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Mission Earth #1
The Invaders Plan
A monumental work -- acclaimed as agenuine masterpiece -- L. Ron Hubbard's 1.2-million-word-ten-volume MISSION EARTH dekalogy brilliantly blends science fiction and action/adventure on a vast interstellar scale with stinging satire -- in the literary tradition of Voltaire, Swift and Orwell -- on the world's foibles and fancies.A true publishing phenomenon -- precedent-setting when each volume, in turn, became a New York Times and then an international bestseller -- MISSION EARTH has already sold more than five million copies and continues to appear on bestseller lists in contries throghout the world.Winner of France's Cosmos 2000 Award and the Nova Science Fiction Award in Italy, and nominated for a Hugo Award, MISSION EARTH is an epic narrative of a secret invasion of Earth as seen-and vividly recounted -- by the aliens who, unrecognized, already live and work among us. It is a novel crowded with sharply memorable characters and with places and events cloaked in splendor, menace and Palace City, Joy City, the forbidden prison fortress of Spiteos, the violent fall of the Voltar Confederation.The Voltar Confederation has a long-range plan to use Earth as a strategic staging area in its continuing conquest of the galaxy. However, with the discovery that Earth is being destroyed by pollution, drugs and other menaces, Combat Engineer Jettero Heller is sent on a top-secret mission to save the planet from self-destruction. Unknown to Heller, another Voltarian faction (the Coordinated Information Apparatus) has secretly been using Earth as a supply base for drugs. It dispatches its own counter mission to thwart Heller's plans.
615 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
290 people are currently reading
4623 people want to read
About the author
L. Ron Hubbard
2,008 books662 followersL. Ron Hubbard is universally acclaimed as the single most influential author and humanitarian of this modern age. His definitive works on the mind and spirit—comprising over 350 million copies in circulation and more than 40 international bestsellers—have resulted in a legacy benefiting millions and a movement spanning all cultures.
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February 16, 2026
Earth Does Not Exist. . . . Or So They Want You to Believe
This is a wildly inventive, razor-sharp science fiction thriller that blends intergalactic intrigue with biting political satire, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
What unfolds is a masterfully layered conspiracy filled with undercover operations, bureaucratic absurdity, and a tyrant lurking within Voltar’s own Coordinated Information Apparatus.
What makes this novel shine is its fearless relevance. Beneath the alien empires and futuristic scheming lies a sharp commentary on corporate dominance, political corruption, oil dependency, media manipulation, and climate crisis.
The satire is bold but never heavy-handed. It’s clever, fast-paced, and often darkly hilarious, holding up a mirror to our world while disguising it as another.
This is science fiction at its best: imaginative yet grounded, entertaining yet thought-provoking. It challenges readers to question power, perception, and the stories we’re told, while delivering a thrilling ride across galaxies.
If you enjoy epic conspiracies, sharp satire, and big ideas wrapped in gripping storytelling, this is a book you can’t afford to ignore. It’s the end of the world as you know it… and you’ll love every minute of it.
#MissionEarth
This is a wildly inventive, razor-sharp science fiction thriller that blends intergalactic intrigue with biting political satire, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
What unfolds is a masterfully layered conspiracy filled with undercover operations, bureaucratic absurdity, and a tyrant lurking within Voltar’s own Coordinated Information Apparatus.
What makes this novel shine is its fearless relevance. Beneath the alien empires and futuristic scheming lies a sharp commentary on corporate dominance, political corruption, oil dependency, media manipulation, and climate crisis.
The satire is bold but never heavy-handed. It’s clever, fast-paced, and often darkly hilarious, holding up a mirror to our world while disguising it as another.
This is science fiction at its best: imaginative yet grounded, entertaining yet thought-provoking. It challenges readers to question power, perception, and the stories we’re told, while delivering a thrilling ride across galaxies.
If you enjoy epic conspiracies, sharp satire, and big ideas wrapped in gripping storytelling, this is a book you can’t afford to ignore. It’s the end of the world as you know it… and you’ll love every minute of it.
#MissionEarth
February 17, 2026
Mission Earth: The Invaders Plan does not begin so much as it detonates. Framed as a retrospective confession from a narrator already condemned and forced to recount the chain of events that led to his downfall, the structure is pure narrative strategy. From page one, inevitability coils around the reader. We are not wondering if disaster strikes, but how a plan so meticulously engineered unravels with such devastating precision.
At the center stands Jettero Heller, sculpted in the grand tradition of larger-than-life science fiction heroes yet rendered with razor clarity. His physical prowess and tactical brilliance electrify the page, but what elevates him is his incorruptible moral core. Heller is competence incarnate dropped into a system designed to sabotage him. Every victory is a quiet indictment of bureaucratic decay. Watching him dismantle corruption with disciplined superiority is deeply satisfying.
Then there is Countess Krak. Initially cold and ruthlessly pragmatic, she evolves into one of the novel’s most psychologically compelling figures. As layers of her past surface, her severity transforms into something far more complex. Her arc explores survival within cruelty, power shaped by trauma, and the cost of thriving in systems built on domination. The precision of her transformation showcases remarkable narrative control.
What makes The Invaders Plan endure is not just its vast technological imagination, but its thematic backbone: competence versus corruption, loyalty versus manipulation, morality forged under pressure. The technology sharpens the satire and heightens the stakes, reinforcing how institutions weaponize even their finest agents.
Bold, satirical, and unapologetically grand. A formidable opening to an epic saga.
At the center stands Jettero Heller, sculpted in the grand tradition of larger-than-life science fiction heroes yet rendered with razor clarity. His physical prowess and tactical brilliance electrify the page, but what elevates him is his incorruptible moral core. Heller is competence incarnate dropped into a system designed to sabotage him. Every victory is a quiet indictment of bureaucratic decay. Watching him dismantle corruption with disciplined superiority is deeply satisfying.
Then there is Countess Krak. Initially cold and ruthlessly pragmatic, she evolves into one of the novel’s most psychologically compelling figures. As layers of her past surface, her severity transforms into something far more complex. Her arc explores survival within cruelty, power shaped by trauma, and the cost of thriving in systems built on domination. The precision of her transformation showcases remarkable narrative control.
What makes The Invaders Plan endure is not just its vast technological imagination, but its thematic backbone: competence versus corruption, loyalty versus manipulation, morality forged under pressure. The technology sharpens the satire and heightens the stakes, reinforcing how institutions weaponize even their finest agents.
Bold, satirical, and unapologetically grand. A formidable opening to an epic saga.
February 16, 2026
“...bureaucracy is trouble everybody has. It’s a system evolved so that nobody in it is ever responsible for anything.”
L. Ron Hubbard, The Invaders Plan (Mission Earth, #1)
If you enjoy:
🚀 Big sci-fi concepts
🚀 Satirical takes on society
🚀 Morally messy narrators
🚀 And dramatic, almost theatrical storytelling
You might find this fascinating.
Instead of a clean heroic mission story…
We get chaos. Bureaucracy. Miscommunication. Political maneuvering. And a lot of exaggerated satire.
A powerful alien empire called the Voltarian Empire wants to expand across the galaxy. But there’s a problem.
Earth.
