I read "Winterbirth" and "Left Hand of Darkness" back to back. Talk about a study in diametric opposition. Where Ursula was boring, Ruckley is all about bloodshed. Where Ursula explores, Ruckley spills blood. Get the picture?
I may attempt to pick it up again. All the aggression was a bit too much for my tastes; the story is raw and without grace, but full of testosterone and gristle.
I did enjoy the premise, the concept of the gods leaving and letting the people go about life without their influence, for better or worse. I do like the overriding but subliminal presence of some kind of "evil" that must be fought, in this case, the destiny of the entire planet.
