The Silkie

Definitely a well-written book, firm in its science speculation, and some well-crafted female characters. There is good adventure and much of it is a mystery set in space: how did this happen? Where is Cemp going to find the truth to whatever challenge is set before him?

With possibly one of the worst beginnings of any book I have ever finished, The Silkie turned out to be a not bad read. Essentially three stories of progressing silliness based around the actions on one particular Silkie, in his attempts to `save' Earth.

You get the feeling that Vogt was possibly aiming for a 4 Laws equivalent with the logic of levels; this fails miserably but doesn't impede the book. Though I wouldn't try to think about it too much.

This is an old favorite about a shape changing species that lives with man. It's completely SF, although it has paranormal elements, but they're explained through science. Van Vogt creates a mental logical structure that's interesting & packs several adventures into this book. I think there are 3 stories that were published separately.

The adventures of Lensman type supercop the Silkie. Several stories -each more insane than the last. Classic Van Vogt lunacy. Nothing perfect-but a mind blower.

My favorite van Vogt.

From the back "The silkie is a man-like being that can move through space, water, or on land with equal ease. The silkie can think like a computer, and read minds. The silkie can communicate etherically, or change form to suit changing circumstances. But are the Silkies all that is claimed? are they truly man's creations and servants--or are they a super-race of scouts controlled by anti-human aliens? The Silkies themselves do not know..."

F/SF