Earth is environmentally unstable, politically corrupt, morally declining and its collapse could disrupt the Empire’s long-term expansion plans.
So they decide to intervene. They send a competent, highly trained officer named Jettero Heller to secretly “save” Earth from self-destruction.
However, a corrupt official within the Empire, Lombar Hisst, doesn’t actually want the mission to succeed. So he assigns Soltan Gris to monitor and sabotage Heller. And the twist?
The story is mostly told from Gris’s perspective.
Gris is paranoid. Selfish. Insecure. Obsessed with power and survival. And wildly unreliable as a narrator.
What stood out to me most is the satire. This book feels like a distorted mirror. It exaggerates corruption, incompetence in power and environmental collapse.
And because we’re seeing events through Gris — someone deeply self-serving — we’re constantly questioning what’s true and what’s manipulation.
There’s also this underlying commentary about systems. What happens when people in power care more about position than responsibility? And this part felt… surprisingly relevant. Then and now.
It’s not a light read. It’s not minimalist. It’s maximalist science fiction. So would I recommend The Invaders Plan? I’d say this:
If you love bold, chaotic, politically charged sci-fi with an unreliable narrator, it’s worth trying.
As a starting point to a ten-book saga?
It definitely sets the stage.
L. Ron Hubbard, The Invaders Plan (Mission Earth, #1)
If you enjoy:
🚀 Big sci-fi concepts
🚀 Satirical takes on society
🚀 Morally messy narrators
🚀 And dramatic, almost theatrical storytelling
You might find this fascinating.
Instead of a clean heroic mission story…
We get chaos. Bureaucracy. Miscommunication. Political maneuvering. And a lot of exaggerated satire.
A powerful alien empire called the Voltarian Empire wants to expand across the galaxy. But there’s a problem.
Earth.
Earth is environmentally unstable, politically corrupt, morally declining and its collapse could disrupt the Empire’s long-term expansion plans.
So they decide to intervene. They send a competent, highly trained officer named Jettero Heller to secretly “save” Earth from self-destruction.
However, a corrupt official within the Empire, Lombar Hisst, doesn’t actually want the mission to succeed. So he assigns Soltan Gris to monitor and sabotage Heller. And the twist?
The story is mostly told from Gris’s perspective.
Gris is paranoid. Selfish. Insecure. Obsessed with power and survival. And wildly unreliable as a narrator.
What stood out to me most is the satire. This book feels like a distorted mirror. It exaggerates corruption, incompetence in power and environmental collapse.
And because we’re seeing events through Gris — someone deeply self-serving — we’re constantly questioning what’s true and what’s manipulation.
There’s also this underlying commentary about systems. What happens when people in power care more about position than responsibility? And this part felt… surprisingly relevant. Then and now.
It’s not a light read. It’s not minimalist. It’s maximalist science fiction. So would I recommend The Invaders Plan? I’d say this:
If you love bold, chaotic, politically charged sci-fi with an unreliable narrator, it’s worth trying.
As a starting point to a ten-book saga?
It definitely sets the stage.
February 16, 2026
i just finished this book, and it was such a unique reading experience. it is science fiction, but it is also funny and full of satire. it does not just tell a story about aliens. it also makes you think about politics, power, and the world we live in.
the story starts with a shocking idea. earth does not exist. at least that is what the voltarians want everyone to believe. they come from a powerful empire with 110 planets, and they are secretly planning an invasion. but things are not simple. there are hidden plans, secret missions, and leaders who want power for themselves.
what i liked most is how the book mixes humor with serious themes. it talks about corruption, greedy corporations, oil-driven governments, and media control in a creative and exaggerated way. sometimes it feels funny, and sometimes it feels surprisingly real.
even though the story is big and dramatic, it is also very entertaining. there are tense scenes, political games, and even a love story that affects everything. it feels bold and imaginative, like a classic sci-fi adventure.
short verdict: if you like science fiction with humor, conspiracy, and strong political themes, this book is worth checking out. it is creative, dramatic, and very different from typical sci-fi stories.
thank you galaxy press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
the story starts with a shocking idea. earth does not exist. at least that is what the voltarians want everyone to believe. they come from a powerful empire with 110 planets, and they are secretly planning an invasion. but things are not simple. there are hidden plans, secret missions, and leaders who want power for themselves.
what i liked most is how the book mixes humor with serious themes. it talks about corruption, greedy corporations, oil-driven governments, and media control in a creative and exaggerated way. sometimes it feels funny, and sometimes it feels surprisingly real.
even though the story is big and dramatic, it is also very entertaining. there are tense scenes, political games, and even a love story that affects everything. it feels bold and imaginative, like a classic sci-fi adventure.
short verdict: if you like science fiction with humor, conspiracy, and strong political themes, this book is worth checking out. it is creative, dramatic, and very different from typical sci-fi stories.
thank you galaxy press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Read
February 17, 2026What a fun, and absolutely chaotic sci-fi book! Deeply satirical, that’s almost uncomfortable with how realistic and relevant it actually is. The fact that this book is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year, and is still as relevant as it was in 1986, is a bit scary. This book centers around aliens that try to conquer earth, not with the use of weapons, but by using humanity’s own greed, incompetence, and willingness to pollute our own planet, to take over. To see how this plan actually works, and also see how humans so easily fall for it, is both incredibly funny, but also horrifying. We have one single character, who’s competent, and actually understands what’s going on, Jettero Heller. He was very entertaining to follow, and seeing the chaos that unfolds all around him. It’s not a subtle story, which is the point. It’s messy and chaotic, but very, very entertaining. It’s dark and it doesn’t apologize for it, which I love. If you’re a fan of sci-fi books that’s in your face, makes you a bit uncomfortable and is just a tad too real, then read Mission Earth Volume 1 by L. Ron Hubbard. This is also a ten part series, for those of you that love to dive into a big series.
February 17, 2026
✨The Invaders Plan, the opening volume of the Mission Earth series, introduces readers to the vast Voltar Confederacy, an interstellar empire revealed through the confessions of its self-proclaimed villain, Soltan Gris. Writing from a prison cell, Gris recounts the events surrounding Mission Earth, a project targeting a distant inhabited world called Blito-P3—known to us as Earth. Although Earth is only a future entry on Voltar’s Invasion Timetable, a recent survey suggests that humanity is destroying the planet’s resources and atmosphere so quickly that it may become worthless before the fleet ever arrives.
✨At the heart of the story is the uneasy rivalry between Gris and the true hero, Jettero Heller, a brilliant and decorated combat engineer. Heller is assigned a delicate mission: travel to Earth and quietly halt its ecological collapse without revealing Voltar’s existence. But behind the scenes, Gris receives secret orders from his volatile superior, Lombar Hisst, to sabotage the mission in order to protect the Apparatus’s hidden and illegal interests on the planet.
✨A major source of tension comes from the Coordinated Information Apparatus, a corrupt secret police organization built on blackmail, criminal recruitment, and internal manipulation. The narrative shifts between the polished, futuristic corridors of Government City and the bleak, ancient stronghold of Spiteos, where prisoners are kept in electrified cages. This stark contrast creates a darkly satirical tone, portraying a regime where authority is upheld through fear and tangled bureaucratic systems.
