Customer Reviews

Sea-Horse in the Sky

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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This little-known story begins when more than a dozen people wake up in coffins. They find themselves in a small area made to look like part of a town -- it contains a fully stocked store and hotel, a car parked on the street (that doesn't run) -- and a bunch of plastic coffins, each containing a passenger from an international flight, each apparently snatched out of midair, since there is no flight wreckage, and all of them seem to be alive and unharmed.

The people slowly gather in the hotel and find themselves able to understand one another perfectly, even though they don't all speak the same language. None of them has any idea what they're doing in this new place, and there isn't anything for miles around their little settlement except a seemingly endless expanse of grass.

After several weeks of waiting for rescue that never arrives, a few of their number explore and discover that this mysterious land is also populated by a group of what appear to be medieval people and another group of what seems to be cavemen. That accounts for the human population on this island . . . the only other creatures around are the sinister metal spiders.

This story is as much mystery as it is science fiction, because these people must figure out how they got to this place, and why they were chosen. But they also have to survive.

Well worth checking out, if you can find a copy.

After having read a number of Edmund Cooper's other books (namely Kronk and Prisoner of Fire), I had very high hopes for this book. I was intrigued as to what Mr Cooper could add to the fantasy genre to compare with his efforts in the field of sci-fi. The mystery present in so many of his novels is present at the beginning, but this is surpassed by the vision and stylish splendour of the, rather unexpected, ending. While I did not enjoy this book to the extent to which I had the others, this is still a wonderful read.

A different, surreal type of science fiction. Both curious and entertaining. Perhaps not for modernists, who prefer technology loaded sci-fi, but I would certainly recommend it for those who are prepared for something a little different. The story is based upon the seizure and confinement of three distinct groups of humans who are placed upon another planet. At first they believe themselves to be human guinea pigs, however, as the story evolves it transpires that their survival might have been the reason. The title refers to the aliens. Early on the humans believe that they are seeing angels, but as the opportunity presents, they realise they look more like seahorses.

Sea Horse In The Sky really a surprisingly great read. I totally did not expect the depth of it. Great for a lazy sunday or rainy day!

Ten man and ten women find themselves awakening from green coffin-like containers on an apparent alien world. After the initial surprise and panic the following facts are noted: although many different languages are spoken everyone understands one another and a well stocked super market and hotel are at their disposal. After a little exploration two other groups are discovered - cavemen and medieval knights. Also discovered is a high, cold wall of fog surrounding the entire area of confinement.

The plot evolves with no surprises - initial exploration by the humans, contact with the other two cultures and penetration of the "barrier' to confront the manipulators

The story keeps your interest but this ground has been plowed before many times. I found Mr. Cooper's "surprise ending" contrived and melodramatic. Nonetheless some thoughtful sciene-fiction ideas - modestly entertaining.

revised 2012-01-11