In this story, an alien race known as the "Throgs" attacks a Terran survey camp without warning.
"Eye-searing lances of energy lashed back and forth across the base with methodical accuracy, and a single cowering witness, flattened on a ledge in the heights above, knew that when the last of those yellow-red bolts fell, nothing human would be left alive down there."
And so Shann Lantee, most menial of the Terrans attached to the camp on the planet Warlock, is left alone and weaponless in the strange, hostile world, the human prey of aliens from space and aliens on the ground alike.
(P)2009 Jimcin Recordings
"A satisfying and mature novel which readers will seize upon if they want to enjoy a good adventure story. A survey base on a remote planet is wiped out by a raid of Earth's enemies, the Throgs; the only survivor must face the perils of an unexplored planet while tryingsomehow to strike back at the enemy....As always Norton creates both human and alien beings well, and tells a story that you can't stop reading." (New York Herald Tribune)
"Up to Norton's best standards." (Library Journal)
"He read it to me"
Read the book years ago, enjoyed it and enjoyed it again with this listen. Unfortunately, the narrator was something I had to suffer through. The reading was precise, slightly incongruent with the New England brogue. HE READ THE STORY. Phrasing was to provide a precise reading, NOT to impart the action, emotion, or tempo of the story. While there was plenty of vocal variation, it was not to better convey the story, but to read the written word correctly. I had to replay many passages, because I missed important action or changes because he conveyed no emotion. Good voice for text book or legal documents, not monotone, clear and precise. Poor technique for pursuit, survival SciFi story!