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Revolt on Alpha C
With a mighty twist, the Space Ship Garden lunges into overdrive and shoots out into space. Ahead lies Alpha C IV, eerie world of three suns. But the Carden arrives on Alpha C right in the thick of a revolution against Earth. Treason! Then young cadet Larry Stark finds himself caught up in the revolution on both sides. [Jacket blurb]
118 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
About the author
Robert Silverberg
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Robert Silverberg is one of science fiction’s most beloved writers, and the author of such contemporary classics as Dying Inside, Downward to the Earth and Lord Valentine’s Castle, as well as At Winter’s End, also available in a Bison Books edition. He is a past president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the winner of five Nebula Awards and five Hugo Awards. In 2004 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America presented him with the Grand Master Award. Silverberg is one of twenty-nine writers to have received that distinction.
Robert Silverberg is one of science fiction’s most beloved writers, and the author of such contemporary classics as Dying Inside, Downward to the Earth and Lord Valentine’s Castle, as well as At Winter’s End, also available in a Bison Books edition. He is a past president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the winner of five Nebula Awards and five Hugo Awards. In 2004 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America presented him with the Grand Master Award. Silverberg is one of twenty-nine writers to have received that distinction.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 24, 2015
A quick glance at The Quasi-Official Robert Silverberg Web Site will reveal that the author, during the course of his 60-year career, managed to somehow come out with no fewer than 75 science fiction novels, 180 "adult" and crime novels, 450 (!) sci-fi short stories and novellas, 125 adult/crime short stories, and 70 books of nonfiction...not to mention the 130 or so anthologies for which he served as editor! But all great writing careers have to begin somewhere, and for Robert Silverberg, that beginning was his 1954 novel "Revolt on Alpha C."
Actually, Silverberg had already seen one of his short stories, "Gorgon Planet," released earlier that year, but "Revolt on Alpha C" was his first full-length work to see publication. Originally printed as a hardcover book by a company called Cromwell, it is perhaps best remembered today as a 1959 release of the juvenile-book publisher Scholastic Book Services, a softcover affair of 118 large-print pages with charming illustrations by William Meyerriecks.
Yes, Silverberg's first novel was aimed at the young-adult audience, or perhaps even younger. I’d say the target age might be 12- to 14-year-olds; those who were then enjoying books featuring the exploits of the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, Danny Dunn and that ilk. Thus, the book is pitched at a slightly younger demographic than Robert A. Heinlein's 12 classic "juveniles" released from 1947 - ’58, and can thus serve as a wonderful introduction, for the young reader, to the world of science fiction. (A quick aside regarding the series of books put out by Scholastic Book Services: These were the books that initially inspired my love of reading, way back in public school. How fondly I remember checking off the order forms, with the B&W photos of the books in question, and the thrill of seeing the books arrive in the classroom a few weeks later, with their covers in full-color glory. What a kick for me, then, to have recently laid my hands on a vintage 1959 edition of "Revolt on Alpha C," the first Scholastic book that I've read in over "cough mumble cough" years!)
In the book, the year is 2363, and the reader makes the acquaintance of newly graduated Space Cadet Larry Stark, who, with several other alumni of the Space Patrol Academy, is about to take the 15-day voyage from Pluto to Earth's nearest inhabited colony world, the fourth planet of Alpha Centauri. But trouble greets Larry and his two best friends, Heitor van Haaren and Harl Ellison (yes, a tip of the chapeau to sci-fi great Harlan Ellison, then a budding author himself and a neighbor of Silverberg's, just as the name "Larry Stark" might be a tribute of sorts to Leigh Brackett's great space explorer Eric John Stark), when they arrive on Alpha C IV. Three of the planet's four colonies are in revolt against Earth, declaring their world to be independent, and Larry must ultimately choose to either stay loyal to Earth and his sworn duty as a Space Patrol officer, or follow the dictates of his conscience and join the revolutionaries. A tough choice for anyone, especially for a 20-year-old who is being pulled in both directions by the opposing forces....
"Revolt on Alpha C" is a likable book--a simply written one, naturally--that moves along at a rapid clip. Adults should be able to zip through it in one or two sittings with a happy, nostalgic grin on their faces. The book features several well-done action sequences, such as Larry's rescue of another crew member while outside their starship Carden in deep space, and Larry and Heitor's brush with dinosaurs in the untamed jungle of Alpha C IV. The book provides kids with an invaluable life lesson regarding the importance of following the dictates of one's conscience in life, despite the sacrifices that such actions might entail, and sticking to those decisions.
