesan.

The story involves a bionic construct known as the Questioner, who travels to different planets to enforce ethical standards.

Two ballet dancers assist the Questioner in her mission, adding a layer of artistic flair to the plot.

The society of Newholme allows women to marry and have children but also provides them with courtesans for pleasure.

The narrative explores complex themes of gender and societal norms, avoiding simple utopian or dystopian conclusions.

The book contains fantastical elements, including bizarre and grotesque creatures, especially towards the end.

Tepper is praised for her ability to create relatable non-human characters with distinct motivations.

The story often blends sociological commentary with imaginative plotlines, leading to thoughtful reflections on human behavior.

Readers reported a mix of enjoyment and frustration with the complexity and pacing of the plot.

The characters are diverse, with various backgrounds and moral dilemmas, contributing to the book's richness.

Tepper's writing can be both educational and entertaining, addressing serious themes through narrative.

The novel challenges existing gender stereotypes and encourages empathy towards various viewpoints.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains triggers such as body horror and sexual violence, which may impact some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium presence of romantic elements woven into character interactions and their relationships.

From The Publisher:

It was many years ago that humans came and settled the world of Newholme-cruelly bending the planet to their will; setting down roots and raising up cities and farms and a grand temple to their goddess.But now the ground itself is shaking with ever-increasing violence. And the Great Questioner, official arbiter of the Council of Worlds, has come to this isolated orb to investigate rumors of a terrible secret that lies buried deep within Newholme's past-a past that is not dead, not completely. And it will fall to Mouche, a beautiful youth of uncommon cleverness and spirit, to save his imperiled home by dicovering and embracing that which makes him unique among humans. For every living thing on newholme is doomed, unless Mouche can appease something dark and terrible that is coiled within...and surrender to the mysterious ecstatic revelry taht results when the six moons join.

1998

•

545 pages

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (3)

What can you read after
Six Moon Dance?

See the list (33 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Six Moon Dance

Sheri S. Tepper

Who Would Like This Book: