Tears of the Dragon by Ronald A. Geobey
Temple Dark Publishing, 2026
ISBN: 9781068250743
Available: Hardcover, ebook edition
Buy: Bookshop.org | Amazon.com
The fourth volume in Ronald A. Geobey’s magnum space opus, Tears of the Dragon continues along the path established by the previous three volumes: multiple plotlines intertwined with many characters, all heading for various unknown outcomes. This is SERIOUSLY complex stuff, on the level with the most multi-faceted material Kim Stanley Robinson or Frank Herbert ever wrote. This saga is likely to have a very devoted following over time, but it’s for certain types of readers. In other words, the mass appeal may be a bit limited, but the fans of the series will love it.
I’ll admit I got somewhat left in the space-dust on where all of this is heading, and my comprehension of the plot is pretty limited. However, that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. Here’s an analogy. I love the films The Departed and Interstellar, yet even after multiple viewings, I still can’t figure out all the plot points of either film. This series is much the same way. I can’t make head or tail of it at times, but it’s still a good read. I like seeing what the characters are doing, the action taking place, and all the twists to the plot. When this series finally reaches its conclusion, I fully expect that I may not even comprehend it, but so what? As the Grateful Dead famously said, “at least I’m enjoyin’ the ride.”
For all that, that doesn’t mean that the author has written an impenetrable story. This isn’t Finnegan’s Wake. I’ve always had trouble with stories that involve time travel and multiple dimensions, and this story has a lot of that. There’s also a lot to keep track of, and I forget things. I still enjoyed the story, though, especially the thread with Cassandra Messina as the Empress. I’m still not sure how she was cloned multiple times, with the original model appearing at the same time as a clone, years later, but again, no sense worrying about it. I found the story captivating, all the same. There was a discussion between two characters in the area of page 170 that I would like to see a bit more of in the series, almost a break to help explain part of the plot. More little sections like that would be helpful for readers like me, who struggle with hard sci-fi, and I would like to see a few more of those interspersed within each book.
Overall, this series is one that is likely to have individuals with very strong opinions about it, from both supporters and detractors. One thing is certain: the world-building and layering of plot threads is staggering. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it done on this scale before. Regardless of whether you love or hate this series, it’s a monumental achievement that is almost impossible to ignore. Recommended for fans of the series. For new readers who want to give it a shot, make sure to start with the first book: you CANNOT read this series out of order.
Reviewed by Murray Samuelson
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