Humankind has split itself up, in order to direct its own evolution. It is not bad for pacing and character development. The principal character, Tam Olyn is well developed for the 1960's. I read it in 1967, so I this this is not the edition that I read. ( )

It's one of my favorite Dickson books. I often think that, to appreciate most books, especially Science Fiction, you need to read them at the time they were written (or at least try and place yourself in that era). I've read most of the Dorsai novels and stories, but this one was one of the few I kept.

I may revisit this review, but I'm trying to put at least a note on anything I'm adding that deserves the commentary. ( )

An interesting look deeper inside the galactic civilization of man. A lot of threads coming together from the previous books, too. A little too much philosophy & psychology for me this time, though. I've read it a couple of times before, so found myself skimming some of it.

On to [b:Tactics of Mistake|776477|Tactics of Mistake (Childe Cycle)|Gordon R. Dickson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178250315s/776477.jpg|1120705], the next in the series. It's an old favorite. ( )

Short book, but a long read. Definitely not some of Dickson's finest prose (though possibly not his worst, either). Given that it was written in 1967 and was one of his earliest Dorsai books, I'll have to let that slide.

I mainly read it to fill in the gaps in the Dorsai series, as the main character is central to the later part of the series, and the events in the story are often referred back to. But the protagonist is intentionally unlikeable and unsympathetic up until the last few pages of the book. Though you see that coming a mile away, it still makes it hard to really be too interested in his story.

Plus, Dickson had two cities named "Blauvain". On two different planets. In two different planetary systems.

Blauvain.

This encompasses how a good editor could have improved this tale. But I suppose this early in his career, Dickson might have found it difficult to get one (or unnecessary given the quality of the writing of that era).

I'd suggest this book only if you are dedicated to having read the entire Dorsai series, most of which is far more interesting than this tale. ( )

http://pergelator.blogspot.com/2008/11/books.html ( )