On that Silverberg Web Site, host Jon Davis tells us that the novel "is not a major work by any standard," and that it shows "more promise than accomplishment," and it is hard to argue with him on these points. The future sci-fi Grand Master would of course go on to win loads of Hugos and Nebulas during the course of his legendary career, and write some of the finest adult science fiction ever created. Still, his first novel is surely not without interest, warts and all, if only for comparative purposes. Silverberg, only 19 when the book was published, can be accused of some inelegant word choices in this, his first outing (such as "making the necessary change-over to overdrive"), as well as some ungrammatical turns of phrase ("...the gleaming chrome which decorated Earth cities," instead of "that decorated"). The book, short as it is, is naturally deficient as regards in-depth characterizations and detailed descriptions. But really, this is a book for kids, so why complain?
The thought just struck me that I would be more than happy if I could ever write a book as ingratiating as "Alpha C" today; had I done so at the age of 19, it would have been truly remarkable. Silverberg's first novel could very easily have served as book No. 1 of an entire series revolving around Larry Stark's deep-space adventures, and indeed, some may feel that the book cries out for at least a sequel. The novel ends with the lot of Alpha C IV very much up in the air, and ditto as to Larry's future; it is as if the author's main point here was to show how a responsible young adult deals with an early crisis in his life, makes a tough decision, and resigns himself to abide by the consequences. Still, what Silverberg has given us here is quite entertaining enough. From the novel's first sentence--"The stopover at Pluto was brief, but for Larry Stark it seemed to be much too long"--the reader, young or old, is quite helplessly sucked in. Inaugurating the start of one of science fiction's most beloved careers, "Revolt on Alpha C" surely holds a place in literary history, and is a lot of fun, besides....
(By the way, this review initially appeared on the FanLit website, a most excellent destination for all fans of Robert Silverberg: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/ )
Actually, Silverberg had already seen one of his short stories, "Gorgon Planet," released earlier that year, but "Revolt on Alpha C" was his first full-length work to see publication. Originally printed as a hardcover book by a company called Cromwell, it is perhaps best remembered today as a 1959 release of the juvenile-book publisher Scholastic Book Services, a softcover affair of 118 large-print pages with charming illustrations by William Meyerriecks.
Yes, Silverberg's first novel was aimed at the young-adult audience, or perhaps even younger. I’d say the target age might be 12- to 14-year-olds; those who were then enjoying books featuring the exploits of the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, Danny Dunn and that ilk. Thus, the book is pitched at a slightly younger demographic than Robert A. Heinlein's 12 classic "juveniles" released from 1947 - ’58, and can thus serve as a wonderful introduction, for the young reader, to the world of science fiction. (A quick aside regarding the series of books put out by Scholastic Book Services: These were the books that initially inspired my love of reading, way back in public school. How fondly I remember checking off the order forms, with the B&W photos of the books in question, and the thrill of seeing the books arrive in the classroom a few weeks later, with their covers in full-color glory. What a kick for me, then, to have recently laid my hands on a vintage 1959 edition of "Revolt on Alpha C," the first Scholastic book that I've read in over "cough mumble cough" years!)
In the book, the year is 2363, and the reader makes the acquaintance of newly graduated Space Cadet Larry Stark, who, with several other alumni of the Space Patrol Academy, is about to take the 15-day voyage from Pluto to Earth's nearest inhabited colony world, the fourth planet of Alpha Centauri. But trouble greets Larry and his two best friends, Heitor van Haaren and Harl Ellison (yes, a tip of the chapeau to sci-fi great Harlan Ellison, then a budding author himself and a neighbor of Silverberg's, just as the name "Larry Stark" might be a tribute of sorts to Leigh Brackett's great space explorer Eric John Stark), when they arrive on Alpha C IV. Three of the planet's four colonies are in revolt against Earth, declaring their world to be independent, and Larry must ultimately choose to either stay loyal to Earth and his sworn duty as a Space Patrol officer, or follow the dictates of his conscience and join the revolutionaries. A tough choice for anyone, especially for a 20-year-old who is being pulled in both directions by the opposing forces....
