A DAY FOR DAMNATION: Volume II, The War Against the Chtorr

by David Gerrold ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1984

An agreeable Volume II in Gerrold's saga about an ecological invasion of Earth (A Matter for Men, 1983). Over-modest biologist/hero Jim McCarthy and dedicated researcher Dr. Fletcher realize that the invasion by alien lifeforms has gone too far to be reversed: vast areas of the US have been taken over by bizarre and colorful Chtorran flora and fauna. Then McCarthy, making a survey by helicopter, is downed by a huge pink cloud of Chtorran organic dust--while giant-caterpillar-like ""worms"" show up, along with playful, cute ""bunnydogs,"" who appear to have some sort of relationship with the worms. Meanwhile, too, many of the wretched survivors from the conflict's earlier phase are abandoning their human intelligence to form mindless herds with ritual behaviors similar to those shown by the bunnydogs. So, putting the two together, McCarthy--via lots more consciousness-raising about sex and identity--decides to join a bunnydog herd as a prelude to communication, despite vigorous opposition by his bloodthirsty military superiors. And all goes well until the worms show up to watch: a dancing ritual develops. But then the worms start feeding on the bunnydogs and hungrily eye the participating humans. . . so it's back to bombs and napalm and still more puzzles. Sooner or later Gerrold is going to have to provide some answers to the many ecological conundrums sprinkled about thus far. For the moment, however, this is a slick, fast-moving, well-planned effort--sure to satisfy fans of Volume I.

Pub Date: May 1, 1984

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Timescape/Pocket Books-dist. by Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1984

Categories: FICTION