I’m not too sure what to say about this short novel. If I was back home with a larger selection of science fiction I definitely would never have given this apparently young adult novel a chance, but as it is I don’t have those opportunities, and I did give it a chance. In the context of the mid 70s young adult pulp sci fi criteria I suppose this book admirably entertained while providing enough action to hold my attention. But intellectually this novel is completely worthless. Strangler’s Moon is the second book in the Family d’Alembert series. It follows the exploits of the Galactic Empire’s two most top secret agents, as they smash intergalactic conspiracies, and live it up James Bond style. This story follows Jules and Yvette d’Ambert, the ex-circus performer brother and sister duo, as they travel to Vesa, think Vegas, and unravel a plot by a veritable hoard of murderers and thieves.
The book is for the most part ridiculous. The characters are two-dimensional, the plot is thin, and the dialogue is horrendous. But the predictable simplicity and the lighthearted action make the book somehow manageable. Its almost like watching a schlock horror or sci fi film. You know its bad, but you enjoy it because its so over the top. Even in the 70s I can’t imagine kids really finding this very stimulating fare. Perhaps the length compensates for the weaknesses of the book. At only 150 pages this book was simple to blast through, and I’m sure easier to forget. I can’t say I’d recommend this one, unless you’re in the mood for pulpy nonsense. Stranglers’ Moon was nothing if not absurd and clichéd, yes fun at times, but so very very silly.
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