"Revolt on Alpha C" is a likable book--a simply written one, naturally--that moves along at a rapid clip. Adults should be able to zip through it in one or two sittings with a happy, nostalgic grin on their faces. The book features several well-done action sequences, such as Larry's rescue of another crew member while outside their starship Carden in deep space, and Larry and Heitor's brush with dinosaurs in the untamed jungle of Alpha C IV. The book provides kids with an invaluable life lesson regarding the importance of following the dictates of one's conscience in life, despite the sacrifices that such actions might entail, and sticking to those decisions.
On that Silverberg Web Site, host Jon Davis tells us that the novel "is not a major work by any standard," and that it shows "more promise than accomplishment," and it is hard to argue with him on these points. The future sci-fi Grand Master would of course go on to win loads of Hugos and Nebulas during the course of his legendary career, and write some of the finest adult science fiction ever created. Still, his first novel is surely not without interest, warts and all, if only for comparative purposes. Silverberg, only 19 when the book was published, can be accused of some inelegant word choices in this, his first outing (such as "making the necessary change-over to overdrive"), as well as some ungrammatical turns of phrase ("...the gleaming chrome which decorated Earth cities," instead of "that decorated"). The book, short as it is, is naturally deficient as regards in-depth characterizations and detailed descriptions. But really, this is a book for kids, so why complain?
The thought just struck me that I would be more than happy if I could ever write a book as ingratiating as "Alpha C" today; had I done so at the age of 19, it would have been truly remarkable. Silverberg's first novel could very easily have served as book No. 1 of an entire series revolving around Larry Stark's deep-space adventures, and indeed, some may feel that the book cries out for at least a sequel. The novel ends with the lot of Alpha C IV very much up in the air, and ditto as to Larry's future; it is as if the author's main point here was to show how a responsible young adult deals with an early crisis in his life, makes a tough decision, and resigns himself to abide by the consequences. Still, what Silverberg has given us here is quite entertaining enough. From the novel's first sentence--"The stopover at Pluto was brief, but for Larry Stark it seemed to be much too long"--the reader, young or old, is quite helplessly sucked in. Inaugurating the start of one of science fiction's most beloved careers, "Revolt on Alpha C" surely holds a place in literary history, and is a lot of fun, besides....
(By the way, this review initially appeared on the FanLit website, a most excellent destination for all fans of Robert Silverberg: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/ )
May 31, 2020
A slight and unsatisfactory tale from a future master.
Yes, I read the intro to this Special Anniversary Edition, so I know it was practically the outset of Silverberg's career. Nevertheless, even for teenagers in the McCarthy era, the politics is simplistic. And worse, our protagonist is never given sufficient reason for his change of sides. I would have settled for his merely reading Harl's copy of An End to Slavery (or whatever the name was), but he never gets time to do that much. Just discovering that the other side consists of earnest fellow-humans with a great historical slogan isn't a conversion experience!
Yes, I read the intro to this Special Anniversary Edition, so I know it was practically the outset of Silverberg's career. Nevertheless, even for teenagers in the McCarthy era, the politics is simplistic. And worse, our protagonist is never given sufficient reason for his change of sides. I would have settled for his merely reading Harl's copy of An End to Slavery (or whatever the name was), but he never gets time to do that much. Just discovering that the other side consists of earnest fellow-humans with a great historical slogan isn't a conversion experience!
June 20, 2015
This was the first book I ever bought as a child (4th grade?), long since lost. I was surprised when I ordered a used copy on-line that it was the first novel by Robert Silverberg, a prolific sci-fi author. Not the greatest novel in the world, but started me on the path of reading and buying books.
February 6, 2019
Read this in the '60s and still have my copy!
July 12, 2013
This was a great book from my childhood and I fought my best mate to get it back when he tried to nick it off me!
December 23, 2018
Three Space Patrol cadets in the year 2367—an American, a Dutchman, and a Martian colonist—take an interstellar flight to Alpha Centari IV. It is supposed to be a routine trip to celebrate their graduation and provide them with practical on-ship experience, but they get caught up in the colony’s unexpected revolt against Earth’s government.
This was Robert Silverberg’s first novel, which he wrote in 1955 when he was only nineteen years old. It was known then as a “juvenile” meaning it was aimed at the YA market. The original editions featured illustrations of the text. It stayed in print for over 20 years. The book has been in and out of print again since 1988. These later editions omit the pictures but include an entertaining introduction by the author describing how the novel came to be written during his early college years.
