This novel has all the adventure, action, mystery and moral-dilemma feel of a pulp science fiction. Kade discovers a people like his own, subjected to horrid oppression by Styor, the ruling species of the galaxy. With the memory of his own people’s history in his mind, he sets out to subvert the Styor rule. In the process, he learns more about the world of Klor, and the human-Styor relationship. Intriguing world-building and a fast-paced plot create an interesting story, despite the somewhat stock characters. Although, considering this was written in 1960, these weren’t exactly stock characters back then.
The author, Andre Norton, is considered one of the great classic science fiction writers. This is my first book of hers. She writes in descriptive language and has a vivid and diverse imagination. However, her stories have a uniqueness that makes me want to read more of her work. Worth the time to read, particularly if you are partial to moral-tinged action-adventure stories. ( )