SOJALS rating:

Mediocre (2/5)

I first read this in 1974 and most recently on the 11th September 2005

In a multi-levelled environment deep beneath the surface, humans still survive, perhaps they are all that's left of humanity. Along with them live the Plants human in appearance except for odd little buds on their temples.

In this strange, subterranean world, the Plants are the real citizens of a rigidly-controlled society. The humans are the outsiders, struggling to maintain their tribes and families against the power of the Godvoice that controls the Plants.

Forced into a nomadic existence, and ever deeper into the ground, the humans have only myths about the thrills and terrors of the higher realm they left so long ago.

Well, I have to admit to a soft spot for this novel. I read several of Richard Cowper's novels in the seventies, including "Clone" and "The Twilight of Briareus". As a kid I thought they were good - they were well-written and thrilling stories. If you're new to SF or if you're a kid too (and there's nothing to be too ashamed about if you. Heck, even I was a kid, although a very adult, mature and sophisticated one) then you may enjoy these short but satisfying traditional SF yards.