I was impressed by his clear exposition and handling of plot. The novel is more skillful than the early action-adventure stories he was churning out for the pulp magazines (although those are fun in their own way, too). There are some clunky scene transitions, but overall there is more to like than to dislike in this slim volume:
- Silverberg provides a clear, succinct explanation of how hyperspace could make interstellar travel possible. He was building on tropes already made popular by Asimov in the 1940’s, but his explanations were clearer than I sometimes read in more sophisticated novels for adults. His Huxley Overdrive seemed very similar to the Holtzmann Drive that Frank Herbert would make popular ten years later in Dune.
- The topic of Earth as a colonial power is a major theme that still continues in science fiction today, as seen recently in the Red Rising and Expanse series.
- He provides clear depictions of what it would be like working along the outside of a space ship in flight and what tools might be available to propel oneself in the event of accidents. His ideas were simpler and more plausible that others I have read by more experienced authors. They were more scientifically accurate than modern movies like Gravity.
- He presents the idea of a planet with parallel evolution, allowing scenarios where human colonists can coexist with dinosaurs within a Mesozoic ecosystem.
The later chapters show Silverberg reaching perhaps beyond his limits a bit. Friends find themselves on opposite sides of a war for independence. They must each find their acceptable balance between politics and friendship, patriotism and morality. It was an ambitious touch but the author’s skills were not quite yet able to pull it off.
The book includes a special treat for sci-fi fans that deserves mention. Silverberg names one of his characters Harl Ellison, who is clearly modeled in both temperament and physical appearance after his close friend Harlan Ellison. Harl abandons his dream of being in the Space Patrol to join a revolution of colonists he just met. Maybe it seemed far-fetched in the story, but it was also a prescient call-out. The real Harlan Ellison would go on to become not only a great writer but also an impetuous, fiery champion for the disadvantaged his whole life.
Harlan would return the favor in 1981 in All the Lies That Are My Life. He models the character of Larry Bedloe on Silverberg. Larry was also the name of the point-of-view character in Revolt on Alpha C.
This was Robert Silverberg’s first novel, which he wrote in 1955 when he was only nineteen years old. It was known then as a “juvenile” meaning it was aimed at the YA market. The original editions featured illustrations of the text. It stayed in print for over 20 years. The book has been in and out of print again since 1988. These later editions omit the pictures but include an entertaining introduction by the author describing how the novel came to be written during his early college years.
I was impressed by his clear exposition and handling of plot. The novel is more skillful than the early action-adventure stories he was churning out for the pulp magazines (although those are fun in their own way, too). There are some clunky scene transitions, but overall there is more to like than to dislike in this slim volume:
- Silverberg provides a clear, succinct explanation of how hyperspace could make interstellar travel possible. He was building on tropes already made popular by Asimov in the 1940’s, but his explanations were clearer than I sometimes read in more sophisticated novels for adults. His Huxley Overdrive seemed very similar to the Holtzmann Drive that Frank Herbert would make popular ten years later in Dune.
- The topic of Earth as a colonial power is a major theme that still continues in science fiction today, as seen recently in the Red Rising and Expanse series.
- He provides clear depictions of what it would be like working along the outside of a space ship in flight and what tools might be available to propel oneself in the event of accidents. His ideas were simpler and more plausible that others I have read by more experienced authors. They were more scientifically accurate than modern movies like Gravity.
- He presents the idea of a planet with parallel evolution, allowing scenarios where human colonists can coexist with dinosaurs within a Mesozoic ecosystem.
The later chapters show Silverberg reaching perhaps beyond his limits a bit. Friends find themselves on opposite sides of a war for independence. They must each find their acceptable balance between politics and friendship, patriotism and morality. It was an ambitious touch but the author’s skills were not quite yet able to pull it off.
The book includes a special treat for sci-fi fans that deserves mention. Silverberg names one of his characters Harl Ellison, who is clearly modeled in both temperament and physical appearance after his close friend Harlan Ellison. Harl abandons his dream of being in the Space Patrol to join a revolution of colonists he just met. Maybe it seemed far-fetched in the story, but it was also a prescient call-out. The real Harlan Ellison would go on to become not only a great writer but also an impetuous, fiery champion for the disadvantaged his whole life.
