"The Questor Tapes" by Dorothy C. Fontana

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 1974
ISBN: 0-345-28024-5

The Questor Tapes tells the story of an android that is constructed by a five-nation team of scientists that have been given the task by a somewhat mysterious scientist named Emil Vaslovik, who then disappeared. Since his disappearance the team has worked diligently at creating his invention, but they made the mistake of trying to decode the activation tape that Vaslovik supplied, which therefore caused the android to be incomplete.

One of the team who constructed the android is Jerry Robinson, the only one who actually worked from Vaslovik and who therefore is under some suspicion as to how he fits in, and what Vaslovik's real plan for the android is.

When the awakes he realises he is incomplete, and therefore makes it a priority to find Vaslovik, he does this by escaping from the laboratory where he was constructed, and enlisted the help of Robinson. Jerry agrees albeit reluctantly to help him and that when their adventures begin.

This book a good example of what science-fiction can be when it is handled by an experienced writer. The story itself is an adaption from a made for television movie by the same name which was create by Gene Roddenberry and Gene L. Coon.

The only thing I wasn't too comfortable with in this book are the religious overtones (although they are subtle). But this doesn't detract too much from the book or the movie as it is only within the last chapter or so / few minutes that it becomes apparent as to what they are referring to.

All other things considered, it is a good light read.

"Have Space Suit Will Travel" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1980)

Publisher: Ace Books
Copyright: 1958

This book is the twelfth in what people refer to as the Heinlein Juveniles and the last one I'll be reviewing at this time (see the postscript below for why). The story is about a young man by the name of Clifford Russell or 'Kip' for short. Kip wants to go to the moon, and while it is a rather lofty goal for a high-school student, it is something that is a regular occurrence when this story is set. Samuel Russell, Kip's father is a well respected, but somewhat unorthodox scientist who gives his permission, but leaves it up to Kip to figure out how to get there. A hinderance to Kip's plans are that his education is somewhat lacking, not due to him, but because the curriculum at his school is somewhat useless (something like what is to be found in certain places even today), luckily for Kip his father gets wind of this, and corrects the problem before he graduates.

Even with his extra knowledge, Kip realizes that his chances of getting to the moon are poor, so on a whim he enters a contest where the first prize is a trip to the moon. He doesn't win, but the consolation prize is a surplus space suit. He takes the prize and that's when his adventures begin. He fixes up the suit, and when he is taking the suit out for one last time before sending it back to the company in return for $500 dollars that he plans on putting towards his education, a spaceship lands next to him with a friendly alien and a young girl called Peewee who are trying to escape kidnappers.

The adventures of the three expand from this point, including visits to the moon, Pluto, Vega, and the Large Magellanic Cloud.

This was a fun book to read, and it had been many years since I had done so. It doesn't comfortably fit within the general universe of some of the other Heinlein Juveniles, but it is well written and even though it was written 61 years ago stands the test of time quite well. It does make me curious why Hollywood never seems to twig into what it takes to make a good movie: a good story. I think these and all the other Heinlein Juveniles would make great movies, especially for children and young adults. As long as they stick to the story that is!

Postscript:

The novel "Starship Troopers" is considered by some to be one of the Heinlein Juveniles, however as it was published by a different house, this is also debated by others. In any case, I already reviewed this book back on November 20, 2017 so please refer to this entry for my views.

"Space Cadet" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1980)

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 1948

I wrote this review quite some time ago, but for some odd reason neglected to publish it. So here you are ...

Space cadet is the second novel in the series classified as the Heinline juveniles. It was written in 1948, and takes place in the year 2075. Which is approximately 125 years after "Rocket Ship Galileo".

The story tells the tale of a young boy by the name of Matthew Dodson who has been excepted as a cadet recruit in the Solar Patrol, which is essentially the police force for the solar system. In the Heinlein Universe in which this series is set, a fair amount has occurred since Rocket Ship Galileo, in that both Mars and Venus have been explored, and found to be inhabited, and their are human settlement on numerous planets. Also, as was found in the previous book the moon had at one point been inhabited as well, but that was many thousands of years ago.

