Customer Reviews

Orbit 12

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Orbit 12 (1973) edited by Damon Knight - 216 pages - ratings: 3.0/10 to 8.0/10

I found this book at Ceili's Irish Pub on 8th Avenue in Calgary. It was lost among several other old books they were using as background decoration. I borrowed it a couple months ago and finally got around to reading it yesterday ( I'll return it tomorrow ! ).

Its a rather nicely bound, black wrapped 1973 hardcover edition that is in virtually new condition. I love reading those little hardcovers. Apparently, they last forever.

A group of us from the office had gone out for lunch and as usual Claus was going on and on about books until he finally clued into the fact that they were stacked all around him. This was wonderful for everyone else since his diatribe thankfully ended and his attention was thereafter focused on the decoration books directly behind him. He appeared to be determined to find something interesting to read ... and he did.

I read 7 of the 14 short stories contained in Orbit 12. Here's a brief evaluation of each.

1. Shark by Edward Bryant - 20 pages - 3.0/10
Incomprehensible, muddled, not interesting at all.

2. The Windows in Dante's Hell by Michael Bishop - 18 pages - 5.5/10
Mostly stupid. Ending is ridiculous. Some of it is OK.

3. The Red Canary by Kate Wilhelm - 19 pages - 6.0/10
Effectively creates an atmosphere of building anxiety then drops the ball with an unsatisfying ending.

4. Burger Creature by Steve Chapman - 9 pages - 3.5/10
Thankfully this story was very short. It actually IS about a creature born in the dumpster made out of fast food. Perhaps a good writer could do something interesting with the idea but Steve can't. This one is just nonsense.

5. Half the Kingdom by Doris Piserchia - 11 pages - 4.0/10
Silly alternate universe story that isn't fun or interesting in any way.

6. The Genius Freaks by Vonda McIntyre - 18 pages - 8.0/10
Excellent. Intelligent writing. Complex without being confusing at all. The story is interesting and compelling. Subtle emotions are crafted with delicate skill.

Set in a future society, the story is about a young girl with superior mental capabilities who is on the run since her special gifts have rendered her an undesirable.

7. What's the Matter With Herbie by Mel Gilden - 34 pages - 7.0/10
Silly collection of unusual creatures involved in entertaining intrigue. Fun, lighthearted, odd little story. Well written.

Claus Kellermann GeoPhysicist
2005 November 27
Sci_Fi_Researcher@yahoo.com