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Clifford Simak
"The Trouble With Tycho"



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Clifford Simak
"The Trouble With Tycho" (nv)

© Amazing Stories, Oct 1960
novel: Ace Double, 1961
--/ second place space sf novella
--/ wonder award
--/ adventure award
--/ romance award
--/ style award

Classic example of the good old space adventure tale. Mining prospectors on the Moon, lost expeditions, haunted crater, wonderfully "alien" aliens. I loved the "wild west" feel to the story (told with a "small town" space cowboy flavour), a touch of romance, wholesome goodness throughout the dialogue and action, and of course, spectacular background and set pieces. Definitely a highlight of my reading experience for this summer. Its a part ghost story, part "wilderness trek" story, part "treasure hunt" - with "living energy" and "crystal egg morph" aliens to make the life and work on the Moon very interesting. Understated splendor and muted heroics make this action tale a study in pulp fiction elegance.
review: 07-Jul-06 (read in 2006)

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"SF&F Reading Experience" is part of "Dark Roasted Blend / Thrilling Wonder" family of sites. We try to highlight the most entertaining and rewarding science fiction and fantasy, with emphasis on memorable reader experience, not necessarily general acceptance by the critics. Have fun, and delve into our extensive ratings and reviews!

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