Customer Reviews

A Planet in Arms

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This is a great but short sci-fi thriller for those who love epics dealing with war, politics, economics, and espionage (and some adult themes), in the tradition of Robert A. Heinlein and the other great SF authors. It would make a great movie without much CGI special effects.
This is the story after the successful rebellion of the planet Rohan from the high- asian dominated earth imperium of over a thousand years in the future. The purpose of the book, if you will is to focus upon what happens after the revolution, when new forces try to grab power. The point of view shifts thru several facinating characters, as they affect each other and the course of history of their planet.
One of the many interesting facts we learn about the author in his brillant career; is his service in the OSS in WWII in germany. One can't help but feel some of the scenes in the book are from his direct personal experience.
I would say the most lasting impressions of the book, are the clever lessons in economics, politics, espionage tradecraft, and the insight into the human psychiatric condition.

I thought I'd posted a review here years ago. But here goes.
The Planet Rohan has successfully succeeded from the Asian dominated interstellar Terran empire, and then the real fight begins...
Donald Barr successfully weaved his OSS experience into this tale, as well as characters and political and economic exposition that probably made Robert A Heinlein feel proud back in 1981 when this was written. Barr only wrote two SF novels so far as I can tell, and apparently died in 2004. Nonetheless we are all richer for them (the other being Space Relations, 1971).
This was a classic SF story of love, heroes, heroines, villains, and a villainess or two, the military aspect quite balanced with the guerrilla, and all too realistic secret agent espionage stuff, with even minor sympathetic characters written all through this magnum opus, playing big roles. Did I forget the trenchant humor? There are parts to make you laugh as well as weep!
Enjoy!