Written many years ago, Slan by A E van Vogt, is considered by many to be a classic Sci Fi novel. Personally, I had never heard of it until very recently when I saw it mentioned in a recent book based on other books by van Vogt - his Null-A series.
Slans are mutant "super-humans". There are apparently at least two types of them as is explained in the book. Many years before the time the story is set, Slans and regular humans have fought it out with the Slans driven into hiding. The book focuses on the adventures of a young Slan, Jommy Cross. Jommy is trying to bring an end to the persecution of the Slans without destroying regular humanity.
The first three-quarters of the book is very well done with lots going on and is much better than the last part in my view. I was really hooked into the book from the start, so was a little disappointed in the "bumpy" way the last part progressed. The ending was rather abrupt for me as well - there is a sequel (Slan Hunter) that was written many years later which I will now have to read to see what happens. The author seemed in too great a rush to finish writing Slan, only to take a long time to come back to it years later and with the help of another author.
Some people have commented that the "special effects" (technologies) in Slan are outdated. I would have to agree with this in many respects. For example, video is presented as if it is a real big deal - which I guess it was in the early 1940's when this book came out. It seems all very quaint in many parts, but still fun if you keep in mind when it was written. Those who like nostalgia will appreciate this. Sort of like how much fun it can be to watch old episodes of Flash Gordon, I guess.
Despite the defects mentioned, the book is worth reading.
Slans are mutant "super-humans". There are apparently at least two types of them as is explained in the book. Many years before the time the story is set, Slans and regular humans have fought it out with the Slans driven into hiding. The book focuses on the adventures of a young Slan, Jommy Cross. Jommy is trying to bring an end to the persecution of the Slans without destroying regular humanity.
The first three-quarters of the book is very well done with lots going on and is much better than the last part in my view. I was really hooked into the book from the start, so was a little disappointed in the "bumpy" way the last part progressed. The ending was rather abrupt for me as well - there is a sequel (Slan Hunter) that was written many years later which I will now have to read to see what happens. The author seemed in too great a rush to finish writing Slan, only to take a long time to come back to it years later and with the help of another author.
Some people have commented that the "special effects" (technologies) in Slan are outdated. I would have to agree with this in many respects. For example, video is presented as if it is a real big deal - which I guess it was in the early 1940's when this book came out. It seems all very quaint in many parts, but still fun if you keep in mind when it was written. Those who like nostalgia will appreciate this. Sort of like how much fun it can be to watch old episodes of Flash Gordon, I guess.
Despite the defects mentioned, the book is worth reading.
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