The Lizard War

The Higuchian series #1

by John Dalmas

Cover art by David Mattingly.

One thousand years after World War III, a group of lizards attempts to take over what remains of Earth, a seemingly easy task considering the primitive levels of technology of the remaining humans

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

About the author

John Dalmas—pseudonym for John Robert Jones—wrote many books based on military and governmental themes throughout his career. He grew up in Minnesota and Michigan and resided in Spokane, Washington. He was a parachute infantryman in WWII and was discharged in 1946 without ever being put seriously in harm's way. He has worked as a longshoreman, merchant seaman, logger, construction worker, and smokejumper. He attended Michigan State University, majoring in forestry, but also took creative writing.

Reviews

[Scott Holstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1,000 years after World War III, where the armies of the world have basically destroyed the planet and most people on it, presumably by nuking everything. God, yes the real, living god, was so pissed, that he almost listened to those in Heaven calling for a Final Judgment. Yet, some humans were pleading with God, saying they were repenting, what had happened was just. So, God, in his infinite mercy, decided to give Earth and its humans a second, albeit, small chance. He created a new type of world where he took the few remaining people on it, mixed them together, and deposited them all together in various locations around the world, close enough for some communication, but far enough to keep giant armies from forming and repeating stupid, former mistakes. So, black, Asians, whites, Native Americans, etc, all were mixed together, and new languages were formed with new dialects and people learned to get along. And the Church oversaw all. And to top it off, God gave this world 17th Century technology.

One problem. Aliens. Lizards, to be exact. Some invade and kick ass, that is until some warrior “brothers” from some Christian (Protestant), Catholic, and Buddhist sects, led by angels, travel great distances to kick their asses and save humanity from the aliens. And along the way, a great story is told.

This isn’t the greatest dystopian novel I’ve ever read. Post-apocalyptic fiction suffers from “been there, done that” problems. It’s hard to do much that’s new. This book, however, does introduce some new elements into the sub-genre, so I think that’s in its favor. It can drag in places and sometimes the main protagonist, Luis, seems a bit slow-witted, although he’s got some nice physical skills and is good with a sword. But overall, it’s an entertaining story and decent enough for me to buy its sequel. Not five stars, but a solid four star book. Recommended.

[John Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly better than expected, although still lacking in many respects. I read this mostly sarcastically and was surprised with the twists and turns and overall quality of writing. In spite of that, there were several plot points that were in need of further development of at least greater attention to explaining or transitioning. Would recommend to lizards.

[D.F. Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picaresque quest, hums along then peters out

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a YA novel, which I really didn't expect when I picked it up. Post-apocalyptic medievalism with a twist. A partial invasion by lizards (think the TV series V). Pretty well told, but predictable.

[Lynn Calvin]

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[Kingpin543 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a first-person narrative of a post-apocalyptic world. The story itself is a bit weak, but it is well written and held my interest.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent military science fiction.

[Lynn]

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