There Is No Darkness (1983)

This book is very different from the other Joe Haldeman stuff I have read. The other stuff has been serious, thoughtful, and well written. This is attempting to be more of a parody book, much like what you'd get from Harry Harrison. Perhaps that's the influence of the co-author, Joe's brother.

I must say however that the end was unexpected and interesting. The last 50 pages was the best bit of this book by far.

http://www.stillhq.com/book/Joe_Haldeman/There_Is_No_Darkness.html ( )

This is an enjoyable, but fairly pedestrian book. A young man, Carl Bok, from a world that raises tough and practicle people joins a star touring school. The school visits three worlds. Earth, Hell, and the Contruct. The Contruct is an alien artificial world where hundreds of alien species live together to learn from one another. On Earth and Hell, Carl learns his limits and his need to work with and depend on others for success in life.

The visits to Earch and Hell are fun but not very deep or interesting. On Earth, Carl becomes a gladiator and on Hell a mercenary. These visits are short and there is just not enough time to really develop a good story. Construct while the shortest visit was the most interesting, but is seemed the authors wanted to finish the book up by this time.

Want a light quick read? This is the book for you. No big commitment, but enjoyable. Recommended. ( )

ZB5