✨Told as an extended confession, the book highlights the absurdity of a colossal interstellar government that is both ruthlessly efficient and deeply flawed. It blends sweeping space opera concepts—like “Will-be Was” time drives and advanced cellology—with grounded human motives such as envy and greed. By framing the tale through a narrator determined to undermine the hero, the book delivers a sharply cynical view of a galaxy-spanning conspiracy.
✨At the heart of the story is the uneasy rivalry between Gris and the true hero, Jettero Heller, a brilliant and decorated combat engineer. Heller is assigned a delicate mission: travel to Earth and quietly halt its ecological collapse without revealing Voltar’s existence. But behind the scenes, Gris receives secret orders from his volatile superior, Lombar Hisst, to sabotage the mission in order to protect the Apparatus’s hidden and illegal interests on the planet.
✨A major source of tension comes from the Coordinated Information Apparatus, a corrupt secret police organization built on blackmail, criminal recruitment, and internal manipulation. The narrative shifts between the polished, futuristic corridors of Government City and the bleak, ancient stronghold of Spiteos, where prisoners are kept in electrified cages. This stark contrast creates a darkly satirical tone, portraying a regime where authority is upheld through fear and tangled bureaucratic systems.
✨Told as an extended confession, the book highlights the absurdity of a colossal interstellar government that is both ruthlessly efficient and deeply flawed. It blends sweeping space opera concepts—like “Will-be Was” time drives and advanced cellology—with grounded human motives such as envy and greed. By framing the tale through a narrator determined to undermine the hero, the book delivers a sharply cynical view of a galaxy-spanning conspiracy.
February 16, 2026
FULL BOOK REVIEW
4.5⭐️
The Invaders Plan (Mission Earth Volume 1) by L. Ron Hubbard is a bold, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining science fiction that blends sharp satire with inventive storytelling. With the first being The Invaders Plan, the series cleverly flips the traditional alien-invasion narrative by presenting Earth not as a target, but as a chaotic world desperately in need of saving. At the center of the story is the capable and honorable Jettero Heller, whose mission is constantly undermined by the devious Soltan Gris. Told largely through Gris’s unreliable confessions, the narrative becomes a witty mix of espionage, political struggles, and misadventures. His scheming perspective adds humor and hilarious irony, making even disastrous situations oddly amusing.
Personally, I really loved how the fearless satire of the story makes it so compelling. Hubbard created many moments that are both funny and yet uncomfortably relevant, especially to our modern world. Though the book is lengthy, its fast pacing makes it highly addictive for me.
I definitely recommend Mission Earth for any readers who enjoy witty sci-fi with humor and thought provoking morals. 🌍💜💜
4.5⭐️
The Invaders Plan (Mission Earth Volume 1) by L. Ron Hubbard is a bold, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining science fiction that blends sharp satire with inventive storytelling. With the first being The Invaders Plan, the series cleverly flips the traditional alien-invasion narrative by presenting Earth not as a target, but as a chaotic world desperately in need of saving. At the center of the story is the capable and honorable Jettero Heller, whose mission is constantly undermined by the devious Soltan Gris. Told largely through Gris’s unreliable confessions, the narrative becomes a witty mix of espionage, political struggles, and misadventures. His scheming perspective adds humor and hilarious irony, making even disastrous situations oddly amusing.
Personally, I really loved how the fearless satire of the story makes it so compelling. Hubbard created many moments that are both funny and yet uncomfortably relevant, especially to our modern world. Though the book is lengthy, its fast pacing makes it highly addictive for me.
I definitely recommend Mission Earth for any readers who enjoy witty sci-fi with humor and thought provoking morals. 🌍💜💜
May 19, 2012
Surprisingly, this book is probably harmless, and actually a hell of a lot of fun. That said, the conceit and hubris that went into this sprawling, "epic" series as a whole, supposedly delivered in a crate of papers as a single manuscript to Hubbard's publisher, is still astronomical, and I never did read beyond the second book. Judging from titles and brief exerpts I've read, they get more and more overblown and ridiculous as they go on, and still essentially seem to describe the same basic conflict scenario.
All right, so the lords of the planet Voltar want to use Earth as a strategic base, and they're worried about the natives, who seem to show every sign of being ready to wipe themselves and their planet out of existence. TO that end, they plan to send an invasion force to get the planet under the imperial thumb.
Our main character is a pathetic government snoop who stamps forms by day and breaks into politicians' offices by night at the behest of his employer, the Apparatus, the Voltarian secret police/intelligence agency. The Apparatus is run by a corrupt, mad overlord type named Lumbar Hist, who has his own plans for the Earth, and employs our lowly wretch of an agent to travel on the initial scout mission to Earth and sabotage it!
Lumbar's scheme has to be heard to be believed. He wants the Earth so he can harvest all its powerful narcotics, and intends to get the lords and ladies of Voltarian society addicted to amphetamines and high-grade heroin so they'll be complete slaves to his will! Isn't it great?
Our snivelling lackey, Sultan Gris, must rub shoulders with the prize and champion of the fleet, Jettero Heller. Heller is perfect! Tall, athletic, unbelievably handsome, good at about a million things! It's sickening! Heller has been to Earth before, and he's pretty close to human in appearance and physiognomy. If this were an Orson Scott Carde novel, Heller would be the hero. But because Hubbard wants to be a clever satirist, the entire narrative of Mission Earth operates under the principle that no, Heller's a disgusting do-gooder, and sultan Gris is the hero! Unfortunately, Heller seems to worm his way out of a good many of the traps Gris sets for him, at first apparently by accident. The whole premise of this first novel of the series is that Hist and Gris don't want the scout mission to launch, but Heller always seems to be a little ahead of them. ALong the way, we get to meet a host of bizarre characters, like the whip-wielding dominatrix electroshock expert and trainer of giant leopards, the Countess Crack, who goes all doe-eyed for Heller (of course!) and has more than a few tricks up her sleeve to counter Gris's machinations; the vile Dr. Krobe, who conducts terrible experiments on abandoned prisoners deep in the bowels of the Apparatus prison; the nymphomaniac many-times-Widow Tael, and, of course, the spider at the centre of Voltar's corruption, Lumbar Hist himself, who beats his underlings with an electric stinger, probably gets high off his own supply, and hears the mountain winds calling his name like a knell of destiny!
I like Gris's outraged, whiny narrative. He's a real slimeball coward of the highest order but you can't help but kind of like him and almost want him to succeed, even though Heller really is a nice guy who seems to want the best for everybody, even the bloody Earthlings! Gris hates Heller so much by the end that it's all he can do to prevent himself from spitting and foaming and smoking whenever his mere name is mentioned, but the awful trick is that he's got to continue being nice to him and pretending to help him along until they get to Earth. Some of the episodes that take place as Gris gets himself further and further into the proverbial shithouse are genuinely funny reading.