When the story opens Matthew is just arriving at the patrol headquarters in preparation for training, he meets another boy there by the name of Tex, and they proceed through training together as co-protagonists. These two are joined by another two week young man by the name of Oscar Jensen and Pierre Armand. Oscar is a Venus colonial, and Pierre is from Ganymede. It's probably quite a bit different

The training that is described in this book in the first few chapters, is probably quite a bit different that astronauts would go through today, but considering it was written many years ago it is quite thorough and gives the reader an idea of exactly what they might have gone through.

The adventures of these four boys, after they leave the Academy forms the basis of the story, and takes them on a rescue mission to the astroid belt, another and another rescue mission to Venus where they are required to interact with the native population.

This was one of the first Highland books that I actually read many decades ago that hooked me on his writing style and characters etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for good but not necessarily juvenile science-fiction though, has Mr. Heinlein tend to write for well read readers.

"Time for the Stars" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1980)

Publisher: Ballantine / Del Rey
Copyright Date:©1956

This story in another in the "Heinlein Juveniles" collection, and tells the tale of Tom and Pat who are part of a great experiment to explore the stars. I don't believe it is set in the same universe as most of the other stories, but once again this can't be specifically confirmed. If it is then it is set after "The Star Beast", but not as far as Tunnel in the Sky (this assumption is based on the technology described).

In the beginning we are introduced to Tom and Pat who are identical twins, and have the gift of telepathy (which is supposedly something that many twins share to some degree). They join a space exploration project in which one gets to go to the stars and the other stays on Earth. Why? Because telepathy defies Einstein's Theory of General Relativity and provides instant communication with the Earth.

The story is well written, and goes into a fair bit of detail with regard to time dilation theory, as the ship they use can travel fast enough to approach to nearly the speed of light.

An enjoyable book to read lithesome interesting twists that should make a young reader more interested in science.

"Tunnel in the Sky" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher: Ballantine / Del Rey
Copyright: 1955

"Tunnel in the Sky" is another of the Heinlein juveniles that does not conveniently fit within the same framework as the others. It is hard to estimate approximately when this story is supposed to have taken place, but it can be assumed it is in an extremely far distant future as spaceships are now obsolete.

Instead what is used is a type of hyper-spatial tunnel that can connect any two points in the universe. The development of this type of transportation is described as an offshoot of the development of stasis technology. It is typically also used to get around to various places on Earth, as well as throughout the solar system, and the universe. As far as I'm aware this is the only time in a Heinlein story that a device such as this makes an appearance, most other use spaceships of various types.

The overall premise of the story is the population of earth is now so high that colonization of other planets is desirable for many, and in some cases it is hinted that it may be mandatory. The hyper-spatial tunnels make this extremely easy, and because there is so much call for opportunities new planets there is a need for explorers/adventurers to see if the planet itself is suitable for colonization.

The protagonist of the story is a high school student by the name of Rod Walker who is taking a Social Studies course called "Advanced Survival" which if he passes will allow him to become a colonial explorer. When the story opens he is about to depart on his final exam for the course which is Solo survival.

What this exam consists of is that the student is essentially transferred somewhere and have to survive on his own or her own. After which they will return to Earth, assuming they've survived.

The test conditions are fairly basic:

1. Any planet, any climate, any terrain;
2. No rules, all weapons, any equipment;
3. Teaming is permitted but teams will not be allowed to pass through the gate in the company;
4. Test duration is not less than 48 hours, not more than 10 days.

Sounds pretty basic. But I'll leave it up to you to find out what happens.

Outside of the story, Heinlein as usual explores other concepts, which is one reason that I really enjoy his stories. In this case he looks at individual and group psychology, basic government, interpersonal relationships, and a brief look at religion.