Harlan would return the favor in 1981 in All the Lies That Are My Life. He models the character of Larry Bedloe on Silverberg. Larry was also the name of the point-of-view character in Revolt on Alpha C.
November 30, 2018
Picked this one up for a dime in a church basement thrift store. Halfway through, and strictly by coincidence, I heard about the Silverberg-Jemisen beef (assuming that Silverberg actually authored the post attributed to him). Is Silverberg truly sympathetic to the Puppies? And if so, does Revolt on Alpha C provide the answer?
Revolt is a juvenile science fiction in more than one sense. I suppose there's a bildungsroman at the center of the tale, even if the moral conversion is accomplished in the most vacuous gosh-golly-gee-willikers way. Through friendships and a little bit of space rock-and-roll, our hero Frank realizes that self-determination and the hoary American principle of "no taxation without representation" are good things, at least for the overwhelmingly white, male cast. No I take it back! One of the characters has a deep tan (remarked upon more than once)!
For a book authored in 1959, the science fictionals are quaint and border on the stupid. The spaceship uses its "jets" (propulsion) to enter "overdrive" (hyperspace). The colony on Jupiter was crushed by Earth, not by atmospheric pressure. And the communication system is easily sabotaged by removing its central vacuum tube. Oh and by the way, there are dinosaurs, and Silverberg names one of his characters Harlan Ellison.
So is this work emblematic of the highfalutin science adventures that the Puppies pine for? If so, it's weak broth. Let's be honest, for all of Heinlein's flaws, his juveniles of the era are far more intelligently written and constructed than this Revolt. Recommended only for anthropologists and fans of dumb space-yarns.
Revolt is a juvenile science fiction in more than one sense. I suppose there's a bildungsroman at the center of the tale, even if the moral conversion is accomplished in the most vacuous gosh-golly-gee-willikers way. Through friendships and a little bit of space rock-and-roll, our hero Frank realizes that self-determination and the hoary American principle of "no taxation without representation" are good things, at least for the overwhelmingly white, male cast. No I take it back! One of the characters has a deep tan (remarked upon more than once)!
For a book authored in 1959, the science fictionals are quaint and border on the stupid. The spaceship uses its "jets" (propulsion) to enter "overdrive" (hyperspace). The colony on Jupiter was crushed by Earth, not by atmospheric pressure. And the communication system is easily sabotaged by removing its central vacuum tube. Oh and by the way, there are dinosaurs, and Silverberg names one of his characters Harlan Ellison.
So is this work emblematic of the highfalutin science adventures that the Puppies pine for? If so, it's weak broth. Let's be honest, for all of Heinlein's flaws, his juveniles of the era are far more intelligently written and constructed than this Revolt. Recommended only for anthropologists and fans of dumb space-yarns.
April 20, 2020
Larry Stark is a young cadet in the Space Patrol, the government organization that is the space military. Humans have established colonies and bases all the way out to Pluto in the solar system as well as in the planetary system around Alpha Centauri. Propulsion systems have improved dramatically to the extent that ships can travel between the sun and Alpha Centauri in a matter of weeks.
Larry is a member of the crew of a ship traveling from the Earth system to Alpha C, the main planet of the Alpha Centauri system that has been colonized. While on that ship, he interacts with some of the crew members that work in maintenance. He discovers that their perspective is different from his, while they are careful, they express some revolutionary feelings. For the people of Alpha C are primed for a revolt against being controlled from Earth. The revolution becomes explicit while Larry in on Alpha C and he must decide whether he is to remain loyal to Earth and fight for the Space Patrol or to join the revolution.
This is a good but not great book of adolescent science fiction; it presents a choice that many people have unfortunately had to make. For when there is a revolt against the primary government authority, it is necessary for nearly all people that can fight to pick a side.
Larry is a member of the crew of a ship traveling from the Earth system to Alpha C, the main planet of the Alpha Centauri system that has been colonized. While on that ship, he interacts with some of the crew members that work in maintenance. He discovers that their perspective is different from his, while they are careful, they express some revolutionary feelings. For the people of Alpha C are primed for a revolt against being controlled from Earth. The revolution becomes explicit while Larry in on Alpha C and he must decide whether he is to remain loyal to Earth and fight for the Space Patrol or to join the revolution.
This is a good but not great book of adolescent science fiction; it presents a choice that many people have unfortunately had to make. For when there is a revolt against the primary government authority, it is necessary for nearly all people that can fight to pick a side.
