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Biased and superficial Science Fiction reviews

           
     
Halo

Copyright 1986 by Paul Cook

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SOJALS rating:     
no SOJALS point no SOJALS point no SOJALS point no SOJALS point no SOJALS point    Unrated (0/5)

I first read this in 1987 and most recently on the 10th September 2005

A gigantic ring two hundred mile in diameter rushed through our Solar System scattering alien Seeds across the cities and towns of Earth. These Seeds emit a signal that hypnotizes, entrances all within range drawing them irresistibly, step by step, closer to the Seed.

Now civilisation has largely collapsed. Only the Moon Men - those inhabiting the Moon at the time of the pass-through - have retained their society. And an odd society it is: they use a mind-tool, the Sheriar, to maintain their psychological equilibrium. This amazing tool provides moral and psychological support by promoting the re-experience of past lives*.

Now the Moon Men are ready to trace the trail of this Halo back to its source. Finally they'll be able to take on the Aliens.

A potentially great SF novel, rather messed up - for me at least - by a too generous dash of Californian New Age pseudo-science. I can't remember what I thought of this first time around. This time, however, I became progressively depressed and finally gave up reading it a few pages from the end.

*I simply didn't get this. The basic methodology seems to be: I'm feeling bad, mean, egomaniacal or simply psychotic, so my Sheriar helps me relive my past life as a crusader. OK I was a crusader and all my bad feelings are relieved. Nope, I don't follow it.

Loaded on the 1st May 2006.
    
Cover of Halo
Cover art by John Hamagami

Reviews of other works by Paul Cook:
Fortress In The Sun