Rating: Summary: Cool alien stuff, zero substance. Review: If you like alien stuff, simple plots, long books with lots of action packed testoerone, this is a book for you.If you prefer literature where characters are complex and well developed, and plots that are complex and unpredictable then you will want to pass on this one. This novel was about action, aliens, and one-dimensional characters going on and on in (often ludicrous) conflict after conflict. On this level I was mildly entertained (I did bother to finish the book). I was bored with the characters, especially Johnny Goodboy Tyler. At times I wanted him killed off just to end the misery. I was begging for a plot twist, for some simple element of intelligent story development. I have seen better writing from a ninth grader. This was the first and very last book of Mr. Hubbard's that I will ever read.
Rating: Summary: Waste of space & time Review: I first read this book in 6th grade, and I remember that even then I found it remarkably shallow and boring. Now, as I look at it again after all these years, I realize that it's actually much, much worse than that. As mentioned in another review, this book would've made a decent comic book or cartoon. But it is NOT good sci-fi, in fact, I don't think it should be classified as sci-fi since that would stink up the whole genre. I tend to classify it as a juvenile scribling which is best left forgotten. L. Ron had some decent stories (as long as you could cope with his worldview), but this is definitely not one of them.
Rating: Summary: Good Pulp SF Review: I read this book when I was a kid, and as such I enjoyed it immensely. I must have read it at least 3 times. However, from an adult perspective the book loses some of its gloss next to actual good science fiction, which this isn't. While it is entertaining shlock sci-fi, it ain't no _Ender's Game_. The plot is somewhat simple, though drawn out; the good and bad sides have no ambiguity; and most of it is highly implausible. While I would recommend this book for a light read or maybe for young teens, I also am highly suspicious of the rave reviews and would not be in the least suprised to discover there's a scientologist conspiracy behind them. Once again, fun pulp, not good literature, though undoubtedly Hubbard's best work (avoid Mission Earth or any scientology books like the plague).
Rating: Summary: Fight the aliens off by making them read this book! Review: Please pass the Alka Seltzer - I CAN"T BELIEVE I READ THE WHOLE THING! My copy of this book said, "soon to be a major motion picture" - the book was about 15 years old. Only Travolta's deep pockets and belief in Scientology allowed this for this movie to be made. All of the Earth's defenses are defeated in less than 10 minutes - if only they had called on Jonnie Goodboy to save the day! A ridiculous story that features one-dimensional characters doing absurd things. What a waste of paper and now celluloid.
Rating: Summary: Best Science Fiction Book I've Ever Read Review: I've read those two reviews that give this novel a 1/5 stars. I can't believe that. This is the best novel I have ever read. The book starts up very fast...getting right into the storyline. From then on, it never stops. There are about 5 climaxes throughout the novel...yes, it defies "proper" writting. Just because it's different doesn't make it bad. The characters are some of the best ever drawn up, not "paper-thin" like other reviews have said. If the book is bad, then why would it be published in 26+ languages, and being made into a multi-million dollar movie? Believe me, this novel could have been 2000+ pages. To add to that, Hubbard (author) doesn't clog the book with useless sentences that other books use to "add flavor". To say the least, this book is unlike any novel you have ever read. Just because the book isn't full of useless literary techniques, and other things only English teachers would find, doesn't mean it's not good. It's great. Period.
Rating: Summary: well Review: well what the book was ok. I am not a big fan of science fiction but the book was ok. the book took awile to pick up but when it did it was good.
Rating: Summary: This was great entertainment 18 years ago and still is. Review: I bought this book in paperback back in '82 and loved it. I also read the entire mission earth series. I did not then, nor do I now, consider these other than masterfull science fiction novels. Anybody "seeking" more from them is only finding what they want to find. If you enjoy good sci-fi books i would suggest this easily. It is a tad long but entertaining yhroughout.
Rating: Summary: One of a kind Review: I agree with van Vogt, Arthur Clarke, Orson Card, etc: this is one awesome book. One the surface it is one hell of an adventure, but if that was all, I would not have been able to read it four times, more than any other book, and still enjoy it immensely. I don't like all Hubbard's books. Avoid Ai! Pedrito, for instance (adapted from a film script of Hubbard's). But Battlefield Earth, Mission Earth, Fear, and Final Blackout are outstanding.
Rating: Summary: Ugh....Wanting it to End Review: Imagine if you will: a fourteen year old with a word processor, trapped in a basement with nothing else to do. What do you get? Battlefield Earth! You can avidly pinpoint when Hubbard uses Scientology in his writing (i.e. the "Pychlos"), and all you have to do is look at how he rabidly dislikes modern psychology and psychiatrics. The characters have silly names and are two dimensional. Really, don't waste your time.
Rating: Summary: Best book I have ever read Review: This book is a great piece of science fiction. I love this book and I recomend it to any sci-fi fan.It is a real "page turner" as some would say it really keeps you reading.
|