There are loads of clichés on display, oh yes, but Hubbard seems at this point at least to be aware of them and is having a lark a good deal of the time. There's a trademark Hubbard anti-psychology rant, but amusingly its disguised as Gris thinking that he now understands the mind because he's read a bunch of Earth textbooks, and trying to employ these techniques on Heller gets him exactly what he wants, but not for the reason he thinks (hint: It's because he's being annoying and childish!). Somewhere in there there's an anti-drug message, but I lost track of it pretty early on, probably when I was laughing because Gris took a bunch of amphetamines during the pre-launch party and spent the whole time speaking gibberish to everyone. I think the next book isn't as fun because it takes place on Earth and seemed to get pretty repetitive and occasionally even preachy. maybe that's why I never went any further with this mission. still, I think this novel is a rolicking good time, and who knows, I might try and check in on the later exploits of Gris and Heller one of these days.
All right, so the lords of the planet Voltar want to use Earth as a strategic base, and they're worried about the natives, who seem to show every sign of being ready to wipe themselves and their planet out of existence. TO that end, they plan to send an invasion force to get the planet under the imperial thumb.
Our main character is a pathetic government snoop who stamps forms by day and breaks into politicians' offices by night at the behest of his employer, the Apparatus, the Voltarian secret police/intelligence agency. The Apparatus is run by a corrupt, mad overlord type named Lumbar Hist, who has his own plans for the Earth, and employs our lowly wretch of an agent to travel on the initial scout mission to Earth and sabotage it!
Lumbar's scheme has to be heard to be believed. He wants the Earth so he can harvest all its powerful narcotics, and intends to get the lords and ladies of Voltarian society addicted to amphetamines and high-grade heroin so they'll be complete slaves to his will! Isn't it great?
Our snivelling lackey, Sultan Gris, must rub shoulders with the prize and champion of the fleet, Jettero Heller. Heller is perfect! Tall, athletic, unbelievably handsome, good at about a million things! It's sickening! Heller has been to Earth before, and he's pretty close to human in appearance and physiognomy. If this were an Orson Scott Carde novel, Heller would be the hero. But because Hubbard wants to be a clever satirist, the entire narrative of Mission Earth operates under the principle that no, Heller's a disgusting do-gooder, and sultan Gris is the hero! Unfortunately, Heller seems to worm his way out of a good many of the traps Gris sets for him, at first apparently by accident. The whole premise of this first novel of the series is that Hist and Gris don't want the scout mission to launch, but Heller always seems to be a little ahead of them. ALong the way, we get to meet a host of bizarre characters, like the whip-wielding dominatrix electroshock expert and trainer of giant leopards, the Countess Crack, who goes all doe-eyed for Heller (of course!) and has more than a few tricks up her sleeve to counter Gris's machinations; the vile Dr. Krobe, who conducts terrible experiments on abandoned prisoners deep in the bowels of the Apparatus prison; the nymphomaniac many-times-Widow Tael, and, of course, the spider at the centre of Voltar's corruption, Lumbar Hist himself, who beats his underlings with an electric stinger, probably gets high off his own supply, and hears the mountain winds calling his name like a knell of destiny!
I like Gris's outraged, whiny narrative. He's a real slimeball coward of the highest order but you can't help but kind of like him and almost want him to succeed, even though Heller really is a nice guy who seems to want the best for everybody, even the bloody Earthlings! Gris hates Heller so much by the end that it's all he can do to prevent himself from spitting and foaming and smoking whenever his mere name is mentioned, but the awful trick is that he's got to continue being nice to him and pretending to help him along until they get to Earth. Some of the episodes that take place as Gris gets himself further and further into the proverbial shithouse are genuinely funny reading.
There are loads of clichés on display, oh yes, but Hubbard seems at this point at least to be aware of them and is having a lark a good deal of the time. There's a trademark Hubbard anti-psychology rant, but amusingly its disguised as Gris thinking that he now understands the mind because he's read a bunch of Earth textbooks, and trying to employ these techniques on Heller gets him exactly what he wants, but not for the reason he thinks (hint: It's because he's being annoying and childish!). Somewhere in there there's an anti-drug message, but I lost track of it pretty early on, probably when I was laughing because Gris took a bunch of amphetamines during the pre-launch party and spent the whole time speaking gibberish to everyone. I think the next book isn't as fun because it takes place on Earth and seemed to get pretty repetitive and occasionally even preachy. maybe that's why I never went any further with this mission. still, I think this novel is a rolicking good time, and who knows, I might try and check in on the later exploits of Gris and Heller one of these days.
February 16, 2026
Hello lovely bookstagrammers!
I have a book review for you! Mission Earth, Volume 1: The Invaders Plan by L. Ron Hubbard is a fun and imaginative sci-fi satire that follows a powerful alien empire secretly turning its attention to Earth, a planet full of chaos, corruption, and larger-than-life problems. With its mix of science fiction, political intrigue, and over-the-top humor, the story delivers a bold adventure and a unique take on humanity through an alien perspective.
While this first volume focuses on building the world and setting the stage, it does so with big ideas, creative concepts, and an entertainingly dramatic tone. A great pick for fans of classic pulp sci-fi who enjoy immersive world-building and a series that promises an epic journey ahead.
I have a book review for you! Mission Earth, Volume 1: The Invaders Plan by L. Ron Hubbard is a fun and imaginative sci-fi satire that follows a powerful alien empire secretly turning its attention to Earth, a planet full of chaos, corruption, and larger-than-life problems. With its mix of science fiction, political intrigue, and over-the-top humor, the story delivers a bold adventure and a unique take on humanity through an alien perspective.
While this first volume focuses on building the world and setting the stage, it does so with big ideas, creative concepts, and an entertainingly dramatic tone. A great pick for fans of classic pulp sci-fi who enjoy immersive world-building and a series that promises an epic journey ahead.
February 16, 2026
The Invader's Plan by L. Ron Hubbard is a hilarious science-fiction which keeps the readers hooked till the end. This book is about Planet Voltar, planning an invasion attack on planet earth. Here, Soltan Gris, a Grade Eleven General Services officer, is tasked with supervising a doomed mission to Earth. Voltar species are the advanced species who fear Earth's developing technology could someday endanger their empire. There is Jettero Heller, who is sent on a secret mission from the planet Voltar, to save Earth from self-destruction.
Now, begins, an amazing series begins following the alien's intrusion on Earth society. The story is intriguing with good world-building. The rich prose makes everything vivid. The writing style is unique and flawless. Such a great read about espionage and survival. The Invader's Plan is a thought-provoking and captivating read. It is an enthralling blend of mystery and sci-fi.
Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Now, begins, an amazing series begins following the alien's intrusion on Earth society. The story is intriguing with good world-building. The rich prose makes everything vivid. The writing style is unique and flawless. Such a great read about espionage and survival. The Invader's Plan is a thought-provoking and captivating read. It is an enthralling blend of mystery and sci-fi.
Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
December 27, 2007
When I first came across this series, I had no idea who L.Ron Hubbard was, but I HAD read Battlefield Earth and thought it was good. So I was looking forward to this series with more than a little eagerness.
It did not disappoint (until the last half of the tenth book).
This book series is one of the most hilarious things I've ever read. The plot gymnastics a previous reviewer mentioned are the things that make this such a fun series. But I admit it's not for everyone.
It helps if you imagine this series more as a Heavy Metal style animated film, specifically the STEERRRRN! segment (If you've seen it, you know what part I'm talking about.
