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Title: Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard ISBN: 1-59212-007-5 Publisher: Bridge Publications Pub. Date: January, 2001 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.73 (402 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: You don't need to know about Scientology to enjoy this!
Comment: I read Battlefield Earth many years ago, picking it up a used bookstore for next to nothing. I had no idea about the author, his beliefs or anything. I just found the title intriguing and decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, the book was exciting, full of unbelievable action and had unforgettable characters, especially the villain of the book, an alien from a race called the "Psychlos", conquerors of man, "an endangered species" in the year 3000. No human could be as inhuman as that alien, Terl, who is absolutely diabolical and self-centered. While there are many plot holes through the book and many inconsistencies in character development, including poor writing in parts, predictability of certain situations, etc. it is nonetheless a great read and absolutely riveting.
Many years later, I happened to read about Ron Hubbard and the so called cult of "Scientology", of which I have very little understanding, not enough anyway to offer intelligent criticism. I was shocked to realize that this was the same author whose book I had immensely enjoyed. I did read some of the Mission Earth volumes and found it very badly written, although certain plot themes were interesting and there were some good moments in some of the books. However, I couldn't finish that series as I soon lost interest after the initial few volumes.
I am definitely looking forward to the movie and hope it will be as exciting as the book. Give it a chance and it's not necessary to read all the pages, given the extraordinary length of the book. There are large sections which can be skipped altogether and this, however, does not detract the central theme of conflict between the protagonist human hero, Johnny Goodboy Tyler and the arch villain, Terl.
Rating: 5
Summary: An Excellent Science Fiction Novel
Comment: First, there is NO overt (or, I would argue, subtle) Scientology in this book; look to L. Ron Hubbard's other works - such as Dianetics - for that.
Second, this is a work of science fiction. As such, an author has the ability and - perhaps more importantly - the literary license to stretch and push the boundaries of his fictional world/scenario (including the science and politics) to accomodate the goals of his story.
Third, with regard to previous reviewers' comments concerning Hubbard's treatment of women and minorities (which I did not find to be troubling) look at the context of the story; note when it takes place and the conditions under which most of the characters live.
That said, I found Battlefield Earth to be a rather enjoyable read. Looking at the book as two parts (conveniently split at the half-way point), the first half generally deals with Humankind's attempt to retake control of planet Earth following a thousand years of alien domination. The second half continues by demonstrating the Earthling's tremendous effort to repel a new alien invasion. The characters are well developed, the suspense riveting, the action electrifying, and the emotions vivid. I have read the book three times (the first time when it was first released), and found it to be as enjoyable each time. While there may be several long stretches of exposition (read: character development, story unfolding on multiple fronts), I did not find this to be troubling or wasteful. While I cannot recommend the film based upon the novel - I felt it was absolutely horrible and only a shadow of the book, I do recommend the novel. Enjoy!
Rating: 4
Summary: Very Good Science Fiction Epic
Comment: I love this book. I've read it four or five times now and find it better each time. The only reason I don't give it five stars is that it IS a bit hokey (i.e., simplistic). But, its sheer massiveness and level of fun outweighs that. A science fiction classic that is well worth reading. WARNING: under no circumstances watch the movie -- that thing sucks.
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Title: The Invaders Plan by L. Ron Hubbard ISBN: 1592120229 Publisher: Galaxy Press Pub. Date: 01 August, 1985 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: An Alien Affair by L. Ron Hubbard ISBN: 1592120253 Publisher: Bridge Publications Pub. Date: 01 April, 1989 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Death Quest by L. Ron Hubbard ISBN: 159212027X Publisher: Bridge Publications Pub. Date: 01 June, 1989 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: The Enemy Within by L. Ron Hubbard ISBN: 1592120245 Publisher: Bridge Publications Pub. Date: 01 January, 1988 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Black Genesis by L. Ron Hubbard ISBN: 1592120237 Publisher: Bridge Publications Pub. Date: 01 March, 1986 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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