Some reviewers have called this story a combination of "Robinson Crusoe", and "The Swiss family Robinson". However I believe it surpasses both these stories 100 fold.

"The Star Beast" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher:   Ballantine Del Rey
Copyright: 1954
ISBN: 0345275802

The Star Beast is set quite some time after the Rolling Stones, but it is never explicitly stated when, although it implies a span of at least 100 to 200 years. I say this because not only have the events from Starman Jones taken place, but interstellar travel is very common and numerous other lifeforms have been encountered, and diplomatic relations established with them. In addition the great-great-great grandfather of the protagonist was on one of the first starships to attempt interstellar travel, which provides the backstory for this novel.

The protagonist is John Thomas Stewart the XI, who happens to own a pet by the name of Lummox. Lummox is an alien creature, from an unknown/uncontested species that was collected/adopted by John's great-great-great grandfather and smuggled to earth. Lummox has been a family pet that has been passed down from generation to generation and has now been with the family over 100 years.

The first part of the book is an exploration of the relationship between John and Lummox, and some of the trouble he caused when he escapes from home and reeks havoc throughout the town, there was also the time when Lummox ate a Buick, but this was in the past.

The book also explores in a fair bit of detail how interstellar politics could manifest itself, when we contact another civilizations, such as when Lummox's people come looking for him as they consider that he has been kidnapped. This includes, but is not limited to the political wrangling, arguments, petty politics inherent in the system. It also humorously touches on subjects such as xenophobia, hidden agendas, conspiracy theories, isolationist policies, and the general silliness that is inherit when dealing with groups humans.

Once again this is a wonderful book for teens and young adults but one that will probably be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

"Starman Jones" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher: Ballantine / Del Rey
Copyright: 1953
ISBN: 0345301048

Starman Jones is another book that is somewhat hard to place chronologically within the Heinlein Juveniles series, as no dates are mentioned. However, it seems as if would be taking place quite sometime after "The Rolling Stones" as humanity has crossed the brink of interstellar travel. What I mean by this is that while it is becoming more common there is still significant risks involved with regard to ships getting lost etc.

The story itself revolves around a young man named Max Jones, who describes himself as a hillbilly, with dreams of becoming an astrogator like his uncle was. He does however have an extremely good head for mathematics, and a very good memory (not photographic as he points out, as he actually has to read the page). In the beginning his stepmother surprises him one day by bringing an unwanted guest to their shack, which causes trouble right from the start. When his man who it turns out is Max's new father decides to sell their farm, and other things Max runs away and falls in with a hobo.

The political climate on Earth at this time is one where almost any job worth having is controlled by a guild, and many of these restrict entrance to sponsored kin. Which Max was under the impression his uncle had done for him. After a couple of minor adventures Max makes it to the guild hall for the astrogators, where he finds out the truth. But his hobo acquaintance shows up again with a crazy plan that works. Soon thereafter Max is in a starship and on his way.

Heinlein's characters were always well rounded, and he does a very good job of bringing the dynamics of crew personalities into the story. There is the bully, the con man, the slacker, and more.

During this voyage Max grows up rather suddenly, after some prodding by a young lady, which results in him getting found out to be a stowaway, but also gets him the opportunity to try  out the profession of astrogator.

This once again was a very good book, that I believe young adults (and most others) will enjoy.

"The Rolling Stones" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher: Ballantine Del-Rey
Copyright: 1952
ISBN: Unknown

This book is the sixth in what is known as the Heinlein juveniles series. Unlike Between Planets, which I reviewed on April 15, 2019, this novel definitely falls within the same timeline as Red Planet, Space Cadet, and a few of his short stories.

This novel in fact takes place approximately 30 years after Red Planet, as some of the events that happened in that book are referred to in this one. For example the atmosphere project - which is now complete. The climatic concluding event in Red Planet is also referred to in this book and is given as the reason why Martians are no longer easily found on Mars.