It's been twenty years since I read it, but it's still vivid in my memory.
Now, knowing what I know about Scientology NOW, I can see that that books were laced with stealth theology. However, at the time I read it, I had no clue as to what Scientology was, and there's nothing in the books that mention it, so it never was an issue. But the concepts are unmistakable. Still, it won't affect your reading enjoyment unless you allow it to bother you.
To this day, I don't believe that L.Ron Hubbard actually wrote these books (since most of them were published long after he died), and imagine it was written by a committee of clever Scientologists.
And one little bit of trivia. John Travolta always claims he named his son Jett after his love of planes, but it's obvious he named Jett after Jett Heller, one of the heroes of this series.
If you can ignore the invisible Scientology subtext, you're in for a treat with this series.
It did not disappoint (until the last half of the tenth book).
This book series is one of the most hilarious things I've ever read. The plot gymnastics a previous reviewer mentioned are the things that make this such a fun series. But I admit it's not for everyone.
It helps if you imagine this series more as a Heavy Metal style animated film, specifically the STEERRRRN! segment (If you've seen it, you know what part I'm talking about.
It's been twenty years since I read it, but it's still vivid in my memory.
Now, knowing what I know about Scientology NOW, I can see that that books were laced with stealth theology. However, at the time I read it, I had no clue as to what Scientology was, and there's nothing in the books that mention it, so it never was an issue. But the concepts are unmistakable. Still, it won't affect your reading enjoyment unless you allow it to bother you.
To this day, I don't believe that L.Ron Hubbard actually wrote these books (since most of them were published long after he died), and imagine it was written by a committee of clever Scientologists.
And one little bit of trivia. John Travolta always claims he named his son Jett after his love of planes, but it's obvious he named Jett after Jett Heller, one of the heroes of this series.
If you can ignore the invisible Scientology subtext, you're in for a treat with this series.
February 16, 2026
This book is wild in a way I didn’t expect. Instead of a typical alien invasion story, it’s told from the invaders’ side and it leans heavily into satire. The narrator is arrogant, dramatic and constantly scheming, which makes the whole thing feel more like a dark political comedy set in space than a serious sci-fi epic.
It’s long and definitely takes its time setting things up, but once you get used to the tone, it’s actually pretty entertaining. The humor is exaggerated, the villains are messy and the whole thing feels intentionally over the top.
Not for everyone, but if you like ambitious and sarcastic sci-fi with a lot of political absurdity it’s a memorable start to the series.
It’s long and definitely takes its time setting things up, but once you get used to the tone, it’s actually pretty entertaining. The humor is exaggerated, the villains are messy and the whole thing feels intentionally over the top.
Not for everyone, but if you like ambitious and sarcastic sci-fi with a lot of political absurdity it’s a memorable start to the series.
March 15, 2011
This was recommended to me by an ex-boyfriend who thought it was great. He'd made excellent reading suggestions previously so I truly believed I was in for one awesome giant science fiction orgy of awesome in ten volumes!
Instead I got offensive two dimensional characters, a plot like a stagnant pond and the author bragging in the introduction about how he dragged this 'opus' out for 1.2 MILLION words. I threw it across the room in frustration halfway through the first book but that's still more of my time then some complete books I've read. (And actually enjoyed)
Hint to other authors: If it takes you 400 pages to establish that your bad guy is slimy, whiny and ineffectual, your good guy is the most Mary Sue of every 'All American hero stereotype' ever, and your female lead is an angry leather wearing dominatrix/virginal kitten in the arms of the 'Hero' and the plot STILL has yet to make more than a cursory appearance then you have failed. Hang your head in shame. Throw out your word processor and take up plumbing or fast food service.
Oh? What was that? It was supposed to funny? Satirical? Allow me to stare in blank incomprehension at explanations for what in this book passes for humour.
There is a reason a majority of the good reviews come from men who read this 20 years ago, usually when they were 12 year old boys and many of them admit to enjoying it as a boy but wouldn't read it now and didn't bother to finish it when they still thought it was good.
I want the hours of my life wasted on this book back. You owe me Hubbard and you owe me at a pay scale a couple of factors above minimum wage.
Instead I got offensive two dimensional characters, a plot like a stagnant pond and the author bragging in the introduction about how he dragged this 'opus' out for 1.2 MILLION words. I threw it across the room in frustration halfway through the first book but that's still more of my time then some complete books I've read. (And actually enjoyed)
Hint to other authors: If it takes you 400 pages to establish that your bad guy is slimy, whiny and ineffectual, your good guy is the most Mary Sue of every 'All American hero stereotype' ever, and your female lead is an angry leather wearing dominatrix/virginal kitten in the arms of the 'Hero' and the plot STILL has yet to make more than a cursory appearance then you have failed. Hang your head in shame. Throw out your word processor and take up plumbing or fast food service.
Oh? What was that? It was supposed to funny? Satirical? Allow me to stare in blank incomprehension at explanations for what in this book passes for humour.
There is a reason a majority of the good reviews come from men who read this 20 years ago, usually when they were 12 year old boys and many of them admit to enjoying it as a boy but wouldn't read it now and didn't bother to finish it when they still thought it was good.
I want the hours of my life wasted on this book back. You owe me Hubbard and you owe me at a pay scale a couple of factors above minimum wage.
February 16, 2026
What if the real invasion isn’t aliens attacking Earth — but authority convincing everyone that Earth never existed?
The Invaders Plan by L. Ron Hubbard opens the Mission Earth series with a brilliant mix of science fiction and satire. Instead of a typical action-driven beginning, the story uses fake official forewords, alien bureaucracy, and ironic “serious” voices to challenge how truth, power, and reality are shaped by those in control.
Through clever humour and exaggerated systems, the book explores propaganda, censorship, and human perception — making readers question whether science fiction predicts the future or exposes the present. The writing feels playful yet sharp, turning absurdity into social commentary while keeping the tone intellectually engaging.
More than just space adventure, this is speculative fiction that reflects on society itself — where satire becomes the lens through which reality is examined.
If you’re into literary sci-fi, intelligent satire, and philosophical storytelling, then this will surely be a good one for you.
💭 If an official voice declared your reality fictional — would you still believe it?
The Invaders Plan by L. Ron Hubbard opens the Mission Earth series with a brilliant mix of science fiction and satire. Instead of a typical action-driven beginning, the story uses fake official forewords, alien bureaucracy, and ironic “serious” voices to challenge how truth, power, and reality are shaped by those in control.
Through clever humour and exaggerated systems, the book explores propaganda, censorship, and human perception — making readers question whether science fiction predicts the future or exposes the present. The writing feels playful yet sharp, turning absurdity into social commentary while keeping the tone intellectually engaging.
More than just space adventure, this is speculative fiction that reflects on society itself — where satire becomes the lens through which reality is examined.
If you’re into literary sci-fi, intelligent satire, and philosophical storytelling, then this will surely be a good one for you.
💭 If an official voice declared your reality fictional — would you still believe it?
