Easily one of the best Doc Savage novels I’ve read. Note: not just one of the best fan novels. One of the best Doc novels period. Howard walks the fine line of Doc as Superman and Doc as Man. Just enough internal monologue to get a glimpse of Doc’s character without giving away any plot. The aides are well-written and “more alive” than in many of the novels.
I only wish Howard would continue this labor of love with a few more Doc adventures.
I agree 100% with Chuck’s comment. This is a superb Doc adventure. Eerie. Thrilling. Fast-paced, yet thoughtful and full of little insider moments that are pure magic. Howard Hopkins also accomplishes several layers of feats in this book. Not only is their great action, not only a great mystery, not only a great mission, and not only does he portray Doc and Gang quite well — with all of the five living up to their potential and not just being cardboard cliches or background scenery — but he links this tale in intricately with the entire series, chronologically and thematically. This gives it flow and connections that are virtually unknown in a lot of Docs (excepting the first few books in the series) but with a more mature, well-honed eye. Hopkins also explains many facets of Doc’s life, training, gadgets, headquarters, and mission, without bogging down, getting preachy, or stepping outside the bounds. It is quite an accomplishment. We truly get the benefit of 50 years of loving by reading a book written by an accomplished author who respects and studies his subject. He answers questions we have all asked, solves some problems, reinforces some attributes, and remembers things we all love. Plus he writes with an eye towards accurately portraying the time and style of the pulp era, not just lazily and anachronistically writing a modern version of Doc and claiming it somehow works.
As both a writer and a fan of Doc Savage, my hat is off to Howard Hopkins. This is by far the best “fan fiction” I have ever read.
Thomas Fortenberry
Easily one of the best Doc Savage novels I’ve read. Note: not just one of the best fan novels. One of the best Doc novels period. Howard walks the fine line of Doc as Superman and Doc as Man. Just enough internal monologue to get a glimpse of Doc’s character without giving away any plot. The aides are well-written and “more alive” than in many of the novels.
I only wish Howard would continue this labor of love with a few more Doc adventures.
I agree 100% with Chuck’s comment. This is a superb Doc adventure. Eerie. Thrilling. Fast-paced, yet thoughtful and full of little insider moments that are pure magic. Howard Hopkins also accomplishes several layers of feats in this book. Not only is their great action, not only a great mystery, not only a great mission, and not only does he portray Doc and Gang quite well — with all of the five living up to their potential and not just being cardboard cliches or background scenery — but he links this tale in intricately with the entire series, chronologically and thematically. This gives it flow and connections that are virtually unknown in a lot of Docs (excepting the first few books in the series) but with a more mature, well-honed eye. Hopkins also explains many facets of Doc’s life, training, gadgets, headquarters, and mission, without bogging down, getting preachy, or stepping outside the bounds. It is quite an accomplishment. We truly get the benefit of 50 years of loving by reading a book written by an accomplished author who respects and studies his subject. He answers questions we have all asked, solves some problems, reinforces some attributes, and remembers things we all love. Plus he writes with an eye towards accurately portraying the time and style of the pulp era, not just lazily and anachronistically writing a modern version of Doc and claiming it somehow works.
As both a writer and a fan of Doc Savage, my hat is off to Howard Hopkins. This is by far the best “fan fiction” I have ever read.
Thomas Fortenberry
i read The Polar Terror, and I was delighted with it. I read in English, but speak and write far better in French :c’