High Steel [Hardcover]

Jack C., II Haldeman (Author), Jack Dann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1993

Native American John Stranger leaves his reservation to work on a space construction project, still trying to preserve his people's traditions and, while becoming a hero to workers and a threat to the corporation, confronts thunder-beings who invade dreams.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A familiar scenario of a 22nd-century world dominated by megacorporations overpowers some promising elements--including Native American politics and spirituality--that Haldeman ( Vector Analysis ) and Dann ( The Man Who Melted ) envision in this SF thriller. Drafted from his reservation by the ruthless Trans-United company, John Stranger becomes one of the firm's best space construction workers. His unusual visualization skills--a reflection of his shamanistic training--attract the attention of director Gerard Leighton. Trans-United is locked in a race with other "corps" to decipher an alien transmission that contains instructions for a faster-than-light space drive, and Stranger may be the edge they need to crack the alien code. Meanwhile, people on Stranger's reservation are having visions that may come from the aliens themselves, and intercorporate politics threaten to destroy not only the reservation, but the entire planet. The wild mixture of elements initially seems promising, but the novel plows little new ground since the Native American experience pictured here seems to have changed little in two centuries. Perhaps this problem might have been corrected if the authors had given themselves more room; as it is, this slim novel, combining ethnic politics, corporate venality, alien contact and mysticism, seems hurried and underdeveloped.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Drafted by the megacorps for dangerous work constructing orbiting space facilities, Native American John Stranger wages a one-man war against his employers, who see his unusual talents for survival as a resource to be exploited in their clandestine operations. Combining Native American lore with hard sf, co-authors Haldeman and Dann create a suspenseful and fast-paced drama that focuses on one man's struggle to beat the system by holding to the ways of his ancestors. This title belongs in most libraries.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (July 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312931638
• ISBN-13: 978-0312931636
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,780,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great character in John Stranger!, May 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: High Steel (Hardcover)

John Stranger is a fantasticly written character! This book would make a such a good movie. My mother was Native American so I just had to read it (hey give me some slack, it's not like the world is full of American Indian science-fiction)!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great sci-fi story with Native American roots., October 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: High Steel (Mass Market Paperback)

Haldeman and Dann make a pretty good team. The book has a great plot that really grabs you. The idea of waring corporations, while not new, is really brought to life by these two. I really liked the main character (John Stranger), he had a lot more depth to him than most sci-fi leads, it made him more real. The plot builds slowly, but elegantly and I loved the way Native American myths were woven into the story without getting hokey. I am pretty picky with my sci-fi and I loved this book. It was a really good read. The only thing I didn't like was it seemed a little too short. I felt like there was so much more in the background that could have been brought into the story. Still, it was a lot of fun, and had some great twist to it. I rank it in the top 20 sci-fi books I have read.

I also loved the book he co-wrote with his brother Joe. If you can find a copy of "There Is No Darkness" you will have your hands on one of the best science fiction books ever. I wish the would write another book together.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving sci-fi, January 19, 2003

By 

Richard Gavin (Armstrong, BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: High Steel (Hardcover)

Frankly sci-fi is usually just fun for me, but High Steel ranks above the usual stuff. It is both moving and entertaining at the same time. High Steel has become a cult classic amoung sci-fi fans for a good reason: it's got a different angle, and the writing is first class.