Read
February 16, 2026Having read multiple books by this author I knew I was going to devour this one! The first in a ten book series, this book is filled with laugh out loud moments and nostalgia for the 80s! Being the first book in such a long series you are definitely given a lot of information about the universe and its politics. All of this was told with such a flair of comedy that it made it very digestible. The twists in this book were very clever and sneaky, it’s not everyday that I’m surprised by the turn a book takes. This book can only be described as classic sci-fi! For anyone wanted a bit of nostalgia in their lives definitely seek out this series!
February 17, 2026
If you enjoy science fiction than you definitely don't want to miss this one! While this was a longer book, the read was worth it because you'll be laughing for majority of the time. Some aspects felt unique while others have been done but had a fresh spin. Overall, I'd recommend it.
February 16, 2026
It is a hilarious sci-fi satire that's a breath of fresh air. The story follows an alien agent's misadventures as he tries to set up an invasion of Earth but with a twist that he needs to both succeed and fail. The comedy comes from sharp observations of human behavior, seen through the eyes of the alien invaders.
The book is a laugh-out-loud satire that tackles real issues like politics, defense, security, and workplace culture. It's a caricature of our world, but you'll recognize the similarities. The writing is brilliant, making you feel like you're there, living the story.
The protagonist, Soltan Gris, is deluded but lovable. You'll chuckle at his misadventures and maybe even cringe at the familiarity. The book raises questions about whether we're blind to the world's issues or just choose to ignore them.
It is original, funny, and thought-provoking. It's a great read for sci-fi fans and non-fans alike. The characters are well-thought-out, and the story is fascinating.
Overall, If you've ever felt like someone's trying to sabotage you, this series is for you. Trust me, you won't regret it!
The book is a laugh-out-loud satire that tackles real issues like politics, defense, security, and workplace culture. It's a caricature of our world, but you'll recognize the similarities. The writing is brilliant, making you feel like you're there, living the story.
The protagonist, Soltan Gris, is deluded but lovable. You'll chuckle at his misadventures and maybe even cringe at the familiarity. The book raises questions about whether we're blind to the world's issues or just choose to ignore them.
It is original, funny, and thought-provoking. It's a great read for sci-fi fans and non-fans alike. The characters are well-thought-out, and the story is fascinating.
Overall, If you've ever felt like someone's trying to sabotage you, this series is for you. Trust me, you won't regret it!
February 16, 2026
Book Review: Mission Earth Vol. 1 – The Invaders Plan
I finally took the plunge into L. Ron Hubbard’s Mission Earth 10 book series, starting with The Invaders Plan, and it’s a wild, satirical and chaotic trip to be on.
Imagine a massive interstellar empire (the Voltar Confederacy) that has a very specific problem: they want to invade Earth, but they can’t do it until we stop destroying ourselves with pollution and nuclear threats. It’s not out of the goodness of their hearts; it’s because we’re on their scheduled "conquest timetable" for a few centuries from now.
The story is told from the perspective of Soltan Gris, a corrupt and somewhat bumbling intelligence officer. He’s not a hero; he’s a villain you love to watch fail.
This isn't "hard" sci-fi focused on physics; it’s a biting social commentary on bureaucracy, politics, and human vice. It feels like a precursor to some of the more cynical space operas we see today.
For a book that sets up a 10-volume epic, the plot moves surprisingly fast. The internal politics of the Voltar empire are surprisingly catty and entertaining.
This book is over-the-top, and leans heavily into pulp tropes. If you’re looking for a serious, grounded space exploration story, this isn't it. But if you want a sprawling, slightly absurd epic about power struggles and secret missions, it’s a fascinating relic.
I finally took the plunge into L. Ron Hubbard’s Mission Earth 10 book series, starting with The Invaders Plan, and it’s a wild, satirical and chaotic trip to be on.
Imagine a massive interstellar empire (the Voltar Confederacy) that has a very specific problem: they want to invade Earth, but they can’t do it until we stop destroying ourselves with pollution and nuclear threats. It’s not out of the goodness of their hearts; it’s because we’re on their scheduled "conquest timetable" for a few centuries from now.
The story is told from the perspective of Soltan Gris, a corrupt and somewhat bumbling intelligence officer. He’s not a hero; he’s a villain you love to watch fail.
This isn't "hard" sci-fi focused on physics; it’s a biting social commentary on bureaucracy, politics, and human vice. It feels like a precursor to some of the more cynical space operas we see today.
For a book that sets up a 10-volume epic, the plot moves surprisingly fast. The internal politics of the Voltar empire are surprisingly catty and entertaining.
This book is over-the-top, and leans heavily into pulp tropes. If you’re looking for a serious, grounded space exploration story, this isn't it. But if you want a sprawling, slightly absurd epic about power struggles and secret missions, it’s a fascinating relic.
January 21, 2026
This is a great example of humor and satire used in different ways. The more you know about the references, the more you enjoy this kind of satire. This first volume is a great character arc. Instead of having the Hero narrating the novel and the plans to invade Earth we have the corrupt one actually in charge of making the Hero succeed. Still, he is often trying to make things go his way (sometimes to his own detriment he is his own enimy because the hero is clueless and super lucky) making it funnier (the dinner scene, the fake credits, the usage of Earth knowledge and physiology, makes great satire & critique to our human condition, where tantrums are more efficient than more adult actions, eheh). Lots of action, misadventures, hilarious scenes, and inner thoughts. A classic, it lacks the modern perspective, but it pairs well with the first contact, crawling, and humor, featuring silly scenes, which is a trend that's popular nowadays. I can see how these became the role models for the next generation of authors.
February 17, 2026
L. Ron Hubbard's The Invaders Plan is the first volume in his massive ten-book dekalogy titled Mission Earth. Published in the mid-1980s, it sets the stage for a sprawling satirical science fiction epic.
" I, unfortunately, am the villain in this confession. But that is the function of the gods: to put us in roles as they see fit and let us struggle in our agony. It was fate and fate alone which forced me to do the things I did, as you will plainly see. I cannot help it if villainy comes naturally to me. "
MISSION EARTH is a satire on Politics ,sci-Fiction.The story is told from the perspective of the Voltar Confederacy, a vast interstellar empire. Voltar has a long-term plan to conquer Earth, which they call "Blito-P3."
The narrative is framed as a "confession" written by an alien prisoner, Jettero Heller, A heroic, charismatic Fleet officer sent to Earth on a top-secret mission to stop humans from destroying themselves (specifically by introducing sustainable technology). Soltan Gris: The narrator and a high-ranking official in the Voltar secret police .Gris is the villain of the piece; his job is to sabotage Heller’s mission because his boss, the corrupt Lombar Hisst, wants Earth to remain chaotic so he can use it as a base for an illegal drug trade.
The book ends on a cliffhanger as the characters depart for Earth, kicking off the next nine volumes.
💙Read if you like
👉Science fiction
👉Thriller
👉Espionage confict
👉Aliens
" I, unfortunately, am the villain in this confession. But that is the function of the gods: to put us in roles as they see fit and let us struggle in our agony. It was fate and fate alone which forced me to do the things I did, as you will plainly see. I cannot help it if villainy comes naturally to me. "
MISSION EARTH is a satire on Politics ,sci-Fiction.The story is told from the perspective of the Voltar Confederacy, a vast interstellar empire. Voltar has a long-term plan to conquer Earth, which they call "Blito-P3."
