"There's even a glossary at the end of the book to explain many of the terms used in the novel."

...evoking shades of Frank Herbert's "Dune", which was also set in the desert (or a desert planet). It too had a "good vs. evil" plot, though it substituted Islam for Christianity as the primary religious cue. Given the events in later books, Herbert was exhibiting the sort of prescience that makes (great) science fiction writers so appealing.

Sounds like a good read, Eric! I'll have to snag a copy at some point.

Well, the plot and execution of Tekoa is nowhere near the level of Dune, so if that's your standard of comparison, you'll be disappointed.

On the other hand, the book isn't nearly as ponderous and pretentious as Herbert's tome.

Also, the glossary in Tekoa isn't devoted to "made-up" words and terms. It simply defines many of the science-, nature- and archaeology-related terms used in the book. Its inclusion makes me wonder if the intended audience was pre-teen or early teen readers.

Ah, if this is something that's more an "e-mail subject" please tell me, Eric.

It could be my imagination, but I get the distinct impression you're not a fan of "Dune". Ponderous and pretentious aren't words usually used to describe it.

I'm not defending it one way or the other; fiction is a matter of preference. Since I appreciate your reviews, I'm curious what turned you off to the series.

P.S. Joe Herrington gave me a smile when I noticed in the Amazon review that one of his cultures was called the Nephilim.

I didn't know he was a fan of Goth bands. ;-)

It could be my imagination, but I get the distinct impression you're not a fan of "Dune".

It's a fair question, and I admit that I was a little loose with my reference. I really liked "Dune" but I can't say the same for the rest of the "franchise." As with many sequels, the subsequent editions seemed to try too hard to capture the magic of the original. The adjectives "ponderous and pretentious" were really meant to apply to Dunes 2 through 324, or however many there finally ended up being. (Just about as many as the number of grammatical errors in that last phrase, I'd guess!)

Still, Herbert's writing style is a lot more dense than Herrington's.

And you'll have to ask Herrington about his selection of the term Nephilim. It could be that he's actually just a fan of Peter Gabriel's old band. (You get bonus points if you figure out the relevancy of that reference, although it shouldn't be a major puzzler!)

Eric, I find myself riding the same sandworm as you when it comes to the "Dune" franchise ... the first volume is a permanent fixture on my bookshelf, and has been read more than once ... the next couple I read, but didn't keep ... and that was it.

Just came back this evening from a weekend in Marfa ... it is, really, a prime location for Mexican and American storytelling traditions of the last three centuries ... and it persists to this day, with the traditions of 'Roswell,' 'Trinity' and 'Area 51' being added to the mix.

By the way, the Lights put on a wonderful display Saturday night.

Jeff, you should have stayed another week and celebrated the 50th anniversary of "Giant"! I understand they're having a big shindig down there. We tried to get B&B reservations in Fort Davis and they were booked up because of the Marfa goings-on.

It really oughta be fun, watching the movie outdoors on a big inflatable screen, sitting in your own custom lawn chair inscribed with the "Giant" movie logo. Perhaps the Lights will attend the showing, too.

Eric, it IS a wonderful event. It's organized by Kirby Warnock, a descendant of one of the great West Texas families, which includes the late Dr. Barton Warnock (Burr can tell you about him). Most of Kirby lives and works in North Texas, with the exception of his heart, which is firmly lodged in the Big Bend.

We have a standing invitation to the benfit screening each year, but it;s usually precluded by work, covering 4th of July activities in Odessa-Midland.

Speaking of Fort Davis, even if you can't stay the night, I STRONGLY recommend going there on a day trip for their 4th of July Celebration, traditionally, one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations in West Texas ... http://www.fortdavis.com/july_4th.htm

We're headed for the Hill Country this year...Fredericksburg, to be exact. Got a new B&B to try out. Might be back in Midland in time for the downtown thing on the 4th, though.