December 3, 2017
Good children's science fiction chapter book from the 1950s, a notch above Tom Swift et al, but not at the more advanced reading level of Robert Heinlein's juvenile series (Citizen of The Galaxy, Tunnel In The Sky, etc.); more like a short entry in the Winston Science Fiction series except in the dilemma the protagonist struggles with after landing on a colonized planet of Alpha Centauri. While young space cadet Larry Stark evades and avoids deciding where his loyalties lie, he's captured by rebels, forcing the issue. In this aspect it's like a more modern young adult novel.
Larry's cadet friend who tries to persuade him to join the rebels is named Harl Ellison, obviously a tribute to then-young science fiction writer Harlan Ellison.
Larry's cadet friend who tries to persuade him to join the rebels is named Harl Ellison, obviously a tribute to then-young science fiction writer Harlan Ellison.
November 21, 2022
A good juvenile space opera that I read way back in 1959, over a half century ago at the age of 11. I thoroughly enjoyed it then and I enjoyed it today at the age of 74. Not deep. Not complex. Some serious plot holes I didn’t pick up on at age 11. But good enough for kids and people who never grew up.
September 12, 2017
Decent little story - hey, space AND dinosaurs, what more to want?
However, hero is actually pretty useless, ending is somewhat rushed, and (being fifties sci-fi) every single character is male, which makes me wonder how they plan to keep the planet populated...
However, hero is actually pretty useless, ending is somewhat rushed, and (being fifties sci-fi) every single character is male, which makes me wonder how they plan to keep the planet populated...
December 24, 2020
This novella was Silverberg's first published work that wasn't a short story. He was 19 years old. As you can tell from the cover it was targeted at young teens, if that. Many of the characters are similarly named after people he knew and was friends with or admired. The books themes and morals are explicitly discussed, though while not quite in a sermonizing manner, it veers dangerously close. A character presents a little book to the protagonist and tells him to read it because it contains all the ideals that he needs to know to understand their cause.
In 2363, a faster-than-light military ship is on a training mission to Alpha Centauri IV, where it discovers that the planet is in revolt and has declared its independence. Our naïve protagonist, Larry Stark, has to decide where his loyalties lie. Does he choose the planet, Earth, and nation, The United States, where has always lived and has pledged his loyalty to, or does he choose a people and land he has never known to fight for ideals and principles he has never before considered, forsaking family, home, and everything he's ever known to live out the rest of his life here, fighting with them for their cause?
It somewhat bothered me that there was a mining colony on Jupiter since there isn't any solid ground there, but maybe that wasn't really known in 1955 or he simply didn't know.
I was amused that the American Revolution was studied as part of Medieval History, which is what their own revolt is based on, even going so far as to chant "No taxation without representation!"
The planet is described as a primitive dinosaur planet, and considering Silverberg's later works, I think he must have been rather fascinated by dinosaurs. In this case, they are mostly there as background. A short chase scene from a t-rex being the only notable inclusion.
I don't know why it is, but there's something about works that include dinosaurs that just irritates me, which doesn't mean I necessarily avoid them, though I have avoided works for specifically for their inclusion.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mostly for how basic and hamfisted it was with cardboard cutout characters. However, if I had read this as a child, particularly if I were one at the time it was written, I would probably have given it a 5/5.
In 2363, a faster-than-light military ship is on a training mission to Alpha Centauri IV, where it discovers that the planet is in revolt and has declared its independence. Our naïve protagonist, Larry Stark, has to decide where his loyalties lie. Does he choose the planet, Earth, and nation, The United States, where has always lived and has pledged his loyalty to, or does he choose a people and land he has never known to fight for ideals and principles he has never before considered, forsaking family, home, and everything he's ever known to live out the rest of his life here, fighting with them for their cause?
It somewhat bothered me that there was a mining colony on Jupiter since there isn't any solid ground there, but maybe that wasn't really known in 1955 or he simply didn't know.
I was amused that the American Revolution was studied as part of Medieval History, which is what their own revolt is based on, even going so far as to chant "No taxation without representation!"
The planet is described as a primitive dinosaur planet, and considering Silverberg's later works, I think he must have been rather fascinated by dinosaurs. In this case, they are mostly there as background. A short chase scene from a t-rex being the only notable inclusion.
