This novel is hardly polished and assembled to be more than three stars. In fact, I suspect, some folks might make good argument that it is maybe as low as 2.5. But I wanted to give it 3.5 stars - and here's why:

The lack of bogged down backstory makes this novel read freshly, quickly, and with purpose. I have gotten somewhat weary of the bloated and over-written novels. This one - at points jarringly sudden in its transitions from scene-to-scene - reads really well. It has a little vintage feel, it has a lot that feels like "Dune" and the espionage stories of the pulps in the 60s.

The characters and plot may seem a bit wooden or odd, but this is such a fun little novel regardless of all of its flaws that I am very glad I read it. Strangely satisfying and fun read. ( )

A fun quick read. Very clever. I'm going to start reading more of these older, shorter SF novels. ( )

What must be one of the longest running series in science-fiction. This is the first book which introduces us to Earl Dumarest. A travellor through a modern, yet almost medieval universe. We have yet to learn his purpose by the end of this volume, the search for his birthplace: Terra. But, we are introduced to a man who lives by his wits and above all his reflexes. This and the books that follow are good reads. Solid space opera with straightforward plots, a few regular allies and enemies, but well written and sustained across all 33 volumes. ( )

I love this series and have collected the entire 31 books and read them over and over again. It has been close to twenty years since I last read the series, in fact I have not read the last three books that I purchased. I had always planned on reading it once more but never seemed in the mood for the genre. Finally started book one and at first thought it would not catch my imagination and that I would not get my wish of rereading Dumarest but it did grab me, as of old, and my pleasure was sure. I had originally given this book four stars but these days I mostly give three unless a book is really something special and good as it was and pleasurable...it is what it is. My copy is so old it is one of the Ace Double books and I am about to turn the book over and start book 2 Derai. ( )

A fun quick read. Very clever. I'm going to start reading more of these older, shorter SF novels. ( )