In the distant future, the two major political powers on Earth consist of Soviet North America and the Argentinian-South African coalition (aka the South Atlantic Axis). The uneasy truce between them is shattered when the planet is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust.

The surviving colonies on the moon and Mars—both led by militant dictators—continue waging war on one another for dominance over what remains of the human race.

Assuming leadership of the moon colonies by killing or imprisoning his enemies, Colonel Scone of Soviet North America sends his most loyal ally—and romantic rival—Doctor Broward to the ruined Earth to retrieve a planet-busting bomb from a secret location beneath the ocean.

From there, the doctor is ordered to Mars to release the bomb and destroy the Argentinian colonies ruled by the brutal General Howards, but during his journey, Broward forms a different plan...

All told, Tongues of the Moon was little more than a space adventure story with two-dimensional characters and a simple, uncomplicated plot. Nevertheless, it was a fun, fast read. ( )

This is a 1964 space opera with a Cold War flavor. It takes place on the Moon and Mars. It is typical of the Golden Age of SF. A few months after reading it I came across it again and realized how much I liked this book. This one keep my interest as a fast, fun thriller.

Farmer is a great author. My 5 star favorite is "To Your Scattered Bodies Go". It is the award willing first novel of the Riverworld series. ( )