Author: Stephen R. Donaldson
Pages: 480
Year Published: 1992
Here’s where the story really begins. Forbidden Knowledge takes everything from The Real Story, treats it as prologue and Donaldson really begins to explore the character and personalities of Morn, Nick and Angus.
Along the way, we’re introduced to an alien race called the Amnion, who apparently have humanity completely terrified they will invade and take over. This, of course, doesn’t stop humans from doing business with the Amnion in the black market. Just that in addition to everything else, this alien foe looms like a Sword of Damocles.
We’re also introduced to more characters from the UMCP: Min Donner, Hashi Lebwohl, and Warden Dios. As I mentioned in the review for The Real Story, the saga is supposed to play out using themes from Der Ring des Nibelungen. If you look closely at the three names above, you can get a glimpse of what that really means.
Forbidden Knowledge is a faster paced book than The Real Story. However, it does have its moments where the exposition gets a bit out of control and you’re waiting for something to happen. I’d also say about 80% of the novel takes place on one set. This surprisingly gets really old when you’re imagining characters in locations. Other than that, the book is a good continuation of the Gap Cycle.
-K