The story itself revolves around the seven members of the Stone family, who decide to leave their home on Luna and travel the solar system after purchasing a spaceship. The characters in this novel are also very well written. The two primary protagonists are Castor and Pollux, two redheaded twins, that have a distinct talent for getting in trouble. Their father (an engineer), mother (an MD), and grandmother (another engineer, and one of the original lunar colonists), as well as her two siblings join them in their adventures which have them visiting Mars, then taking a trip to the astroid belt where uranium and other ores are being mined.

Mr. Heinlein goes into a fair bit of detail with regard to the science behind travel with in the solar system, how this would be accomplished, the equipment needed etc. The addition of these details make the book very realistic, and from the first time I read it it was one of my favourites.

A very enjoyable book that I think all readers young and old will enjoy.

"Between Planets" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher: Ballantine Del-Rey
Copyright: 1951
ISBN: None listed

Between planets is the fifth book in what are known as the Heinlein juvenile series. 

The dustjacket's blurb describes this book more concisely that I can: "Don, The hero of this story, is a citizen of the Federation but not of any planet. His mother was born on Venus, his father on Earth, and Don himself was born on a spaceship in trajectory between planets.  This curious citizenship makes difficulties for him when the rebellion starts on Venus. Whether or not Don can resolve his future allegiance to his best advantage remains to be seen."

Don is on his way to Mars to join his parents. But before he leaves Earth (where he is attending school) he is instructed to visit a family friend before he leave - this causes him no end of trouble, as the Federation forces are looking for him for some reason unknown to him.

Don never actually makes it to Mars until the last part of the story as he chooses to go to Venus rather than return to Earth when the space station he is on his attacked by the revolutionary forces. In the meantime he is a young man who is wanted by just about everybody.

On the surface this story seems to take place a number of years after "Farmer in the Sky". Because between the time of Farmer in the Sky and Between Planets there has been a limited nuclear war on Earth. For example Chicago, is now New Chicago and "Old Chicago" is described as an "... enormous field, still slightly radioactive ...". But it is also stated later on in the book that Mars is primarily a scientific establishment and is not colonized, which would actually put it before "Red Planet", and possibly even before "Space Cadet". There are other inconsistencies as well, but I won't go into them here.

Due to these differences I would say that this story does not really fall within the same storyline as the other books, but this does not detract from the story.

Once again this is a good story to introduce teenagers and young adults to classic science fiction, and it's well worth the read.

"Farmer in the Sky" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher: Ballentine Del Rey Books

Copyright: 1950

ISBN: 0-345-24375-7

Farmer in the Sky is the fourth book in the Heinlein Juveniles series, originally published by Scribners in 1950.

The story revolves around Bill Lerner a teenager who immigrates to Ganymede to join the colony there and become a homesteader. Earth at this time is in pretty bad shape with a very high population, and a poor economy. The idea to immigrate is Bill's father George's, and Bill decides to go along. At first George forbids it, but then gives in when he realizes that a family has a better chance of immigrating. To do this however he hast to get married as George is a widower. The marriage is something that Bill is not in favour of, as he still misses his mother. In addition the marriage gives him a new sister whom he is not very fond of.

The book goes into a fair bit of detail with regard to the trials that a homesteading family would actually  have to go through, such as acquiring the land, breaking it, converting the ground into viable soil, planting crops, etc.

I don't remember exactly when the first time was I read this book, but it was many years ago. At the time, from what I can remember, I wasn't overly fond of it. Upon reading it again though I find that is quite well written, and gives a good idea of what her family would really have to go through. I don't know whether Mr. Heinlein actually knew anybody who had homesteaded, but the detail in the book makes me think that he did.

I believe this book is a very good recommendation for a teenager, who likes or would like to explore classic Science Fiction.

