Don Harvey is a young man living on a ranch in New Mexico. His parents are scientists living in the human colonies on Mars. He receives an urgent message from them, asking him to come to Mars, immediately. He is stop and see professor Jefferson, a friend of the family, and bring to Mars whatever the Professor gives him. Political tensions are rising between the Earth Federation and the colonies on Venus and Mars. When war inevitably comes, Don's less than clear citizenship (Mom was born on Venus, Dad was born on Earth, and Don was born on a spaceship between planets) could make things very difficult for him.

Carrying a cheap, plastic man's ring (which is all that the professor gave him), Don gets to the orbiting space station to catch a ship to Mars, when it is taken over by rebels. Don is given a choice; go back to Earth, or go to venus. Returning to Earth is not an option, because the Federation security forces have taken an interest in Don (due to his unclear citizenship), the sort of interest no one wants.

It helps that Don lived for several years on Venus, so he can speak to the indigenous Venusians (multi-eyed dragons). He can't send a message from Venus to Mars to let his parents know he's alright, and his Federation money is worthless, so he gets a job as a dishwasher in a local Chinese restaurant. One day, the federation invades, and sets most of the town on fire. Don flees, and ends up joining the Venusian army. Weeks later, he finds himself in a palatial mansion, which is also the home of a dragon he met during the trip from Earth. He is facing a man named Phipps, who says he is part of the "organization," and who really wants Don's ring, because of the information carried inside.

This is a young adult novel (as the reader may have guessed), and it's pretty good. It's an interesting story, with a noticeable political subtext, and it's worth reading. ( )

Of note - first known use of "pay it forward" in it's current meaning

Heinlein is a name to be reckoned with in Science Fiction. This was the first book of his which I read and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It is a quality adventure story and well-suited even for a SF neophyte such as I. Additionally, there are a lot of interesting themes here such as homesickness, authoritarianism, and alienation. Pick this as an introduction to Heinlein. ( )

http://www.amazon.com/review/R37... ( )

Remainder, scuff marks. Good condition.