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mbmartin42's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jdsutter's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this classic science fiction tale. There is lots of action as well as plenty of standard sci-fi fare such as interesting gadgets and gizmos and interplanetary travel. There are interesting creatures on the various planets, but most compelling is the protagonist, Jason. He's a fascinating character that I really liked.
Despite the ominous title, the book is not as dark as one might expect. There is some violence and there are several deaths with a couple being a bit graphic, but not egregiously so. This is really a character-driven story with some really interesting ideas that are explored.
I really look forward to reading the next books in the series. I'd recommend this to any fan of sci-fi and to the general reader who really likes adventure stories with interesting characters and themes that get you to think.
Despite the ominous title, the book is not as dark as one might expect. There is some violence and there are several deaths with a couple being a bit graphic, but not egregiously so. This is really a character-driven story with some really interesting ideas that are explored.
I really look forward to reading the next books in the series. I'd recommend this to any fan of sci-fi and to the general reader who really likes adventure stories with interesting characters and themes that get you to think.
tinzy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mautt_d's review against another edition
4.0
Harry Harrison is one of the more overlooked contributors to Science Fiction, especially considering his influence on the genre. Reading Deathworld, there were more than a few moments where I thought "So that's where that came from..."
As for the book itself, slightly-psychic gambler Jason takes on a world solely dedicated to killing its human inhabitants - and said inhabitants are more than willing to return the favor. Harrison's prose is very much the quick, functional kind of yesterday's pulp but there's a certain casual breeziness that makes it work, especially in his dialogue.
The ideas at play are also strong, as Harrison explores the way we shape our environments and vice versa. A quick but worthy read.
4 out of 5 stars
As for the book itself, slightly-psychic gambler Jason takes on a world solely dedicated to killing its human inhabitants - and said inhabitants are more than willing to return the favor. Harrison's prose is very much the quick, functional kind of yesterday's pulp but there's a certain casual breeziness that makes it work, especially in his dialogue.
The ideas at play are also strong, as Harrison explores the way we shape our environments and vice versa. A quick but worthy read.
4 out of 5 stars
markj71's review against another edition
4.0
Old school man vs nature sci-fi. This series is not as good as the Stainless Steel Rat series but still good pulpy fun.
erndixon's review against another edition
3.0
Found this for free on Amazon. Quick and easy sci-fi without a lot of thinking to it. It wasn't bad, though. I may check out the rest of the series.
56independent's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The concept is sound. The plot is fun and fast-moving. But then... the dialogue felt just a bit robotic.
wincher2031's review against another edition
4.0
An engaging bit of interstellar SF. Harrison deftly explores human nature through the rampant survivalism on Pyrrus, the titular Deathworld, using well timed humour and a straight forward narrative which dives deeper than is first telegraphed.
Another case of not judging a book by its cover, do not expect a typical creature-feature here. The story instead explores a more human dilemma, showing how systems are put in place to tame the wilderness by preparing people for life within it. The protagonist (as the outsider finding himself in a strange land and vehicle for the reader) Jason dinAlt's intervention serves as a potent reminder that what we call civilisation is only a wafer-thin layer separating us from a return to instinct-driven survival. It can be read as both an escapist adventure and a social commentary and for that I recommend it to any fans of Star Trek, specifically those trapped-on-a-planet type episodes.
Another case of not judging a book by its cover, do not expect a typical creature-feature here. The story instead explores a more human dilemma, showing how systems are put in place to tame the wilderness by preparing people for life within it. The protagonist (as the outsider finding himself in a strange land and vehicle for the reader) Jason dinAlt's intervention serves as a potent reminder that what we call civilisation is only a wafer-thin layer separating us from a return to instinct-driven survival. It can be read as both an escapist adventure and a social commentary and for that I recommend it to any fans of Star Trek, specifically those trapped-on-a-planet type episodes.
morninglightmountain's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
spinnerroweok's review against another edition
2.0
1960s SciFi that did not age well. I do not recommend.