Dark Planet

by J S Anthony

“A barren wasteland. A wandering people. An enemy hunting from the shadows. Hiding in the floor boards, James kept a silent watch – the Kraid were closing in. Were they to be the end of hope to James, and to his people? The stars were setting on the far edge of the desert – he could run no further. There must be an answer. Some elusive remedy. What purpose is left in striving? In this lasting struggle to survive?James isn’t sure, but he must find it quickly –Before they are consumed by this Dark Planet.”Enter the world of Vera – a realm lost in shadow and shrouded in mystery. Filled with epic battles and courageous plights, “Dark Planet” follows James Gray, a conflicted chieftain of a wandering clan. In order to free his people from the control of the forces that govern their world, they have adopted a new way of life. But this way sets them at odds with the surrounding nations – no matter how far they run, the armies of the north seem ever to find them. As the doom of all peoples seems certain, James must struggle against time to save not only his clan but the whole of Vera. For the root of the conflict runs deeper than any can know – James must find the truth before war comes crashing down around them. “Dark Planet” is a poetic and excellently woven quest, of one man’s stand… Against the world he is trying to save.

Genres: Science Fiction

552 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 11 years old and I just loved, loved, loved it.

I decided I will not talk about the plot at all because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who will subsequently read it.

Although this book is aimed at the junior high reading level I think any adult who likes science fiction would like it.

I think the plot of this book is exceptional and very unique and I don't care what anyone thinks, I think it is one of the best science fiction novels I have ever read in my life.

[Suzi Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book when I was a teenager - I must have read it 5 - 10 times. I just finished reading it again and still love it. No, it's not the best Sci-Fi book ever written, but I still get pulled into the story just the same as I always did. It's only 144 pages long, so it's a quick read.

[Tish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this in Hay on Wye for no other reason than I wanted to buy a book I had never heard of from a book town.

I took one look at it and it screamed the kind of book that would have a cult following, reading.. Probably doesn't 😂.

It was alright, nothing that riveting, was just okay, I don't feel like I read anthing of real excitement. It's actually more a book of politics and in a way, a game of poker, than it is a space book.

I actually really disliked the lack of female characters from a female author, there were like 2 token characters, it would never pass the Bechdel test.

[Cheryl]

Disappointing. I liked her novella in Futurelove: A Science Fiction Triad but this didn't seem to be written by the same author or even same gender. I struggled to read almost half, but got bored of the political intrigue sort of stuff, and the lack of female representation, the lack of actual characters tbh, so then read the last chapter, and could tell I hadn't missed anything.

August 2021

[SciFiOne · Rating 4 out of 5]

1981 Grade B+
2011 grade B+