Invasion: Earth

Harry Harrison

When the spaceship crashed in Central Park, Colonel Robert Hayward is the U.S. military man who enters the ship to see who or what is aboard. There he discovers aliens from outer space - two dead from the crash, one who shoots at them then dies in their return fire, and one different species who is a captive of the others. Hes'bu is an Oinn.He explains the Oinn and the Blettr have been at war for millennia. The Blettr hate all other beings and go in to destroy worlds. The Oinn try to prevent Blettr from taking over new planets.

He is joined by a Russian speech interpreter expert, Nadia Andrianova. She is able to learn the rudiments of the Oinn language. She agrees with Hayward that the Oinn's story seemed too plausible and one sided. They wanted to hear the other side. But the Blettr are coming. More Oinn arrive. They offer to help hold off the Blettr and build a base at the South Pole where they can launch weapons at the Blettr. The rulers of the world agree. The Oinn base is built and completed as the Blettr ship is seen entering the Solar System. Three cities around the world are soon destroyed.

Instead of coming on to Earth, the Blettr swing by the Moon and set up a base there. This is their chance. Hayward and Andrianova are able to slip up the the Moon and capture a Blettr to take back to Earth. There is obviously a war going on. But who is who, and who should Earth choose to keep them safe?

Invasion: Earth is targeted towards younger teens, especially boys. It's light, easy reading for an adult. It's fast paced and keeps the reader looking forward. It would be exciting for older boys, and enjoyable for adults. It's fairly average writing but keeps the reader turning the pages.

Harry Harrison is famous for his Stainless Steel Rat series. He's been writing since the 1950's and has well over 100 books published. Invasion: Earth is one of many enjoyable books he has written. It's fun and a good chance to escape into the world of possibilities. Invasion: Earth is out of print but can still be found used. Check for it at Better World Books.

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