Lloyd Biggle, Jr. (1923–2002)

I finished the scifi book, All the Colours of Darkness, by Lloyd Biggle Jr. It was a strange but worthwhile read. The first half was about the struggles of scientists and businessmen to set up a matter transportation business. Then the second half became a rescue mission with a nice overlay of human/alien connection, going from fear to trust. Lloyd did a good job of making us see the strangeness of his aliens, not just the way they look but also the way they think. The book’s title came into play here as the aliens see us ‘primitive’ Earthlings as bound in darkness. By the end of the book a little lightness, and hope, is suggested for the future of us puny Earthlings. All due to the heroic and selfless actions of one man, one hu-man. But the really strange thing about this book was the cover of this edition, which has no relation whatsoever to the content. None. Nada. It is nice though (by the excellent Bruce Pennington, whose Dune covers were iconic).… (more)

So, a sequel, but not really. I read the first book and I have a quick write-up on it on LT -- interesting plot that then meanders and then hard stop throw-up-you-hands ending. I didn't really like it overall.

I said in that review that I didn't know how they were going to do a sequel, and this really isn't. It's a whole separate story with separate characters and ideas, really only bringing over the central idea from the last book but then using it in a completely different way, although still a follow-on to the events of the last book.

This book is actually written by the author's friend -- Apparently and sadly, Sherred had a stroke and discontinued writing but his friend and fellow writer Biggle finished this book for him. And by finish, I'm guessing mostly write including most of the plot and characters. And man, what a difference. I like Biggle a lot and this book reads like a Biggle book from beginning to end.

This book would fit right in as a long form Star Trek story. Like most of Biggle's works, it is thoughtful, interesting, and fun to read. People solve problems through ideas not just action. I liked it a lot.… (more)