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First published, in paperback, in 1967, this is one of two novels Dick wrote in collaboration.

It's set in the 21st century (vidphones, telepaths, androids, ionocraft are normal) recently conquered by aliens from Ganymede: limbless, worm-like creatures whose physical needs are attended to by a slave-race of specialist 'creeches'. Mekkis is the leader of a Ganymedean faction that opposed the war when his Oracle (a creech capable of precognition) foresaw a 'coming darkness'. The apparent success of the invasion means he is now discredited. As a result, Mekkis is saddled with the troublesome Bale of Tennessee, home to the last remaining core of resistance, the 'Neeg-parts' led by Black religious leader Percy X. Unknown to all concerned, another resistance movement operates covertly under cover of the World Psychiatric Association.

What I found most interesting was as it being a prime example of how writers are influenced by the time in which we live. Unlike the work of a science fiction author like Arthur C Clarke which does not date, I did not have to look at the publication date to know that it had been written in the 1960s. The mind is the ultimate weapon. Psychological weaponry is used to exploit weakness as victims are sent into eternal darkness. There is a Department of Psychedelic Research which develops a theory of human non-existence called The Oblivion Theory and the Illusion Machine is the key weapon in battle. Oppression and race is a key theme with regards to both the human race and the Neegs. Oh, I wonder where the inspiration for Percy X came from?

I was left a bit unsatisfied by the story as I personally did not think that the characters had much depth to them and I did not believe the ending.

Posted to disneyfreaksam, winer of UK Never Won a Sweepstake.

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