The narrative is framed as a "confession" written by an alien prisoner, Jettero Heller, A heroic, charismatic Fleet officer sent to Earth on a top-secret mission to stop humans from destroying themselves (specifically by introducing sustainable technology). Soltan Gris: The narrator and a high-ranking official in the Voltar secret police .Gris is the villain of the piece; his job is to sabotage Heller’s mission because his boss, the corrupt Lombar Hisst, wants Earth to remain chaotic so he can use it as a base for an illegal drug trade.
The book ends on a cliffhanger as the characters depart for Earth, kicking off the next nine volumes.
💙Read if you like
👉Science fiction
👉Thriller
👉Espionage confict
👉Aliens
Read
February 17, 2026After reading this, I would say I really love science fiction. This story follows Jettero Heller, a loyal and skilled officer sent to Earth on a secret mission to save his home planet from corruption and destruction. However, things become complicated when Soltan Gris, who secretly opposes Heller, tries to sabotage the mission. The novel mixes science fiction, satire, and adventure while exploring human society from an alien perspective.
The story tells us about corruption, power, and morality. It shows how greed and manipulation can destroy societies, while honesty and integrity can protect them.
I loved the humor and satire about human civilization, especially how Earth is described from an outsider’s point of view. The contrast between Heller’s innocence and Gris’s scheming personality makes the story more interesting.
My favorite character is Jettero, obviously his honesty, bravery, and the way he deals with everything. I loved it!!
I definitely recommend reading this if you want an adventurous and enjoyable read.
The story tells us about corruption, power, and morality. It shows how greed and manipulation can destroy societies, while honesty and integrity can protect them.
I loved the humor and satire about human civilization, especially how Earth is described from an outsider’s point of view. The contrast between Heller’s innocence and Gris’s scheming personality makes the story more interesting.
My favorite character is Jettero, obviously his honesty, bravery, and the way he deals with everything. I loved it!!
I definitely recommend reading this if you want an adventurous and enjoyable read.
February 16, 2026
A good read ofcourse!
I finished The Invaders Plan a couple of days ago, and it turned out to be a solid, worthwhile read.
The book leans heavily on concepts rather than emotions. It has layered political satire and a narrative voice that feels almost theatrical at times. The writing prioritizes ideas, systems, and power dynamics over character depth, which works well for readers who enjoy big-picture science fiction.
The pacing of the story is steady, occasionally dense, but never stagnant. It reads like classic high-concept sci-fi: bold, unapologetic, and more interested in commentary and spectacle than subtlety. Not every element feels refined, but the confidence of the storytelling carries it.
Overall, in my opinion it's not a light or purely character-driven book, but analytically engaging—definitely for readers who enjoy idea-focused science fiction.
I finished The Invaders Plan a couple of days ago, and it turned out to be a solid, worthwhile read.
The book leans heavily on concepts rather than emotions. It has layered political satire and a narrative voice that feels almost theatrical at times. The writing prioritizes ideas, systems, and power dynamics over character depth, which works well for readers who enjoy big-picture science fiction.
The pacing of the story is steady, occasionally dense, but never stagnant. It reads like classic high-concept sci-fi: bold, unapologetic, and more interested in commentary and spectacle than subtlety. Not every element feels refined, but the confidence of the storytelling carries it.
Overall, in my opinion it's not a light or purely character-driven book, but analytically engaging—definitely for readers who enjoy idea-focused science fiction.
Read
February 17, 2026Read this if you love campy sci-fi, villains who monologue, and stories where the hero is literally too good to be true. It’s like watching a movie that’s so bizarre you can't look away.
This is the perfect book to read if you want to feel like a double agent. Since the narrator (Gris) hates the hero (Heller), you’re essentially reading a story told by a guy who is constantly lying to you and himself. It’s messy, it’s petty, and it’s peak 'pulp fiction' absurdity.
This is the perfect book to read if you want to feel like a double agent. Since the narrator (Gris) hates the hero (Heller), you’re essentially reading a story told by a guy who is constantly lying to you and himself. It’s messy, it’s petty, and it’s peak 'pulp fiction' absurdity.
February 18, 2026
Oof! Buckle up because this might just be the best of the best when it comes to these books. I’ve never had as much as I did reading this one! And I’ve always had a fun time reading these books.
I enjoyed the satire and character development the most and even though I think the pace could have been a little faster - it was still a 5 star read. Just incredible.
Engaging with a humorous edge, it’s guaranteed to keep you on your toes. It def kept me guessing too, and that’s always a plus. Couldn’t recommend more.
I enjoyed the satire and character development the most and even though I think the pace could have been a little faster - it was still a 5 star read. Just incredible.
Engaging with a humorous edge, it’s guaranteed to keep you on your toes. It def kept me guessing too, and that’s always a plus. Couldn’t recommend more.
January 19, 2026
Mission Earth: The Invaders Plan is a book to read if you like science fiction stories, about aliens and other worlds.
I really liked this book because it is full of action. The book has some clever twists that I did not see coming. This book also has humor in it which’s great. I like the villains, in this book because the villains are very memorable. The plot of this book keeps moving which makes the long story a lot easier to enjoy. The writing style of this book is simple and clear to understand. I found it easy to follow this book when there are many characters and lots of events happening in this book. This book is easy to follow because the writing style of this book’s very clear.
This novel is best for readers who enjoy classic sci-fi adventures with large ideas and bold storytelling.
I really liked this book because it is full of action. The book has some clever twists that I did not see coming. This book also has humor in it which’s great. I like the villains, in this book because the villains are very memorable. The plot of this book keeps moving which makes the long story a lot easier to enjoy. The writing style of this book is simple and clear to understand. I found it easy to follow this book when there are many characters and lots of events happening in this book. This book is easy to follow because the writing style of this book’s very clear.
This novel is best for readers who enjoy classic sci-fi adventures with large ideas and bold storytelling.
November 29, 2020
When I was a young child, I remember reading this entire series. Back in the early 80's it was rather rare for authors to pen huge series. Nowadays, it seems every single author is contractually obligated to make the simplest story into a trilogy and some go far, far beyond. But, when this series came out they had to invent the term dekalogy to describe it as it encompasses 10 books.
Also, nowadays Liberals and Lefties who worship at the altar of Hollywood types as the epitome of all knowledge in the world and get their political, economic, and social advice pedaled to them by those overly attractive idiots might recognize the name L. Ron Hubbard. Their mortal deities from Hollywood seem to have read his book "Dianetics" and have convinced themselves it is some sort of religion. I do not worship at the altar of Hollywood, nor ANY altar for that reason, so for me, I just remember him as the author of this series and Battlefield Earth.
So what is this about? As the title implies, it is about the invasion of Earth. The plot centers around two main characters- Soltan Gris of the Apparatus (basically the CIA of the planet Voltar) has been charged by his boss Lombar Hisst to plan for the invasion. He has to enlist the services of Fleet Combat Engineer Jettero Heller. More than that I shall not spoil.
