This was the first science fiction book I ever read, at the age of 9. It was on my grandmother’s bookshelf. From what I remember, it was fascinating, scary, violent, apocalyptic, a little pornographic (for the 70s), predictably gory, and probably not suitable for your average child. But it got me hooked on science fiction for the rest of my life! So five stars for that.

After devouring this book and a few other choice finds in a bargain bin at the supermarket, I was introduced by a well meaning teacher to Asimov and Heinlein. That experience bored me no end and almost turned me off sci-fi again. But then I found Arthur Clarke and Frank Herbert in the nick of time!