Rating: 
Summary: El Neil At His Best
Review: The thing that most intrigues me about Smith's fiction is that, even though I know he's going to preach libertarianism to me, I also know he's going to slip in at least one new thought I'd never considered. I just never know when it's coming, or from what direction.So...was the invention of agriculture really a positive turning point in human history? I must admit the question had never occurred to me. The characterizations are stronger in this novel than in some of his earlier work. I get the impression that he's more confident, finding his own voice rather than trying to be Heinlein. You can find things to quibble with. The Pallas society is a bit self-consciously old-west. In an environment where all guns have to be imported from Earth I couldn't get past how casually Emerson acquired an extraordinary speciman. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied. But all in all it's a very fine novel; engrossing and thought-provoking as almost all Smith books are, and highly entertaining. There are very few contemporary authors that I follow around to see when the next book is due; Smith has become one of them.
Rating:
Summary: Prometheus-award winning book beats his "Probability Broach"
Review: This book reminded me of Frederic Brown's 'Rogue in Space' or Alfred Bester's 'The Stars my Destination.' It deals with a lone individual and his surroundings. A good novel for introverts! The writing is more fluid and jus' plain ole' better than earlier novels ('Probability Broach' was good, but heavy on the political philosophy/economy etc.). This book seems an almost direct successor to Heinlein had he had the Howard family genes and access to the internet. Oh well, just read it!
Rating: 
Summary: A great book, makes you appreciate freedom more.
Review: This is a book that makes you think. Makes you more aware of freedom and what the world would be like with it removed. Makes you more aware of our history as survivors. It makes you know, not just think, that there are some things worth fighting for.
Rating:
Summary: A great book, makes you appreciate freedom more.
Review: This is a book that makes you think. Makes you more aware of freedom and what the world would be like with it removed. Makes you more aware of our history as survivors. It makes you know, not just think, that there are some things worth fighting for.
Rating:
Summary: Freedom Loving Individuals will not be able to put this down
Review: This isn't just for science fiction lovers by no means. Pallas though it takes place on an asteriod is more about human spirit and the desire to be free and self governing than space or space travel. There is no in between with Pallas either you love it and agree with it or you are a lemming. But fear not, as you read of Emerson's(the main character) life and adventures, L Neil Smith might awaken something indepndant in your soul. If after reading Pallas you still disagree with the self governing theme ofthis exciting book I can recommend a few cliffs.
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