Soltan is a rather loveable character. He tries very hard to be this bad-ass secret agent, and he does have some measure of skills, but he is thoroughly outclassed by Heller who is something of a Marty Stu (a male Mary Sue) and just perfect in every way. The interactions between these two is rather amusing. This has a great deal of humor in it and is not a truly serious sci-fi. More like dry humor. Is it terrible? No..not at all. But is it so great that I am going to read ten books? Uhh..likely not anytime soon. It seems to drag on longer than necessary and the sometimes sheer incompetence of Gris, all the while thinking about how good he is, does elicit some smiles but it isn't Douglas Adams funny..merely amusing. I'm glad I took the time to read it and perhaps I might eventually work my way through this series again, just for shits and giggles..but there is no rush. There is much better sci-fi out there. Still, I enjoyed the book for what it is. You might as well, but don't expect too much.
Also, nowadays Liberals and Lefties who worship at the altar of Hollywood types as the epitome of all knowledge in the world and get their political, economic, and social advice pedaled to them by those overly attractive idiots might recognize the name L. Ron Hubbard. Their mortal deities from Hollywood seem to have read his book "Dianetics" and have convinced themselves it is some sort of religion. I do not worship at the altar of Hollywood, nor ANY altar for that reason, so for me, I just remember him as the author of this series and Battlefield Earth.
So what is this about? As the title implies, it is about the invasion of Earth. The plot centers around two main characters- Soltan Gris of the Apparatus (basically the CIA of the planet Voltar) has been charged by his boss Lombar Hisst to plan for the invasion. He has to enlist the services of Fleet Combat Engineer Jettero Heller. More than that I shall not spoil.
Soltan is a rather loveable character. He tries very hard to be this bad-ass secret agent, and he does have some measure of skills, but he is thoroughly outclassed by Heller who is something of a Marty Stu (a male Mary Sue) and just perfect in every way. The interactions between these two is rather amusing. This has a great deal of humor in it and is not a truly serious sci-fi. More like dry humor. Is it terrible? No..not at all. But is it so great that I am going to read ten books? Uhh..likely not anytime soon. It seems to drag on longer than necessary and the sometimes sheer incompetence of Gris, all the while thinking about how good he is, does elicit some smiles but it isn't Douglas Adams funny..merely amusing. I'm glad I took the time to read it and perhaps I might eventually work my way through this series again, just for shits and giggles..but there is no rush. There is much better sci-fi out there. Still, I enjoyed the book for what it is. You might as well, but don't expect too much.
February 19, 2026
Както знаем, Л. Рон Хабърд е основател на култа на сциентологията, но също така е един от най-плодовитите писатели фантасти. Количеството над качеството, така да се каже, като се има предвид, че е останал в общественото съзнание най-вече с първото си постижение, а за второто знаят сравнително малко хора, дори сред четящите фантастика.
Така или иначе, поредицата Мисия Земя беше четима за мен по времето, когато четях фантастика (което, като цяло, беше във възрастта, в която се очаква ед��н младеж да я чете) и спомените ми за нея от тогава оцветяват впечатлението ми от днешния прочит.
Доста тегаво логореично дълга, цялата поредица (която нямам намерение да ревюирам книга по книга) обаче е доста сполучлива сатира/гротеска на (главно) американското общество и политика от миналия век.
Интересното тук е, че гаврата със САЩ е двояка: една страна е сатиризирана с директно описание на приключенията там на главните герои-нашественици, а от друга е гротескно метафоризирана в корумпираната империя, от която те (главните герои) всъщност идват и която цели да превземе Земята.
Така или иначе, поредицата Мисия Земя беше четима за мен по времето, когато четях фантастика (което, като цяло, беше във възрастта, в която се очаква ед��н младеж да я чете) и спомените ми за нея от тогава оцветяват впечатлението ми от днешния прочит.
Доста тегаво логореично дълга, цялата поредица (която нямам намерение да ревюирам книга по книга) обаче е доста сполучлива сатира/гротеска на (главно) американското общество и политика от миналия век.
Интересното тук е, че гаврата със САЩ е двояка: една страна е сатиризирана с директно описание на приключенията там на главните герои-нашественици, а от друга е гротескно метафоризирана в корумпираната империя, от която те (главните герои) всъщност идват и която цели да превземе Земята.
April 20, 2023
I didn't exactly laugh out loud on every page, but I often find myself smiling and on the verge of cracking up with laughter. The gentle sly disconnect the arrogant protagonist possesses makes this story a pleasure to read. Hubbard's cultural tone-deafness as he perceived the world of the 1980s also gets instantly noticed by today's reader, and as always makes one glad that we don't have to make-America-great-again if that means embracing the norms of the 1980s. I had read this series in the late 1980s, and I suspect I didn't see the sociological/cultural absurdities for what they would have been since I was obviously in the matrix, but I know I would have appreciated the satire for what it is as I most definitely do today, and today I see the narrowly focused world view as presented by Hubbard as the absurdity that it is.
February 10, 2026
This first instalment in the Mission Earth series is an ambitious blend of science fiction, satire and political drama.
The story is about the Voltarians, an alien empire planning the long-term invasion of Earth, while internal power struggles within their own ranks threaten to derail everything.
The scale of the world-building is impressive and the plot is layered with conspiracies, manipulation and exaggerated personalities, which makes it feel deliberately over-the-top at times.
Overall, I gave it 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you love big, loud, politically charged sci-fi with espionage vibes, this might be your thing |ad
The story is about the Voltarians, an alien empire planning the long-term invasion of Earth, while internal power struggles within their own ranks threaten to derail everything.
The scale of the world-building is impressive and the plot is layered with conspiracies, manipulation and exaggerated personalities, which makes it feel deliberately over-the-top at times.
Overall, I gave it 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you love big, loud, politically charged sci-fi with espionage vibes, this might be your thing |ad
August 19, 2010
Absolutely horrible dialog.
Insipid, clumsy, and annoyingly frequent attempts at 'humor'.
Groan worthy puns.
I was curious as to how a science fiction author could also have founded a relatively successful modern religion and so I decided to sample some of his work. Shock was my primary reaction as I plowed through page after page of mediocre hack-work and pulp devoid of anything that makes science fiction interesting - no ideas, no ideals, no intelligence but plenty of shallow cardboard archetypes mouthing ridiculous dialog without developing any compelling reasons for anything to happen.
This was my first attempt to read anything by L. Ron Hubbard and I was surprised at how poorly conceived and constructed the writing was. I am surprised that anyone would give L. Ron Hubbard the time of day after listening/reading more than 5 pages of his stuff - let alone have the patience to swallow and believe any religious ideas written by him.
Insipid, clumsy, and annoyingly frequent attempts at 'humor'.
Groan worthy puns.
I was curious as to how a science fiction author could also have founded a relatively successful modern religion and so I decided to sample some of his work. Shock was my primary reaction as I plowed through page after page of mediocre hack-work and pulp devoid of anything that makes science fiction interesting - no ideas, no ideals, no intelligence but plenty of shallow cardboard archetypes mouthing ridiculous dialog without developing any compelling reasons for anything to happen.
This was my first attempt to read anything by L. Ron Hubbard and I was surprised at how poorly conceived and constructed the writing was. I am surprised that anyone would give L. Ron Hubbard the time of day after listening/reading more than 5 pages of his stuff - let alone have the patience to swallow and believe any religious ideas written by him.
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