Peirce captures the moods (though without matching the subtlety of the master), but most disturbingly, his hero proves to be less sympathetic than Vance's harshest protagonists. Kerryl Ryson's family calamity is largely his own fault. There is not enough to admire in him, and his lapses into amorality leave a very bitter aftertaste."
Peirce captures the moods but lacks the subtlety of the master; however, his hero proves less sympathetic than Vance's most antagonistic characters. Kerryl Ryson's family troubles are largely due to his own actions. There is little to commend him, and his slide into amorality leaves a bitter aftertaste.