JOURNEY ACROSS THE THIRD PLANET

by William C. Knott ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 25, 1969

In this well meant but badly mapped trip, Laark, a young Kraal of the elite ""seed,"" possesses an unheard-of new quality that he can barely keep under control . . . particularly after the death of his mentor Elam in a disaster that leaves Laark stranded on that barbaric third planet--earth. His only salvation is to get to the heights of the Rocky Mountains where his directional beam can signal a rescue ship. He gets help from Peter after the two end up in a Detention Home. Escaping, they're on the run first from the police and then from the Kriltons, an aberrant strain of belligerent seed similar to earthlings. Along the way Laark explains that the Kraal intend to wipe out the Kriltons by destroying their solar system and Peter suggests that they try to help them instead. He also questions the Kraal's motives and superiority. Will earth be the next to be ""removed""? Laark undergoes some intense self-appraisal and discovers his own prejudice . . . and his genuine friendship for Peter. Which he proves by his willingness to forfeit his last chance to go home to save the boy's life. That unheard-of quality is emotion. The principles are laudable but not strong enough to carry a plot that reads like hybrid Charles Dickens and Edgar Rice Burroughs. The characters are stock, the escapes impossible, the journey unbelievable.

Pub Date: Nov. 25, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Chilton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION