The Halfling and Other Stories by Leigh Brackett

That being said, this novella differs from the usual vein: it has a significantly more interesting planetary ecology, more realistic adventures and a toned-down plot (rooted in the way people actually behave).

No regrets, too - you know, it's good for you. come to 'Brackett's SF Parlor' for some fictional spa work: rejuvenate your sense of outre, tickle your 'hot' points of grotesque and sojourn in a land of perfect male heroes and super-sensuous females. I particularly speak of her Mars & Venus series, which (as exotic as they admittedly are) can not provide true alien environment experience and only massage your romantic adventure nerve. I love colorful planetary adventures, and Leigh Brackett was the foremost provider of such outings however all too often they seemed to have the flavour of Edgar Rice Burroughs or steeped in some steamy sword-n-sorcery. After reading such novellas, the good cloud lingers in the mind.

Solid novella, enjoyed it.Ĭlassic stuff, look at the cover on the left! Great for espresso reading. The second part after the landing is a bit of a let-down, but still contains big depictions of truly alien mind processes, cuddly ESP alien herd, and pretty cool people politics. Last manned spaceship is launched by free men, hunted by sinister robotic spaceships great adventure and atmosphere the first part (chase to the nearest star) simply sizzles, desperation mixes with hope, great emotion there. + Holds the dubious award of one of the silliest titles for a good novel in sf.

Still, the first part of a novel (and a shorter novella) has way better suspense. Brackett at a good example of her more-feminine style of writing.

I am not sure in what way the original story 'The Ark of Mars' (see review) got expanded into a novel - maybe the psychedelic esp cuddly aliens got added - but the overall impression now is of conflict between technology (robotic spaceships) and nature - and the final wish is 'to live in peace' - overall a harmonious whole. Scroll down for comprehensive reviews and ratings:

The Halfling and Other Stories by Leigh Brackett