I don't know why it is, but there's something about works that include dinosaurs that just irritates me, which doesn't mean I necessarily avoid them, though I have avoided works for specifically for their inclusion.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mostly for how basic and hamfisted it was with cardboard cutout characters. However, if I had read this as a child, particularly if I were one at the time it was written, I would probably have given it a 5/5.
February 3, 2013
This book brought back good memories! When I was in grade school in the 1950s, the classes had subscriptions to My Weekly Reader for use in reading instruction, and the school also occasionally purchased books that this company published. I don't recall if Revolt on Alpha C was one of them, but it is a good example of the format: large print for grade-school readers, slightly larger than the normal paperback, printed on pulpier paper than regular paperbacks, and skinny - never more than a half inch thick. Today, I think they call these "chapter books" - one step up from storybooks that can be read in one sitting. What a wonderful way to learn to read!
January 14, 2022
Soooooo.... this is a pretty straightforward sci-fi story about a colony's revolution against Earth. It is a tale that asks you to think about moral questions and compares the colonists' situation to the American colonists during the American Revolution. The protagonist must determine whether to buck years of training and an "Earth is always right" mentality in order to do what he feels is right.
It's a quick read and moves along pretty well, although I spent the first half of the book picturing the Irishman O'Hare as Long John Silver because he and the main character had exactly that LJS/Jim Hawkins relationship. Also, there are dinosaurs.
It's a quick read and moves along pretty well, although I spent the first half of the book picturing the Irishman O'Hare as Long John Silver because he and the main character had exactly that LJS/Jim Hawkins relationship. Also, there are dinosaurs.
February 9, 2010
I don't remember exactly when I read this book, it must have been the early '80's. One of the earlier sci-fi books that I read as a child. I don't remember much about it, other than that it took place on a colony on a planet orbiting Alpha Centauri, that it told the story of the colony's revolt against Mother Earth. The story reminds one of the American Revolution, just set in space. Oh, and the planet Alpha=C has dinosaurs.
I didn't dislike the book. I remember vaguely that it was entertaining. Just not very memorable. So, I give it 3 stars.
I didn't dislike the book. I remember vaguely that it was entertaining. Just not very memorable. So, I give it 3 stars.
September 12, 2023
A youth's science-fiction story about Larry Stark, a cadet in training for outer space missions. He is, at first, very loyal to the government of Earth, but when he meets and interacts with colonists on planets in the Alpha Centauri system, who feel they are being exploited by Earth's government and are planning to rebel, his attitude and feelings change, and he ends up switching sides.
I first read this book when I was in elementary school. Out of sheer nostalgia I bought it and read it again.
I first read this book when I was in elementary school. Out of sheer nostalgia I bought it and read it again.
April 12, 2015
The pictures at the beginning of each chapters are so badly done that they are cool.
This is a middle grade science fiction.
It's a little busy space and dinosaurs.
The two favourite topics of young boys and girls.
This is a really fast and interesting story.
I will diffently read it again in the future and I recommend it.
You really feel for these characters they are all so likable.
This is a middle grade science fiction.
It's a little busy space and dinosaurs.
The two favourite topics of young boys and girls.
This is a really fast and interesting story.
I will diffently read it again in the future and I recommend it.
You really feel for these characters they are all so likable.
February 10, 2016
A good transition book for a middle-schooler. Easy ideas with higher vocabulary mixed in. The plot is more of a prelude to what you would expect to be the big story. Would be a good discussion-starter and could act as a gateway book to more science fiction.
August 17, 2009
The beginning of my love affair with Science Fiction. I really do not count the Tom Swift Jr. books.
October 1, 2009
A good cominhg of age story set on a planet with dinosaurs. I have great feeling for this book because it was the first SF book I remember reading and the first book that I owned for myself.
March 10, 2012
This is one of the books that got me hooked on science fiction.
January 10, 2016
Not Silverberg's best effort.
May 23, 2016
This book has stuck with me my entire life.
February 25, 2024
Pretty good YA space opera for the time it was written. Maybe a bit simple for today’s audiences.
Full video review available here: https://youtu.be/gYgWaGFnNa0?si=pegyO...
Full video review available here: https://youtu.be/gYgWaGFnNa0?si=pegyO...
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October 23, 2017I know I read this twice as a child, but I cannot remember anything more than the title and cover for the life of me! :P
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