SOJALS rating:

Mediocre (2/5)

I first read this in 1977 and most recently on the 16th April 2005

Satan's World is a an ice-cold lifeless planet drifting through space, but spotted as it rushes past a star. It may not be a place to consider terraforming, but it offers a perfect site for all those industrial processes that are too dirty or dangerous to perform upon a civilised world. Who lays claim to this planet will become immensely rich.

David Falkayn, professional explorer, has discovered this planet, with the help of the information company Serendipity Inc. He's planning to claim it for his boss, Nicholas van Rijn, master trader. But first he's got to get there, and he discovers some unexpected obstacles being put in his way, and he's in a deadly competition with mysterious aliens in a chase to claim the treasure.

With him is Chee Lan, his female feline crewmate and backing him up, but too far away to help, are his other crewmate Adzel, the professorial dragon, and of course, Nick van Rijn.

In a fight against unknown aliens of immense power, we know who will win, but it's still a darn good read.

The cover blurb says": "A sunless world, black and impenetrable, but holding untold wealth beneath its terrifying surface

So why is the cover painting of a giant dragon roaring at a flying saucer?

This has a always been a source of some annoyance to be me.

On the other hand the story is rather good fun.