Scan barcode
shadylane_00's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gossamerwingedgazelle's review against another edition
4.0
I haven't read all that much Heinlein. I didn't love "Stranger in a Strange Land", and I didn't love "Revolt in 2100". However, what I have learned from the books of his that I've read, especially "Starship Troopers" and this one, is that Heinlein can take a main character who isn't incredibly likable or impressive and make him into someone that is pretty cool. There is a real, concrete - and impressive - character arch. I like this. A lot.
This character arch was an important factor in "Double Star", because the main character starts out as an ass. I was tempted to not keep reading, but the story was interesting. Ultimately, I think the plot was if not predictable at least completely guessable, but still it was a good plot and one that I enjoyed. Also, I like Heinlein's politics. I find his political theories interesting.
I found the references to slide rules very funny and nearly gagged every time he had people smoking in a confined environment with recycled air. Still, it was a good book.
This character arch was an important factor in "Double Star", because the main character starts out as an ass. I was tempted to not keep reading, but the story was interesting. Ultimately, I think the plot was if not predictable at least completely guessable, but still it was a good plot and one that I enjoyed. Also, I like Heinlein's politics. I find his political theories interesting.
I found the references to slide rules very funny and nearly gagged every time he had people smoking in a confined environment with recycled air. Still, it was a good book.
trin's review against another edition
2.0
[b:The Prisoner of Zenda|54492|The Prisoner of Zenda (The Ruritania Trilogy, #2)|Anthony Hope|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573873494l/54492._SY75_.jpg|2661176] but in space! Not Heinlein's most offensively awful book, but not terribly memorable either.
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn’t aware of it upon starting this novel, but perhaps this is where Q-Anon got some of their conspiracy theories about politics. Have you heard the one about James Woods in face paint and costume filling in for a Joe Biden who was executed in Guantanamo Bay in 2019? Well, this book follows that premise to some degree. Interesting and a very good read.
pine_wulf's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this more than the others I have read of Heinlein. I've heard that this isn't political at all like some of his later work, but you still see some of his politics here. It's just not stronger than being generally anti-regulation.
There is some action scenes early on in the story, so I was surprised that they practically disappeared by the half-way mark. Most of the tension is on whether the actor is found out. The book is generally really fun and I think the ending was very good.
There is some action scenes early on in the story, so I was surprised that they practically disappeared by the half-way mark. Most of the tension is on whether the actor is found out. The book is generally really fun and I think the ending was very good.
dina_s's review against another edition
4.25
I get now why Heinlein is a name that comes up a lot in the genre. Very interesting read. Bit outdated in some places but holds up well in my opinion.
badseedgirl's review against another edition
4.0
Written in 1956, Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein went on to win that years Hugo Award. This was the third Hugo given out and went a long way in establishing what makes a Hugo winner. Like the movies of its time, this novel depends on the skill of the author rather than flashy special effects. There is very little “science” in this science fiction, yes there are rocket ships and trips to the moon and to Mars, and yes there are “Martians,” but these are just window dressing, at its heart this is a political thriller, in much the same way as The Manchurian Candidate.
Although at 127 pages, this novel barely qualifies as a “Novel,” (I have read novellas that were longer.) Mr. Heinlein was able to pack quite a bit of plot into this small package. As withCaves of Steel, my previous experience with this decade’s novels this novel has held up well to the test of time, baring the scene where a political advisor uses a slide rule to determine the outcome of an election.
Which brings me to a “sticky wicket.” I have basically, if not ignored than at least marginalized this decades novels in the past, privately viewing the decade as full of pulp, good for a quick read but in general not much to write home to. And for some novels this is the case, but in general I have enjoyed getting to know the “Grandfathers” of science fiction better.
4 of 5 stars
PS This is the 100th book I have read this year.
Although at 127 pages, this novel barely qualifies as a “Novel,” (I have read novellas that were longer.) Mr. Heinlein was able to pack quite a bit of plot into this small package. As withCaves of Steel, my previous experience with this decade’s novels this novel has held up well to the test of time, baring the scene where a political advisor uses a slide rule to determine the outcome of an election.
Which brings me to a “sticky wicket.” I have basically, if not ignored than at least marginalized this decades novels in the past, privately viewing the decade as full of pulp, good for a quick read but in general not much to write home to. And for some novels this is the case, but in general I have enjoyed getting to know the “Grandfathers” of science fiction better.
4 of 5 stars
PS This is the 100th book I have read this year.
the_mitch's review against another edition
2.0
Prince and the pauper retold in space
Just a simple retelling of a simple story. Skip it. Charging for this as if it was a novel instead of an overly long short story is silly.
Just a simple retelling of a simple story. Skip it. Charging for this as if it was a novel instead of an overly long short story is silly.
ashwin610's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
kittykhan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0