Review: Hardboiled Swords and Planets Pulp
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 22, 2013
This book is obviously a BTAP (beat To A Pulp) book. Amongst other modern pulp there is a clear style about BTAP books. It starts with the covers. They are quite often not as complex or modern as you might expect from a modern book but they always have impact. Although it is not one of my favourites it is the kind of cover that looks at you from across the room and dares you to pick it up. If you are a fan of the swords and planets style of pulp then this story is perfect for you. The story even mentions swords and planet. For me this is a science-fiction story mixed with crime noir done in a pulpy way. Except then somebody has stripped out everything that is not entirely required until only a hard-boiled gem of a story remains.There are essentially two stories intertwined. The first is about an amnesiac double-amputee trying to make his way in the world. The other is about a warrior champion from the planet Venus before it became inhospitable to life. I really enjoyed the way the authors put the flashback scenes in to the modern story in such a believable way. Of course somebody with such injuries would black-out and not be with it for periods of time. I did have one major issue with this book. I got to the end and was frustrated that I didn't get to find out what happened in the end. I fully intend to bug Mr Cranmer for a second book as soon as possible because I'm itching to buy it. Talking of buying it. This book costs less than a cup of tea and will give you much more enjoyment.