"Red Planet" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)

Publisher: Ballentine Del Rey Books
Copyright:1949
ISBN: 0345260694

Red planet is the third in what are known as the "Heinlein Juveniles", and was written in 1949. It takes place after Space Cadet, but there is no actual year specified in the text. The story revolves around colonists on Mars, who because they live relatively near the polar regions are required to migrate from one pole to another on a yearly basis.

The protagonist in the story is one James Marlowe, a teenager who along with a friend (Frank) are being sent away to a boarding school which is located nearer to the equator. Their time at the boarding school, is fine until the headmaster retires and is replaced by someone who plan to run the school like a military academy.

The science of Red Planet, is consistent with what was known of the planet in the late 1940s. It draws a lot on the speculations of Dr. Percival Lowell (1855-1916), and though now we know that the vast majority of his hypotheses were incorrect, it still makes for a good story. Some of these ideas he put forth were things such as Mars being covered with a network of canals carrying water, and large areas of vegetation, etc.

Jim's adventures include meeting and interacting with the native population of Martians. The Martians in this book are not the same as the ones described in "Double Star" which was written in 1956, and which I reviewed a while back. These Martians are much more consistent with the ones that will be learned about in Heinlein famous novel "Stranger in a Strange Land". When looking at the events as described in this novel, Stranger in a Strange Land must take place a fairly long time prior to Red Planet.

"Rocket Ship Galileo" by Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988)

Publisher: Ballantine / Del Rey
Year: 1947

An Brief Introduction to the Heinlein Juveniles

The thirteen books in the Juveniles series (although some say there are only twelve, as the first twelve were published by Scribners, but they rejected the thirteenth) take the reader on a journey to the stars as they are chronologically laid out, over a fairly long time span. The first deals with the first moon landing. The next five concentrate on interplanetary travel, the following four look at the early stages of interstellar travel, in number eleven interstellar travel is easy, the twelfth has humans venturing outside the galaxy to the Lesser Magellanic Cloud, and the thirteenth looks at interstellar war.

No characters are shared between the novels due to the great time spans involved. However, some of Heinlein's other later books do reference events that take place in this series and well as in his Future History short stories.

Rocket Ship Galileo

Rocket Ship Galileo is the first book in "The Heinlein Juveniles". It was written in 1947, and as such the fact that World War II had just ended influences the plot, but more about that in a few minutes.

The world as we know it from history is quite different from the one portrayed in this book, and the influence of World War II can definitely be seen, especially the success of the use of rockets. In the novel's world rockets are now used for the delivery of the mail, and other cargo. They are being built by a Detroit company, and commercially available. In addition these rockets are able to accomplish such things as take-offs and landings from pretty much anywhere, something that we are now just achieving.

The story revolves around three boys who are recent high-school graduates, that are also into rocketry, and are in the process of building their own rocket motors (they are also quite accomplished at electronics, flying, etc). When the story opens their latest experiment had just ended, in failure but not without producing very promising results. They are then recruited by one boy's uncle, a physicist, who had previously worked on the Manhattan Project. The uncle Dr. Cargraves, proposes that they refit a surplus mail rocket with atomic engines and make the first trip to the moon. The boys agree and work begins in a military range that previously been used to test nuclear bombs. Their efforts however are disrupted by what they determine as prowlers, but who turn out to be unknown agents.

The story progresses, and when they reach the moon they establish a base by constructing a quonset-hut like shelter, and covering it with regolith to protect it. When they set up their communications equipment to attempt to contact Earth, they pick up a transmission which they determine is local, and who proceeds to bomb their ship "The Galileo". After investigating further the crew of the former rocket ship Galileo determine that their is a Nazi base on the moon, and they are planning on taking revenge for the loss of the war.

When you consider when this book was written, what the world had just accomplished (end of WWII), and the promise that nuclear power brought to the future it is conceivable from a late 1940's viewpoint that things such as this might be possible. While the plot of this story is somewhat fantastic, as it doesn't take into account all the tremendous number of details (time, money, expertise, etc.) that would be required to send a credit to the moon it is still a good read, and should entertain anyone who reads it.