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a_bailey's review
3.0
There isn't much here for a casual, modern reader. If that's what you are, skip it. The characters are flat and the plot stale at best. Frankly, Heinlein has many other stories that are much better written. Go read the Red Planet if you want a fun throwaway adventure story. However, in terms of history, context, and analysis this is a fascinating piece.
This is a perfect example of "Golden Age" SF. You can really see the roots of modern SF and multiple of the popular sub-genres in this story. Military SF and Hard SF are especially apparent. You can also see how the modern genre is emerging from the pulps thought the characters. Comparatively, the characters are becoming more complex, as in they break the pulp mold of "the perfect" hero (think John Carter of Mars). But you still have some of the bizarre pulp conventions. For example, about 3/4 of the way through the story psychics show up with little explanation.
This is a perfect example of "Golden Age" SF. You can really see the roots of modern SF and multiple of the popular sub-genres in this story. Military SF and Hard SF are especially apparent. You can also see how the modern genre is emerging from the pulps thought the characters. Comparatively, the characters are becoming more complex, as in they break the pulp mold of "the perfect" hero (think John Carter of Mars). But you still have some of the bizarre pulp conventions. For example, about 3/4 of the way through the story psychics show up with little explanation.
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