Kris Neville (1925–1980)

No matter how many times "underground classic" get repeated on various web sites, the novel version really doesn't get past "interesting." 60's angst mixed with 40's pulp aliens and way way too much introspection. Whenever things happen, Neville writes quite well and poignantly. But until near the end, little happens, just various characters thinking depressed thoughts about life and the universe. Thinking themselves to death, in some cases. Stick with the short story version in Silverberg's show more Strange Gifts anthology. show less

I found this in a second-hand book sale at the Co-op in St. Neots. I was instantly attracted by the typically 60's-70's cover design. It was fascinating to read a book set in 2013 but published in 1970!

We find a world ruled by the United Nations, linked by jet travel and mysterious computers. The main character is a young navy officer who spends his time getting drunk and fighting. There is also some examination of the idea of capturing human consciousness into computers.

The cosy world show more ruled over by the UN is interupted when aliens set up a base on the Moon and start issueing demands - in French. It seems our young naval officer is to be the only man who can save the world, but does he? The book ends with much unresolved or left unstated.

Possibly could be categorised as 'pulp', but it is a well written book which flows easily. I enjoyed the plot and the imaginary world of 2013. show less

I liked the book: aliens using mutants (Earthlings) with supernatural abilities to destroy the Earth. A lot of action, crisp dialogues, interesting plot. Yes, it's a pulp fiction novella, but a decent one.

Neville wrote 6 or 7 SF novels and many short stories for the SF pulp magazines in the 1960s. This book is not his best though none of his novels are considered to be great. I wanted to give it 3 stars but it's not that good.

I doubt I will attempt to find any more of his works.